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Anybody diagnosed with microscopic colitis?
Hi, wondering if anybody here has this for a dx. I have been having a flare for about two months, it is getting a little better with the meds but the doctor wants me to go on a short dose of steriods. I already have a muscle disease so hate to go the steriod route, (plus do not need to gain weight) lol. But if anyone has any hints for me I would appreciate it on how to control this. It is the longest flare I have had.
Susie
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@ymoreno2
Don’t worry about weaning- just follow instructions.
I had collagenous colitis which is very similar. After my initial treatment the diarrhea did not return. I was told that it could possibly return in the future, but then I could just start the meds instead of waiting forever.
Did you find out what set it off?
Talk to your doctor about reintroducing certain foods.
Thank you. That is very encouraging. Not sure what caused it. I’ve always thought I was lactose intolerant than sugars and over a few years there was little I could eat. Thanks for your response. I appreciate it.
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2 ReactionsI had mild constipation all my life, combined with wild diarhhea for a day every few weeks. When I was young the doc told my folks I had 'an emotional tummy'. I suppose that was 1960 for IBS-M. No real problems till a year ago. I had a terribly stressful year on top of many oral surgeries including bone and gum grafts which had me on steroids 3 different times. I also lost 50 lbs in the past couple years (on purpose). I got suddenly ill Christmas Eve with terrible bloating and constipation which somehow turned around and became months of vicious diarhea, lack of appetite, and abdominal pain. Without going through a laundry list of efforts to fix this, they put me on welchol and within days all my symptoms resolved. The welchol constipates me so I have to take miralax nightly but thats a simple fix. During the testing for my symptoms I had endoscopy and colonoscopy (my 3rd in 10 years. All my other colonoscopies were normal but this one diagnosed collaginous collitis and a tortuous colon- to the degree they said they had to use external pressure to advance the scope and advised against future colonoscopies. Weird that I would develope that but I suspect weight loss may have something to do with it. I guess I have reached a balance but it is tenuous, my gut can tip either way if I slip up. Good luck to all sufferers, my GE said collagenous collitis is not likely to get much research because it is more a problem for older women and gets ignored.
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2 ReactionsHas anyone ever tried "Gut Restore" or Enzymes for their IBSD or colitis? If so, has it worked for you?
I, too, have a diagnosis of microscopic colitis. Your post is informative and I will look into the Facebook group and this book.
I have found that cholestyramine first thing in the morning and one Imodium in the afternoon helps me. I agree on the fewer fruits and vegetables.
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1 ReactionDiagnosed last fall with the same. Gastroenterologist put me on Budensonide x 3 per day and then titrate s l o w l y down when diarrhea subsides. I am still taking 1 Budensonide per day for maintenance. Hope this helps.
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1 ReactionMy newest gastroenterologist in CO suspects microscopic colitis and prescribed Cholestyramine as needed, i.e., when urgent diarrhea occurs. Unfortunately, scheduling of an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy isn't until mid-November - when hopefully there will be confirmation of his suspicion or identification of some other diagnosis. [I have a long history of IBS with chronic diarrhea, polyps, SIBO, GERD, esophageal nodules, gastritis, hiatal hernia.] One thing that has helped me control diarrhea in the past was OTC activated charcoal (2 capsules) when Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate, etc. did not
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1 ReactionI was diagnosed with MC last October. My GI doctor prescribed Budesonide. I have been weaned down to 1 every other day. So far, I have had no flare ups. But always uneasy that I will have one. Can anyone relate?
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4 ReactionsI found that taking any of the OTC solutions separately does not work. However, immodium and Kaopectate at the same time did work.
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1 ReactionFoods that will aggravate it: raw vegetables, sometimes raw fruits, tough to digest food, like spicy food, alcoholic drinks, caffeine, carbonated drinks, fried foods, fatty foods OR sugar substitutes other than stevia. A lot of cereal (dry), unsweetened applesauce, crackers, LOTS of cooked/steamed or canned/jarred veggies (important to get many food colors), baked/mashed potatoes, oatmeal and other hot unsweetened cereals, etc. Slowly work in non or low-fat dairy, nuts and salads (I eat with carbs when I do have a salad). Also some people are really bothered by dairy products or chocolate.
Diet, lifestyle and other positive behaviors like sleep and exercise can change your life and your gut but you have to be vigilant! There is a thought that MC may be autoimmune related.
If you have an exacerbation, try the BRAT diet for a few days or more. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy!
Also, I have a fiber drink (Metamucil generic) with a lot of water so that it didn’t totally constipate me (yes it can happen)!
I only take Imodium (generic) very occasionally as I manage with diet!
I’ve been diagnosed by biopsy 2-1/2 yrs ago and had an exacerbation requiring budesonide once about a year after completing first treatment. I did have to extend taper per MD order as symptoms took a while to resolve. I do consider that a success but again, plan your foods!!
Talk to your MD and see what is best for you!
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