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Posted 8/4/2008 2:33 AM (GMT 0)

I was diagnosed with UC in 1985, have suffered much but never had surgery, but seem to be getting worse this year. Asacol, prednisone, Rowasa although that's not practical when I'm really flaring.

After my cat had such good luck with a homeopathic vet (accupuncture, probiotics, grain-free diet), I took the vet's advice and saw a naturopath. Tests shows sensitivity to many foods, but really strong reaction to gluten. So I am in the first week of a gluten-free diet, it's tricky. I'm also not having any of the other foods I showed sensitivity to (soy, tomato, cow's milk and products, almond, sunflower, many others). I'm hopeful, reading that this had helped many people but it takes a while. But I think the pain is worse. I'm also needing to take iron and will start B-12 shots since I've become very enemic, and just started probiotics, really for the first time with any regularity. Maybe that's what's making me more uncomfortable.

Any experience with the gluten thing?

Thanks --

Posted 8/4/2008 2:38 AM (GMT 0)

After I had surgery to remove my colon I had a temporary (6 week) intolerance to gluten.  I followed a very strict gluten free diet which helped immensely.  After 6 weeks I was able to start eating it again.  As I am sure you have discovered, gluten is in everything!  You really have to read labels closely.

Sue

Posted 8/4/2008 11:48 AM (GMT 0)
Peety, I'm a believer that gluten can make symptoms worse. You might not be allergic, but have an intolerance. I'm so much better when I don't eat gluten, dairy or sugar of any kind except honey is ok. I think b/c for me my yeast and bacteria are out of balance in the gut and colon too much of gluten, yeast sugar makes me worse. go to www.specialeats.com there gluten free bread you can order. Also, not all gluten free is a good gluten free, so read up on it.

Posted 8/4/2008 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
This is slightly off the subject, but how did you find a naturopath? And what specifically did he/she do for you?
Posted 8/4/2008 1:24 PM (GMT 0)

I've been to 3 natural path and this one is one who works on the condition, but mainly having the testing done to see what is going on with your DNA, are you predisposed to having autoimmune dis-ease, also so many other things that no doctors (13 in the last 4 years now) have been able to determine what is going on, nor did they care to.

He's in Wisconsin, I live in Michigan, I did all the testing by presciption (Genenova Diagnostics formely Great Smokey Labs) and I will finally meet him on the 27th of this month when he comes to Michigan. Dr. Hicks from Pathways Medical. I have spent a lot of money with him b/c some of the testing, consult and supplementation is not covered by insurance. However, during it all my flare got worse and I started sulfasalazine which has been working out great. So, at least I can concentrate on the over active immune system, high estrogen, low seratonine that I have. It's better being absorb since I'm not having the bloody diarreah and 20 trips to the bathroom. It will take a long time to get healed b/c of the natual route. I'm chaning my emotions too, that has a lot to do with it. Stress and fear are big no, no's for me. It's made me worse from the beginning. So, there's several angles I'm going towards healing the UC.

read about the comprehensive metabolical profile, google it and there's video. Very interesting and the results are so informative.

If I can help further let me know.

Posted 8/4/2008 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
Sounds like I'm on the right track, which is good to know because I have already spend nearly $1000 on tests and products with the Naturopath in just a few weeks, none covered by insurance. The food sensitivity test was $300, then the test to get more info about my anemia (sp?) was $45 (I need iron & B-12), the HMF Replete probiotic is $35/wk for two weeks, some herbal supplement (licorice root, slippery elm) for before I eat and locorice root pill for after I eat to improve gastro health, the weekly B-12 shots are I think each $30 for four weeks, plus appointments...he suggested I have my regular doctor order the Chem 17 & Vitamin D blood test he wanted me to have so that would be covered by insurance... all worth it if it works! I can easily spend as much on a nice purse, so what the hey.
I think the probiotic is what is making me feel worse right now, since I read that it will cause bloating if yeast etc. are indeed out of balance in the gut.
The homeopathic vet directed me to this naturopath's practice, and online on found that he had written some articles about digestive disorders so I think I found a good one. http://www.naturalmedicalcare.com
I think there is a naturopaths association that would help locate one.
Posted 8/4/2008 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
I changed probiotics and got the bloated gassy gut all over again so I'm sure that could be causing you osme of the discomfort. I am about 9 days into the new one and the bloated gassy gut feelings are gone so I think if you just give it a little more time you should start seeing an improvement.

Watch the iron tho, that can cause some people trouble too. I personally cannot take any oral iron, it goes straight through me rather violently too. I've even tried the all vegetable extract iron from the health food store, gut just doesn't want to deal with it I guess. Keep that in mind if you don't start feeling better, the iron might be an issue.
Posted 8/4/2008 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
My dad is a celiac and my friend and her children are also celiacs. There is so much more available to celiacs now than there was a few years ago.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time reading labels and researching reliable brands. Now that the FDA is involved, it is easy for products to call themselves GF, but still have a few ppm of gluten in them. This is a HUGE problem for super sensitive celiacs.

If a person is gluten intolerant, a GF diet will help so much!

Watch out for products produced in plants that are not entirely GF. Some labels will read GF on front, but on the back will state that it was produced in a facility that uses wheat (or some other gluten containing) products.

Good luck!
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