My Story

[karma 0]

To Who Ever Cars:

My life for the past two years has been ruined. I have been suffering from what I

[Tritty 0]

I'm so sorry to hear about all of your struggling!

I hope that thoughts and prayers from all of us here at this site (we're a very supportive group) will help you on your path to better health.

Have you been checked for any intolerances/diseases? There are a couple I think of when I read your story right off of the top of my head.

C-Diff. It can be caused by strong antibiotics or by people not washing hands, etc. My Grandpa and Mom have both had it after surgery when they were on strong antibiotics. It can be cured by another form of medicine. http://www.cdiffsupport.com/aboutcdiff.html - go to this link to learn more about it.

The other is what all of us here have - celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. You've come to the right place to learn more about this! Click away - hear our stories - you'll find others much like you. Helps you know you're not alone.

Good luck and let us know how you're doing!

[Guest Doll]

Awww! You poor guy! My heart goes out to you! We are all here for you, so please never think that you are alone. It is hard to comment not really knowing what tests have been done on you, but I also agree that you need further testing.

It is thought that an infection (viral or bacterial no one knows for sure) can trigger autoimmune diseases such as Celiac, Ulcerative Colitis, etc. My main concern is that you do not find the diet helps you. That can be a red flag that you have another problem that's not Celiac. Even people with serious damage from Celiac usually feel *somewhat* better right away on the diet. Do you know if you had a viral or bacterial infection (were you given antibiotics or not?)? Do you have any other symptoms? Did your doctor think that the damage is permanent?

I really would tell your doctor that you are feeling sicker than ever and need to find out what is wrong. I know it's not what you want to hear, but I think you need more testing. Please don't give up!

Take care,

Sarah

[Guest j_mommy]

Yup I would get tested for some other things.....yes it's a daunting task...but maybe you will start feeling better!!!!

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU ANYTIME YOU NEED TO VENT/TALK/CRY!!!!!!!!! WE WILL LISTEN AND BE THERE FOR YOU!!!!!

[nmw 1]

Hey Karma,

How long have you been gluten-free? It can take some time to feel better, especially since you have other damage.

Do you have your own pots, pans, cooking utensils and cutting board? If not, you could be getting some cross-contamination.

Is your family supportive of this life-change you are undertaking? It is important that they are for so many reasons, least of which is so they are conscientious about keeping your food free of gluten.

Further testing would be helpful, though some need to remove gluten regardless of what test results may be.

Good luck and keep coming back.

[darkangel 0]

There could be other things besides gluten that are causing problems for you. People who have problems with gluten often have problems with dairy, too. Other common offenders are sugar, corn, eggs, soy, nuts and peanuts. A strict elimination diet where you eat only a handful of foods you feel are safe for you can help you figure out what foods are your triggers. Do a search for "elimination diets." There's plenty of info out there.

I'd also suggest going to another gastro doctor for second opinion. A diagnosis of IBS really doesn't get to the source of your problem. You need to find a supportive doctor who's willing to work with you to find some answers and help you get some relief. You might also consider seeing a naturopathic or alternative medicine doc, if there are any in your area. I've found they're more likely to really listen and be helpful.

[kbtoyssni 5]

I'd also like to suggest probiotics. All those antibiotics have likely killed all the good bacteria in your gut, too, so you'll want to replace those.

Are you trying the diet? If so, you might want to eliminate dairy for a while, too. In fact, a very basic diet where you slowly add in different foods might bee helpful if you think you have other food intolerances.

Good luck. I'm sorry things have been so rough in recent years, but you'll get your diagnosis if you keep fighting for it.

[DawnS 0]

I'd also like to suggest probiotics. All those antibiotics have likely killed all the good bacteria in your gut, too, so you'll want to replace those.

Are you trying the diet? If so, you might want to eliminate dairy for a while, too. In fact, a very basic diet where you slowly add in different foods might bee helpful if you think you have other food intolerances.

Good luck. I'm sorry things have been so rough in recent years, but you'll get your diagnosis if you keep fighting for it.

I second the probiotics idea. I'd also suggest looking into glutamine powder. It's really good for the health of your intestines. Unhealthy intestines affect everything else in the body. I hope things will improve for you soon.

[CarlaB 22]

I have bacterial dysbiosis of the intestines ... I don't buy the IBS diagnosis ... that just means they don't know what's causing the problem, but as a doctor, they can't/won't really say, "I don't know."

I have an overgrowth of Klebsiella and Citrobacter bacterias in my intestines. It has caused me weight loss and diarrhea. I was tested by a three day random collection stool test.

For this problem, I am taking Uva Ursi, Oregano Oil, and Plant Tannins. I buy the first two at Wild Oats, and the third on the internet. You might research these herbs to see what they can do for the GI tract and to see if you might see some benefits from them.

I also take probiotics. Theralac and Ultra Flora, both available online.

I take saccharomyces boulardii, which is a different form of probiotic and is very good for the intestines.

Between the parasites and the antibiotics, you most likely have dysbiosis (imbalance) of the intestines. It's best healed naturally, as more antibiotics may aggravate it. I see a holistic doctor for this, and the above are what he has me taking for it. It has improved significantly after a month of this ongoing treatment ... trust me, it's very nice not having diarrhea daily!

Research it yourself, and if you can see a holistic doctor for guidance. Google the products I mentioned and bacterial dysbiosis.

I hope you feel better soon.