For my Doctor Scheptic Frields

kate_ce1995 · Post by **kate_ce1995** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 5:07 am

Okay, this will be quick because I've got to get going to work, but when you have a chronic condition like MC, and have been in control for years, and a flare occurs, at what point do you push the doctor to look for other new causes, vs. just accepting what is going on?

As you are aware, I started a flare in July. I am at about 90% I'd say now. Formed stools sometimes, D others (sometimes in the same sitting). Definately can't do too much fresh fruit and veggies yet

I went to my doc (actually a nurse pratictioner is all I ever see when I go there) after 2 weeks of D, and she listened to me, listened to the gurgling in my belly, obviously knows nothing about MC, and basically gave me test kits for parasites, which I haven't done yet, even though she said to do so if it lasted another week, because I've never had one of those show up anything (I've done 2 or 3 since the MC started).

I'm always a bit of a worrier about my health and the last 6 months have been a bit trying from that perspective either worrying about myself or others around me. Two 62-66 year old women I knew passed away suddenly since April. They were the same age as my parents. And my hairdresser was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

The big question I can never get answered is: When do you insist on rounds of test as opposed to letting symptoms like D, cramping etc. go?

Katy

Babsey · Post by **Babsey** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:39 am

Katy,

I'm in the same boat you are. I have a GI appt today and have been battling MC since May. I am going to ask him about food intolerence testing or any other tests. I have alot of joint pain especially in my let hip and a constant backache. I often wonder if there is some other auto-immune thing going on with me.
Sometimes I think I'm just being paranoid, but then I think, "I got this MC, what if I do have something else.

I'll report back today after my appt and let you know how it went. I'm not getting my hopes up, since three doctors have not had an answer yet!

Post by **tex** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:07 am

Katy,

Something is obviously out of whack, of course, but whether it's something in your diet, or something else, is tough to say. Things being what they are, it might not be a bad idea to try the parasite tests, especially since you are, as you say, 90%, but can't seem to get any better.

Also, we're in the time of the year when flares seem to be more common, (though yours started much earlier). Probably, there are traces of something in your diet that are causing the reaction to continue, but who knows - many things can cause D. It's a shame that different causes don't cause color changes, so that we could figure out what's behind it.

I hope you can figure it out soon. How long has it been since you're had a colonoscopy?

Tex

RUBYREDDOG · Post by **RUBYREDDOG** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:27 am

Babsey, If you know you have MC (through a biopsy) then the Enterolab tests would be of great value to you if you can justify the costs.( even if you have insurance they most likely won't pay for it) But, as Tex and Dr. Fine have suggested, "WHY NOT GO GLUTEN FREE ANYWAY, iF YOU SEE IMPROVEMENTS THEN YOU KNOW YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO GLUTEN. This a good starting point, then adjust your diet further if need be.

Concerning your back and other pains, go to www.enterolab.com and read the testimonials section of this site. I just did this last week and learned a great deal about joint pain/gluten sensitivity. This section and other info at this site is very good for us newbies, answering a lot of our concerns.

Personally, the 3 months that I have been GF and Df, have made a big difference with joint pains and mental awareness for me. We often talk about the physical aspects of MC but the mental and psychological challenges are just as debilitating.

Try it......you'll like it!

Hotrod

Babsey · Post by **Babsey** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 5:32 pm

Hey Hotrod,

I did read the testimonials on the enterolab site. I am starting the gluten free. I'm still learning as I go, but i do feel alot better just eliminating the processed (quick & easy) junk. I never really liked any of that anyways, I just got into bad habits being so busy these past few months. I plan to try those recipes of Dee's and also from the Paleo diet, that I think you pointed out on a post.

I will have to wait a few weeks, but I do want to do the Enterolab tests. Every extra penny is going to building our house right now. Sheesh, a permit for this and a permit fot that!

RUBYREDDOG · Post by **RUBYREDDOG** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:02 am

Babsey, Boy do I know your pain with the construction fiasco. Just finished our house remodel including a new kitchen. (all those new gadgets and I can't eat anything but bland food) I will always blame that stress for mostly triggering my MC. Be careful with that aspect of your construction.

As for the Paloe diet, I know little about it. It sounds like those who are on it really like it though. I know that one or more of our members is on it. Perhaps they can advise you.

As always, keeeeeep going

Hotrod

Babsey · Post by **Babsey** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 9:18 am

Hey Hotrod.

I just happened to be browsing one night and came across the apple recipe from the Paleo. It's apple season in central New York State! Best time of the year, so it was fun to try. Not so sure I will follow that diet, just starting the gluten-free for now.

I do think stress is causing alot of my symptoms, or certainly not helping at all. I've stopped volunteering for alot the past few weeks and trying to de-stress some. I'm a Libra and everything has to be balanced and planned or else! LOL I'm just so unsettled right now with planning a move, getting everything done before winter, etc!

Now that I think of it, my MC started right when I started to panic about my oldest daughter going to college and staying in a dorm. Then, two weeks before she was planning the move, she decided to stay living at home at attend community college first, which was fine with me!

Keeeeep going? I don't wanna keep going (potty)!!! LOL

RUBYREDDOG · Post by **RUBYREDDOG** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 10:12 am

Babsey, I was born and raised in Nebraska. I really miss the 4 seasons. Spring, and especially the fall months where the leaves turn colors, are my favorite. (dooooon't miss the winters at all). In So. Cal. we have just 2 seasons.

The older I get the more I have to apply the KISS principal to my life. (keep it simple stupid) I'm a planner and worrier myself. My friends think I'm anal (no pun intended) because I have to keep my workshop so organized and clutter free.

Hotrod

JLH · Post by **JLH** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:10 am

We lived in Omaha for 15 years. I DON'T miss winter there at all either.

Babsey · Post by **Babsey** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 11:15 am

I'm not looking forward to winter. Fall is my favorite! I'm dreading driving in the snow, freezing, etc. I like snow around Christmas and then that is it!

I'm also very anal. LOL Extremely organized, germ-a-phob and neat-freak!

I wonder if that is a stastic for MC and not just IBS. I have found that over the past few years I've calmed down a bit and I try to be more relaxed when I run out of time to organize my CD collection in alphabetical order. LOL