Reflections on My One-Year Anniversary

MBombardier · Post by **MBombardier** » Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:56 pm

Well, friends, September 2nd was the one-year anniversary of the colonoscopy that changed my world. September 25th will mark one year gluten-free. I went gluten-free after finding Dr. Fine’s website, and joined the PP after finding this forum in my quest for information, education, support, encouragement, and comfort, all of which I have found here.

I am extremely grateful, first of all to God for bringing me here and then especially to Tex (among many others) for his wealth of knowledge that he freely disseminates out of his great compassion. Not to mention patience, as he answers the same questions over and over again as each of us have come here desperately seeking.

I wanted to list some blessings from the last year, then some areas that are still challenging.

I have a master’s degree in gut issues. As other food intolerances have reared their ugly heads, I have discovered that I feel the best when I eat paleo/primal, leaving grains, dairy, and legumes out of my diet, and avoiding nightshades and cruciferous vegetables for the most part. This seems to help all my autoimmune diseases including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which shares the spotlight with MC. And it is wonderfully satisfying!

As my gut has begun to heal, I can eat more veggies and fruit without the fiber being such a concern, though I still have to be careful. And my tastes have changed! If you had told me a year ago that I would enjoy squash chips (just dehydrated slices of squash with a bit of salt) I would have told you to check into the nearest mental hospital.

Also, as my gut has started healing, my heartburn, which was an all-day/all-night thing, has virtually disappeared. I can eat spicy food with more confidence.

Waking up with joint/muscle pain, or hobbling for a few moments after sitting for a while is pretty much a thing of the past. Something that was part of my life for close to 20 years is almost completely gone.

I know what my D3 number is, and that none of my supplements or lip balm, or anything else I might ingest have soy in them. My toothpaste and water are fluoride-free, and I know to chew my thyroid pill, and not to take it before I have labs checked.

Having a colonoscopy, which I had determined I would never do since there is no colon cancer (that I know of) in my family, humbled me enough to do a sleep study, which is something else I was never going to do. Two months into wearing a CPAP at night, I have discovered what it is like to go through the day without even thinking about a nap let alone taking one. Between that, eating well, and better-controlled hypothyroidism, I have an amazing amount of energy. The days when I feel tired are rare now instead of the norm.

Having the genetic test and discovering that I have two gluten-sensitivity genes, one being a celiac gene, has made my daughters (the ones still at home) go gluten-free. My 13yo, Sierra’s, gene has apparently already been triggered. After going gluten-free in March, her acne has cleared up and she only has a few pimples. Her school work has also improved amazingly, as have her focus issues and her desire and ability to stick with and to understand something. I was looking at her test scores from the last few years recently. In fifth grade, her total battery was 5.7. In sixth grade, her total battery was 5.7—exactly the same. In seventh grade, after two months gluten free, her total battery was 10.1!

My 16yo, Hannah, does not seem to have her gene triggered, but going gluten-free has slimmed her down. She is beautiful, inside and out. She has struggled with this issue more than Sierra, but she has friends who have food intolerances, so she doesn't feel alone. She just got home from a mission trip where the organization had gluten-free meals available because Hannah and another girl are both gluten-free.

Now for the challenges: I still have not lost any weight! This is a big one, but with my increased energy, I have started exercising. So I have hope.

I still have (infrequently) random attacks of intense, debilitating fatigue that will last for a few hours, and I still have migraines periodically. I occasionally have sudden nausea, or have to spend time in the bathroom for no discernable reason.

I still struggle with the grieving process over my former carefree life which I know should actually be called careless rather than carefree.

I have a tendency to overwhelm others with what I know to be right and true, similar to how very annoying an ex-smoker can be to smokers. I need to work on compassion, making information available, and allowing others to draw their own conclusions and figure out what works for them and their health, just like I am doing.

What a rollercoaster adventure of discovery and learning this last year has been! I look forward to the next year with excitement, though I must confess—also a little trepidation! I am so thankful that I have you all to walk with!

mbeezie · Post by **mbeezie** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 5:08 am

What a thoughtful list of reflections on the last year! Good for you for all you've learned and all of your accomplishments. Hope the next year helps to resolve the few remaining issues.

Mary Beth

karenswans · Post by **karenswans** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 6:49 am

Thank you for sharing this!

Post by **tex** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 8:35 am

Marliss,

Thank you for such an insightful and thorough update. And thank you for the kind words. It's very gratifying to see that all your hard work and willingness to adapt is paying off so well. All of us can identify with, and understand how difficult it can be to accomplish so much in just one year, especially in view of the fact that rarely is every choice obvious, so we have to question our decisions, at virtually every step along the way, on our journey back to health. You've obviously made the right decisions, and executed them well.

I have a hunch that the primary key to weight problems is thyroid function, since the thyroid regulates metabolism. Hopefully, in the coming year, you'll be able to find a way to persuade your thyroid to be more cooperative.

The impressive gains that your daughters have been able to make in the past year have really amplified your accomplishments. Those benefits will make their lives so much more enjoyable, (by preempting no telling how many potential autoimmune issues that might have come about, otherwise).

Thanks for sharing such an inspiring update,
Tex

harma · Post by **harma** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:00 am

Marliss thanks for posting your one year update, I recognize a lot in your story. First it's amazing to find you have MC, but it's also amazing how well we all are doing only after one year!!! It's easy? no. Do we always like it? no, but is it worth? a big YES, I would say.

I still wonder where I would be with my MC without the knowledge and support of this group. Probably still being bloated, having a painful gut, fatigue and on medication (but also after two year, still on it). No clue on the condition of my bones, and probably totally frustrated having this disease and even more frustrating not knowing what to do with it. And above all I really would wonder if I would than make the move to Jordan. Not that the move would depend on this board, but I think my medical condition would have make me stayed in Holland.

Again thanks Marliss for the update and glad to hear things are going so well.

KYKatie · Post by **KYKatie** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:24 am

Marliss,

Thanks for sharing this wonderful reflection of your past year. I especially liked your comment about having a master's degree in gut issues! Blessings to you and your family as you continue to work to improve your health!

Katie

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 9:43 am

Marliss,

Thanks for your thoughtful reflections. Here's hoping this next year will bring you progress in those remaining areas of challenge. It must give you strength and hope to see your daughters thriving.

Wishing you all the best, and looking forward to your continued companionship on this strange path,

Love,
Sara

garina · Post by **garina** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 3:15 pm

Marliss,

Oh, my goodness, you have accomplished so very much in one year, and I am encouraged by reading your success story. Being somewhat new to this disease but knowing there is light in the future helps tremendously.

You have proven that awareness and elimination of food sensitivities not only relieve MC, but heartburn, joint pain, thyroid problems and energy levels.

Thanks for this great success story. I look forward to reading about your continued success.

I hope your daughters have the same success.

I agree that without Tex and everyone here who so generously share their experiences and expertise, we would surely be lost.

Warm healthy wishes,

garina

Gloria · Post by **Gloria** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 3:38 pm

Hi Marliss,

You've shared an inspiring and uplifting year with us. It's so encouraging to read that you've been able to add more foods as your gut is healing.

As a teacher I'm impressed by the comment about Sierra:

Her school work has also improved amazingly, as have her focus issues and her desire and ability to stick with and to understand something. I was looking at her test scores from the last few years recently. In fifth grade, her total battery was 5.7. In sixth grade, her total battery was 5.7—exactly the same. In seventh grade, after two months gluten free, her total battery was 10.1!

My six-year old granddaughter has a short attention span and has always been very low weight. I worry that she will be diagnosed as ADD and they'll give her medication. I suspect she is gluten-intolerant, but I can't convince DD to try a GF diet for her. DD was diagnosed with IBS fourteen years ago. Maybe if I tell DD that her daughter might do better in school on a GF diet...? This is the daughter that teaches and she's already overwhelmed. I'll pass Sierra's experience along to her just in case it will spark her interest.

Gloria

nancyl · Post by **nancyl** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 3:40 pm

Marliss,
What a wonderful, inspiring update. You have accomplished so much.
I guess we are all in agreement about where we'd be without this forum. I, for one, would have given up a long time ago. I can't imagine how anyone handles MC without all of you.
I will be looking forward to your posts during the upcoming year as you work on your "doctorate in colitis".

Nancy

Gabby · Post by **Gabby** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 4:16 pm

Hi Marliss,
Thank you for sharing your story and successes. There is no doubt that you have the strength and determination it takes to tackle your remaining issues.

Best wishes,

Gabes-Apg · Post by **Gabes-Apg** » Sat Sep 10, 2011 5:37 pm

Marliss
congratulations on one year and thank you for sharing your reflections.

with the day to day challenges of MC and other health issues in our lives, it is easy to not fully appreciate the progress we have made and the changes we have embraced.

i hope the year ahead bring more progress and increased wellness

take care

Joefnh · Post by **Joefnh** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 6:44 am

Hi Marliss what a great and encouraging post. You certainly have shown us how through some patience and hard work that you can control MC and improve your quality of life.

It amazes me how like you, many of us have been dealing with symptoms for many years and once we address the underlying issue we find relief.

Thanks for sharing your journey with us and congratulations on making this milestone. I look forward to reading your posts in the upcoming year.

Joe

MBombardier · Post by **MBombardier** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:48 am

Aww, thanks y'all.

Love you guys!! :bigbighug:

harvest_table · Post by **harvest_table** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 9:02 pm

Hi Marliss,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts at your one year marker and I trust you will do well (and can be patient) with a paleo diet approach towards your healing and lifestyle change.

I've been Paleo (for the most part) for many years and it's working for me- day to day. I think MC, or Mast Cell issues or some of the other auto-immune issues many of us have can be controlled by diet. They may not go into remission but they can often be "controlled" by a diet choice rather than a medication.

Best of Luck.

Love,
Joanna