Newbie and how much stress can I take

[Camie]

New to this forum and I am grateful for the support.

I was in constant denial that there was something wrong with me. Yes I had constant D for way to long.........but I rationalized....and with the help of internet sites I could rationalize my syptoms.

Finally after a day (like so many before) of not eating because I had things to do, I realized not every one is held hostage by their intestines.I declared that I had enough. I finally called for a DR.appt.

After scheduling the appt. I started having severe severe anxiety attacks. The attacks were so severe that I ended up seeking emergency treatment at a crisis center.

Then my husband was fired from his job of eighteen years. And what is going to happen to our health care insurance,

Finally........after antidepressants and antianxiety meds. I had a colonoscopy.


I am lucky. The GI doc took biopsies and it it was confirmed that it was microscopic colitis. Yes micro may indicate small...........and some may say oh microscopic colitis. Its not micro in my life...as it controls every aspect of my day.

Bentyl and a high fiber diet...I do understand the principle of a high fiber diet.
But it is sort of like swallowing swords..........

six weeks and no progress.

And my husband got a new job but its in Chicago..........4 days a week from home

And my mom passed away this past weekend

And my stomach is out of control

 

[Jennifer]

Hi and welcome to the forum!

First off, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. That's just terrible.

My grandma was recently diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis and I know its anything but "micro."

When you have diarrhea, fiber is just... awful. Have you tried something like the BRAT diet where its low fiber, low sodium etc. BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Its not limited to just that though. Its bland really, no spicy or greasy foods. Veggies are usually steamed and peeled. Meats are skinless with less fat (chicken breast, fish, you get the idea). Helped me feel a little better during a Crohn's flare.

There are apparently meds that can be prescribed for microscopic colitis (besides anti diarrhea meds, Lomotil helps me some though) such as Entocort, Asacol, Pentasa, or Colazal. http://www.medicinenet.com/lymphocytic_colitis/page3.htm

Maybe a diet will help but maybe meds might help too. I'd talk to your GI about trying them.

 

[David]

Hey Camie,

Thanks for sharing your story in this section Gosh, it must be so tough going through everything you are I'm glad your husband got a job, but having to spend that much time away must be really hard.

I know that your current diet isn't working well for you. Do you think that changing it up might be an idea? For example, I know there is a huge overlay of people who have gluten sensitivity who also have microscopic colitis.

And I agree with Crabby, maybe some meds might be in order. Entocort has been shown to be efficacious for many with MC.

My grandma was recently diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis and I know its anything but "micro." You're obviously more than welcome here even though its not an IBD.

Microscopic Colitis is IBD.

 

[Jennifer]

Thanks David. Edited out. Last I checked and was told only Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's were forms of IBD.

 

[Goldfish]

HI Camie. I really hope everything smooths out for you soon. I tend to steer clear form high fibre stuff now and even eat a little gluten free (although it isn't strictly necessary, I just find it lighter on my stomach in general) but mix it with other food. I was just diagnosed with Crohns. nothing else specifically, but diet change seems to have helped alot of people.
So sorry to hear about your mum. With all that has been going on no wonder you are up in a heap. Fingers crossed for you.

 

[David]

Thanks David. Edited out. Last I checked and was told only Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's were forms of IBD.

In addition to microscopic colitis, I'm aware of ischemic colitis (edit - this is NOT IBD, sorry!), diversion colitis, and mastocytic enterocolitis being classified as IBD as well. There may be others, but I don't know of them.

 

[Dunbar]

Welcome.
Ouch. That is a lot to deal with. You have us to listen, offer some ideas and support to aid you. I would offer that Grief counseling might be an idea to check out. You have lost your Mom, the life you and your husband have been accustomed to,and the comfort of a healthy body. You will learn about your diagnoses and what can be done to make life easier.
In eight months before my diagnoses I lost my Mom, my Dad, a job, I relocated to another city, was in a car accident and I got sick and lost 40lbs. So I can relate a little. I took grief counseling, relaxation and breathing courses and watched a lot of stand up comedy. I am what I call a '2x4' learner, it took all that to learn to slow down, let go, practice gratitude, keep a sense of humour and love my family outloud.
I wish you the best and I hope it all comes together for you relatively quickly. And it WILL get better

 

[Jennifer]

In addition to microscopic colitis, I'm aware of ischemic colitis, diversion colitis, and mastocytic enterocolitis being classified as IBD as well. There may be others, but I don't know of them.

Can you share where you got this info? When I google it I still see words like "both" and "two" and they're talking about just Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.

 

[David]

Can you share where you got this info? When I google it I still see words like "both" and "two" and they're talking about just Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.

Just in my readings over time. You'll certainly find conflicting info out there, especially for ischemic colitis and diversion colitis which I don't know if I agree with the IBD classification for and many sources will say otherwise. An example for microscopic colitis is this source:

Microscopic colitis is inflammation of the bowel that is only visible using a microscope. Microscopic colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which refers to a group of conditions that causes inflammation in the bowel due to an excessive build-up of white blood cells in the bowel lining. Microscopic colitis is less severe than other types of IBD because it does not lead to cancer and rarely requires surgery. However, microscopic colitis can cause considerable pain and discomfort.

 

[David]

I had a little more time to poke around and couldn't actually find anyone calling ischemic colitis IBD. I'm not sure why it entered my brain as otherwise. Sorry for posting misinformation about that!

 

[Lucinda]

Wow! That is a lot to hit at once. First, good for you for going to the doctor and taking care of yourself. As they say, if mama ain't happy, ain't no one happy!

I don't know a lot about micro colitis, nut if it has any form of ulceration or damage to the villi, fiber is like a Brillo sponge right now. Fiber is important when you are not inflamed but when you are sick, it just causes pain.

I hate a soft food diet but that is probably your best bet right now. Like others said, no greasy, spicy or even bulky. Avoiding gluten helps but you probably want to wait until you have a better handle on all the other things going on in your life. Take it one change at a time. Big hugs to you for everything you have dealt with recently. That's a lot!