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Hi. I have been drinking fresh peppermint tea from a local producer this morning and my stomach is feeling a lot better than it did yesterday. I was drinking hot water with lemon yesterday and my stomach got bad and i had a slight "accident" at work (luckily it was the end of the day and hardly anyone was around and I could also go home).
I am cutting and pasting this blurb from the U. of Maryland website about peppermint tea and irritable bowel syndrome (it does not have anything about MC so this was the closest i could get):
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
A number of studies have shown the beneficial effects of enteric-coated peppermint capsules for treating symptoms of IBS, such as pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. (Enteric-coated capsules keep the oil from being released in the stomach, which can lead to heartburn and indigestion.) A recent study comparing enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules to placebo in children with IBS found that after 2 weeks, 75% of those treated had reduced symptoms. This is in keeping with an earlier study of adults in which 79% of participants receiving peppermint experienced a relief in the severity of pain.
Peppermint Tea
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
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katinchatt
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Andi,
As it was pointed out to me, be careful not to confuse your MC with Irritable Bowl Syndrome, as MC should be looked at and treated as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I'm sure many of the IBS remedies do apply, but please just be careful and ask here before you take any kind of giant leap. Speaking for myself only, I have acid reflux, however at my "peak" Peppermint Tea and I totally agreed with each other
Kat
As it was pointed out to me, be careful not to confuse your MC with Irritable Bowl Syndrome, as MC should be looked at and treated as Inflammatory Bowel Disease. I'm sure many of the IBS remedies do apply, but please just be careful and ask here before you take any kind of giant leap. Speaking for myself only, I have acid reflux, however at my "peak" Peppermint Tea and I totally agreed with each other
Kat
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katinchatt
- Adélie Penguin
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- Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:28 pm
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Andi,
I hope Tex will come galloping along and help explain the differences. What I know is, IBD includes, Chrons & Ulcerative Colitis. 2 very serious conditions that are life long and life threatening diseases if not properly treated, and are directly linked to colon cancer. IBS includes a whole host of symptoms that are rarely serious, are not life threatening and cannot be identified through scopes or biopsys. I think docs diagnose by symptoms only, not to say IBS isn't serious, as it can be to some sufferers. MC "I feel" falls more under IBD as it is diagnosed by microscopic analysis, and can be as complicated and as debilitating as Chrons or Ulcerative Colitis ~ minus of course the link to colon cancer.
Hang in there, Tex will help you out with a MUCH BETTER explanation very soon.
Kat
I hope Tex will come galloping along and help explain the differences. What I know is, IBD includes, Chrons & Ulcerative Colitis. 2 very serious conditions that are life long and life threatening diseases if not properly treated, and are directly linked to colon cancer. IBS includes a whole host of symptoms that are rarely serious, are not life threatening and cannot be identified through scopes or biopsys. I think docs diagnose by symptoms only, not to say IBS isn't serious, as it can be to some sufferers. MC "I feel" falls more under IBD as it is diagnosed by microscopic analysis, and can be as complicated and as debilitating as Chrons or Ulcerative Colitis ~ minus of course the link to colon cancer.
Hang in there, Tex will help you out with a MUCH BETTER explanation very soon.
Kat
Kat,
Thank you, i think i understand. IBD's are a specific set of diseases that have been diagnosed using lab tests. IBS's are digestive issues that doctors lump into a category if people have symptoms but no positive lab results. At least, that is what I think from reading your post.
I would agree with you that MC would be an IBD since we have all had positive results from a biopsy during a colonoscopy.
From now on i will make sure to not think that something i read that says is ok for IBS is ok for MC.
You have been a huge help, thank you.
Thank you, i think i understand. IBD's are a specific set of diseases that have been diagnosed using lab tests. IBS's are digestive issues that doctors lump into a category if people have symptoms but no positive lab results. At least, that is what I think from reading your post.
I would agree with you that MC would be an IBD since we have all had positive results from a biopsy during a colonoscopy.
From now on i will make sure to not think that something i read that says is ok for IBS is ok for MC.
You have been a huge help, thank you.
Andi,
With Kat's input, you have pretty well defined the difference between MC and IBS. Generally speaking, the IBDs, (including MC), have well-defined diagnostic markers, and do indeed present with chronic inflammation, and life-altering symptoms, (not that IBS cannot be life-altering). For the record, there are only three basic types of IBDs, namely Crohn's, UC, and MC. MC, though, has at least five or six different known forms, (at last count), though most doctors, (even GI docs), are only aware of the two or three most common subtypes).
It is now known that MC can segue into UC, (though it is not known whether this risk is universal, or only for untreated cases of MC).
IBS, is generally considered to be a default diagnosis. IOW, if all other possibilities are ruled out, then IBS is the default diagnosis. Unfortunately, many doctors fail to rule out MC, (by failing to take biopsy samples from the colon), so that they overlook MC. Some authorities wonder if IBS actually exists, since a biopsy so frequently changes the diagnosis to MC.
IBS is mostly treated by diet, and/or meds that reduce motility, (the peristaltic pumping action of the walls of the intestines). IBDs, of course, are treated by controlling the inflammation, (either by removing the cause of the inflammation from the diet, or by using meds that suppress inflammation. Unfortunately, many docs do not understand the difference between IBS and MC, so you have a lot of company, if you were confused about them.
Tex
With Kat's input, you have pretty well defined the difference between MC and IBS. Generally speaking, the IBDs, (including MC), have well-defined diagnostic markers, and do indeed present with chronic inflammation, and life-altering symptoms, (not that IBS cannot be life-altering). For the record, there are only three basic types of IBDs, namely Crohn's, UC, and MC. MC, though, has at least five or six different known forms, (at last count), though most doctors, (even GI docs), are only aware of the two or three most common subtypes).
It is now known that MC can segue into UC, (though it is not known whether this risk is universal, or only for untreated cases of MC).
IBS, is generally considered to be a default diagnosis. IOW, if all other possibilities are ruled out, then IBS is the default diagnosis. Unfortunately, many doctors fail to rule out MC, (by failing to take biopsy samples from the colon), so that they overlook MC. Some authorities wonder if IBS actually exists, since a biopsy so frequently changes the diagnosis to MC.
IBS is mostly treated by diet, and/or meds that reduce motility, (the peristaltic pumping action of the walls of the intestines). IBDs, of course, are treated by controlling the inflammation, (either by removing the cause of the inflammation from the diet, or by using meds that suppress inflammation. Unfortunately, many docs do not understand the difference between IBS and MC, so you have a lot of company, if you were confused about them.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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annie oakley
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I have acid reflux and A Hiatel hernia, peppermint is out for me. I love it but it will relax that mucle that connects the ecophogus and stomache. It alreayd has a problem and the peppermint makes it worse.
Love Oma
Love Oma
May I be more compassionate and loving than yeterday*and be able to spot the idiots in advance
Hi Oma,
I am sorry to hear that you have acid reflux. What do you take for it? I occasionally get heartburn but it is not acid reflux. Is there something you can take?
Tex, thanks for helping to clear up any confusion. I am almost glad now that i was diagnosed with MC because otherwise the doctors would just keep thinking i had IBS and not taking too seriously. I hate it when you know you have a symptom and the doctors tell you you should not be feeling that.
The peppermint tea has helped my stomach a lot over the last two days. It has helped the cramping, the nausea, and of course the D.
I am sorry to hear that you have acid reflux. What do you take for it? I occasionally get heartburn but it is not acid reflux. Is there something you can take?
Tex, thanks for helping to clear up any confusion. I am almost glad now that i was diagnosed with MC because otherwise the doctors would just keep thinking i had IBS and not taking too seriously. I hate it when you know you have a symptom and the doctors tell you you should not be feeling that.
The peppermint tea has helped my stomach a lot over the last two days. It has helped the cramping, the nausea, and of course the D.
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katinchatt
- Adélie Penguin
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- Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:28 pm
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That pretty much sums up what a lot of people go thru with this and other ailments. I litteraly broke down when I came to after my endo & colon scope hearing the Doc tell my husband "everything looked fine, arn't you glad it wasn't something serious"! Much to his surprise it was something, something he doesn't know how to deal with however. I was crying so hard I couldn't speak. Even then, he couldn't/wouldn't consider the possibility that it was indeed something. Said it's IBS and I should research diet options that would clear it up. . . . .rant, rant, rant!Andi wrote:I hate it when you know you have a symptom and the doctors tell you you should not be feeling that.
I think you have found the right place, as this truly is where you will find your answers. Everyone's story is a little different, which I find facinating! (How could Dr.'s not?) . . . I feel confidant I found my answer here & feel very soon I will be a HUGE success story! If so, I will gladly pass my toliet paper Avatar on to someone else, but will always check in with everyone and offer support when ever possible.
Have a great weekend ~ enjoy that tea, I love it & think I'll go sip on a cup myself,
Kat
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katinchatt
- Adélie Penguin
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Re: WTG
Joan, you have no idea! I may be getting my hopes up, but I'll swear by it, until proven wrong. After just 24 hours off of the Nexium I actually already have a "clearer" head (is that a word ;) Took myself off of everything, Pepto, Librax & Lomotil. I'll pop one if necessary, however this is the quickest way to find out if it really was the Nexium. I find myself a tad scared to eat much, so I'm going to stick with a lot of liquids and try and purge myself of all these drugs. I'll treat myself tomorrow with something decidant and take it from there. Of course it may take longer than a few days, but I'll bet it won't be much longer.JLH wrote:What a difference 13 days make!
I owe this finding to all of you, and if by some slim chance it's not my cure, you can bet I'll start over and find it one way or another.
Kat
Hi Kat,
So far, so good, but be aware that if you have been using Librax very long, (I don't recall how long you've been using it), stopping the use of it abruptly, can result in withdrawal symptoms, ( see page 3 at this site):
http://www.rxlist.com/librax-drug.htm
Doctors have a huge advantage when they are talking with patients, because they have the patient's records right in front of them.
Tex
So far, so good, but be aware that if you have been using Librax very long, (I don't recall how long you've been using it), stopping the use of it abruptly, can result in withdrawal symptoms, ( see page 3 at this site):
http://www.rxlist.com/librax-drug.htm
Doctors have a huge advantage when they are talking with patients, because they have the patient's records right in front of them.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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katinchatt
- Adélie Penguin
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Sat Oct 11, 2008 12:28 pm
- Location: Chattanooga
Hi Tex,
Have only been on Librax for 22 days and not the prescribed 4x day. Goodness I couldn't walk & talk at the same time. Script said every 6 hours as needed, so it depended on how my nite went. Early on 3x, then 2, last week it's been at nite only.
**As far as Doctors having a huge advantage when they are talking to their patients, because they have their records in front of them. . . perhaps that's the case in most circumstances but some really do overlook what's staring at them right in their faces**
......doing fine, no withdrawal noted! I feel pretty good for being drug free now for 2 days. D is less today than yesterday, I gave yesterday a 6, today (so far) I'd give it a 4. Though I'm not eating much as stated, I'm drinking lots of liquids so to help get this stuff out-a-me! Tomorrow will be the day of truth, I'm just gonna have to tempt the "D" Gods and see what they have to say about my rebellion;)
(skipping, jumping & praying really hard!)
Peace & Love,
Kat
Have only been on Librax for 22 days and not the prescribed 4x day. Goodness I couldn't walk & talk at the same time. Script said every 6 hours as needed, so it depended on how my nite went. Early on 3x, then 2, last week it's been at nite only.
**As far as Doctors having a huge advantage when they are talking to their patients, because they have their records in front of them. . . perhaps that's the case in most circumstances but some really do overlook what's staring at them right in their faces**
......doing fine, no withdrawal noted! I feel pretty good for being drug free now for 2 days. D is less today than yesterday, I gave yesterday a 6, today (so far) I'd give it a 4. Though I'm not eating much as stated, I'm drinking lots of liquids so to help get this stuff out-a-me! Tomorrow will be the day of truth, I'm just gonna have to tempt the "D" Gods and see what they have to say about my rebellion;)
(skipping, jumping & praying really hard!)
Peace & Love,
Kat
