Could it be the caffeine?

This week has been a downer. Each night after supper, I start with diarrhea. Usually, it is controlled after two or three doses of Pepto Bismol. Nope. Not this week. Five or six does and I could sleep a few hours. The mornings have required more Pepto. I’m left with no energy and feeling very uneasy about the upcoming weekend out of town.

My diet is very limited, but I do enjoy unsweetened tea with Sweet and Low (can’t do the “better” sweeteners at all). Could it be the tea? At this point, everything is suspect all the while realizing that it could have nothing to do with food/drink. The flare began after eating a small amount of meatloaf made with onion soup mix. I’m beginning to feel like a detective who will never be able to name a true suspect!

Entyvio number 3 is next Tuesday.

Thanks! I just messaged the nurse. I am on Budesonide orally. The Mesalamine was discontinued a few months ago because I was losing a lot of hair. Still am, though not quite as much. Just have no energy and am already dreading the night. That’s not me.

When I am in a mini flare or beginning to flare what I eat does have an impact on how my body responds and functions. Canned tomatoes products or caffeine will cause vomiting and diarrhea for daaaayyys. Garlic, tea, artificially sweetened products can have me in tears. The inflammation... For me.... It does get worse when I eat something I shouldnt. I have a colostomy and I can see the end of my intestines. When I am flaring it increases in size and when I eat one of my "no no," foods it increases even more... Plus it stands straight up and rubs against my colostomy bag.. I don't know if that happens for others I just know that's what I experience.

You do need to contact your GI though. It really can get out of hand quickly.

I also keep a food journal when I am struggling because what I eat can make me feel awful and it does change from time to time. When flaring I return to my safe foods. SCD bone broth soup and SCD yogurt.

But my experience may be vastly different from yours..... But the doctor advice and testing advice is good advice. Don't wait too long.

I hope you get it under control.

Clo

Thanks! I’ve gone decaf, at least for a few days.

Ok, here’s something new to me. Traveling today so took pepto as precaution. Had a piece of toast, water, diluted tea and a bunless hot dog. It was the only meat ?! at a child’s bday party.

An hour later, walking to car, I came as close to passing out as ever in 64 years. Seriously. Had some gator ade and A bunless hamburger patty. A traveler’s limitations for fast food.

Felt better in about 40 min. Don’t wanna go there again. I’ve got to figure out food, which is funny because too much food as always been my weight issue. Irony.

Hate to have felt so compromised but thankful it wasn’t a BR emergency.

Thanks. It’s quite the puzzle and everyone’s seems very different.

No way I am. I’ve met with nutritionist twice who keeps pushing oatmeal. I need protein. Seeing nurse for next infusion Wednesday. Hope to address.

Are you still taking budesonide? Doesn't seem like it's working. How many BMs a day? If you get really bad, prednisone is an option. Sorry, this disease can really suck.

Yes. Still taking Budesonide.

Thanks to all replies.

I know we all hate to take prednisone, but when I was severely flaring nothing else would get be functional. The last flare I had to go up to 60mg for it to have effect, but it did help get me out of the bathroom. You might want to ask about that to help you until Entyvio has a chance to kick in.

Try not to get hung up on food causing your issues. Most times, it's not diet that is causing the problems -- it's just the flare escalating. When flaring, you do need to eat, but when you have severe symptoms you need easy to digest foods -- I ate chicken, salmon, eggs, bananas, very well cooked spinach, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, I was ok with cheese, dairy and toast too. I was able to eat a variety -- just kept it low fiber and easy to digest. I didn't eat oatmeal until things started to improve because I was afraid of the fiber.

Hope you find something that helps soon!!

I've been in remission for many years but when I was flaring, the only thing I ate was applesauce, toast, chicken broth, scrambled eggs, bananas, boiled chicken. But, everyone is different when it comes to flaring and the food you eat.

You may want to consider eating 6 small meals a day rather than 3 regular size. Throw in some snacks in between. I am glad to see your dr recommended an antispasmodic that should help too.