I took the plunge...

michellechawner

Hi Everyone -

I'm so petrified to even type this (I just joined this group 5 minutes ago looking for support)...

I've been having severe digestive issues the past 4 months. I've had test after test to test for EVERYTHING. And the doctors can find nothing wrong. I've seen a GI doctor, my internist, and my rhumatologist. Everyone says I have IBS, and to get over it and just take over the counter meds.

I did a paleo challenge in 2011 for 90 days while I did some crossfit. I remember feeling full, slept great, and had a ton more energy. And no digestive issues to boot.

Last night, once my boyfriend took me to the emergency room, as the over the counter meds were NOT working (5 hours of pain and bathroom runs) and the doctors all told me there was nothing they could do or give me, they told me I should see psych and prescribed me Ativan. Seriously? For debilitating stomach pains and bowel issues you think I have a psych problem? I got up, ripped off my gown, signed my AMA paperwork, and told them to go screw themselves.

After thinking about it all night, I want to go back to Paleo. Obviously I have an allergen or something is not agreeing with me. I'm scared to jump back in, but I've done it before, and seen it work. And if it's for my health, then I NEED to do this.

Age: 27
Height: 5'5
Highest Weight: 167
Current Weight: 128
Goal Weight: 120
Medical Issues: Tension Headaches (2011-today), Fibromyalgia (2012-today), Chronic Pain (2012-today), Bacterial Infection of the Intestines (C. Diff, 2009-2012 5 times, no infection in 14 months).

Tests: All vitamins and hormones have tested normal. Liver, Kidney, Thyroid all normal. Celiac's disease - negative. Colonoscopy - Negative Crohn's and Negative Cancer.

I'm at my wits end and looking for some support while I try and transition back into Paleo. And maybe some new friends so I can get some food idea? Also feel free to message me if you have more questions, or concerns about my medical issues!

I know it's an unpleasant topic, thanks for reading :flowerforyou:

homesweeths

Hey there, welcome!

I took the plunge a little more than a month ago (May 22) and it has been way better than I ever imagined. I had crippling joint pain. First I read Robb Wolf's Paleo Solution, then I started the Whole30, then I read Mark Sisson's Primal Blueprint which helped me to add balance.

The Whole30 is a great jumpstart if you're having autoimmune issues, though I've been a bit more strict because I was following the paleo anti-immune protocol (no eggs, nuts and seeds, nightshades in addition to dropping grains, legumes, and sugars, and I dropped caffeine as well).

a sampling of explanations:
www.thepaleomom.com/autoimmunity
paleononpaleo.com/paleo-autoimmune-protocol/
autoimmune-paleo.com/

Google "Paleo" and "anti immune" or "inflammation" for more. From what I've read, it should help your gut issues, headaches, and fibro.

After a month my joints are much better though I'm still in pain from my tendons -- working on that now with chondritin and water exercise, while continuing the strict eating plan.

Unexpected benefits: I'm never hungry. I have to track my food to make sure I'm getting *enough*. I have more energy than I can remember having before. I sleep much better and wake up refreshed.

I didn't have gut issues, but when I ate tomatoes and peppers after two weeks off my joints froze up for two days. My eldest, who is an undiagnosed celiac (had all the symptoms but tests were inconclusive -- they just wanted to throw drugs at the problem), does well after being gluten free for two years, but if she has just a little gluten it's a severe migraine within half an hour of eating, plus at least 24 hours of running at both ends. (sometimes more)

So come on in. The water's fine.

KarenisPaleo

You know, in defense of the doctor who tried to give you Ativan, he didn't have a medical answer for you. I personally have had serious digestive issues over stress/anxiety. Sometimes anti anxiety meds can help digestive issues. After about 3 months of going through what you have been experiencing (AND I was already Paleo) my specialist told me to take a breath and slow down. He said matters of the heart and stress are connected to your digestive system.

That doctor may have been sincere in trying to help.

ANYWAY! No need to be afraid. I've read about positive Paleo results for the conditions you've listed.

Just get started and keep us posted!!!

MikeFlyMike

simple solution in the future is consider this a lifestyle , not a challenge.
Hope you feel better and please do update us in a week or four as to your new results.

justaspoonfulofsugar

it is possible to test negative for coeliac disease (just so you know).
I had a quick look at your food diary for a few days and would think paleo/primal could be a very good
I would say that a whole 30 is the best starting point.
It eliminates all the stuff that could be causing you problems and then you are re-introdcuing them to see what you can and cannot tolerate.
I have severe digestive issues and still have issues some days but for the most part I have been 90% better since dropping wheat,sugar and grains.
I wish you all the best on this journey.

michellechawner

Thank you everyone!

I know this is more of a lifestyle, and I think i'm going to fit in just fine here

Today I ate all paleo, and I still have a ton of calories left, so I know this is going to take adjusting, and my gut is still on the spritz. I do remember it taking a few days to adjust... and today i've been lethargic (weather isn't helping either, 100? humid? Yeah).

Going grocery shopping tomorrow for more food. Today I was just getting by with what I had at home. I've been good checking allergen information on boxes and tomorrow going to buy mostly fresh things, as recommended.

AbbeyDove

Hi Michellechawn,

I ended up in an ER with a similar situation, about 8 years ago. It turns out that I have a section of intestine that "spasms," and it can be VERY painful. It only stopped after they gave me morphine right before they were going to take me into surgery, because, apparently, morphine shuts down bowel function. Immodium does help me, though it's not a natural or dietary solution. Peppermint oil and DGL are how I approach it now, if it kicks off. My triggers are typically too much coffee, too little sleep, and beans (cliche, I know). Anyone who says or suggests that the pain is in your head is simply a lousy doc. I'm so sorry you're experiencing something like this; the pain can be really scary.

hilliardjoe

I do remember it taking a few days to adjust... and today i've been lethargic (weather isn't helping either, 100? humid? Yeah).

I know when I started I felt like crap for almost a week.

Going grocery shopping tomorrow for more food. Today I was just getting by with what I had at home. I've been good checking allergen information on boxes and tomorrow going to buy mostly fresh things, as recommended.

I've found I don't really buy boxes of food anymore. The stuff I eat doesn't come in boxes. It's amazing how less full the grocery cart is when you're not hauling around the boxes half filled with air.

I take it back, I do get a box of meat from the butcher every few weeks.

zellagrrl

You know, in defense of the doctor who tried to give you Ativan, he didn't have a medical answer for you. I personally have had serious digestive issues over stress/anxiety. Sometimes anti anxiety meds can help digestive issues. After about 3 months of going through what you have been experiencing (AND I was already Paleo) my specialist told me to take a breath and slow down. He said matters of the heart and stress are connected to your digestive system.

That doctor may have been sincere in trying to help.

ANYWAY! No need to be afraid. I've read about positive Paleo results for the conditions you've listed.

Just get started and keep us posted!!!

One of the off-label uses of Ativan is that it lessens nausea by somehow calming the stomach muscles. How do I know this? My husband's gastroenterologist prescribes it for him. The husband has gastroparesis and IBS. The drugs that he takes are usually not specifically GI meds, but ones that have been identified as being beneficial, despite having other primary uses.

I just have IBS, and fair warning, eating Paleo makes it suck less, not magically all better.

JinksE21

I highly suggest Whole30 for 30 days of a "reset". It's a great kickstart into the Paleo lifestyle and the support on the Whole9life.com forums is great! What I liked about it was changing the way I ate without worrying about calories and weighing food and myself. It works on building a better relationship with food and how it affects the body. It's extremely strict Paleo but I found the benefits to be convincing enough that I am sticking with it a majority of the time.

One thing I like about it was the slow re-intro period after the 30 days so you learn how your body reacts to things like dairy, wheat, gluten...That could help you narrow down what causes your stomach issues.

Message me or friend me if you have any questions. Good luck with getting back into Paleo!

frantim528

I agree with the above. After your whole 30 you should keep a log. Introduce some "sometimes" paleo-ish foods ONE AT A TIME and keep track of how they make you feel. This way you may be able to figure out some of the foods to absolutely stay away from.

Rory_123

Definitely check out the Jaminet's Perfecthealthdiet.com

You will find a huge amount of supportive material over there.

shar140

Medical Issues: Tension Headaches (2011-today), Fibromyalgia (2012-today), Chronic Pain (2012-today), Bacterial Infection of the Intestines (C. Diff, 2009-2012 5 times, no infection in 14 months).

All these symptoms (plus GI issues) actually sound like a gluten interolance to me, so yes, eating more paleo/primal/perfect health diet should help with them all.

You'd be surprised by how much it helps your overall health (hence, the perfect health diet), but you've already experience some of the side effects! better sleep, digestion, etc.

I've found I don't really buy boxes of food anymore. The stuff I eat doesn't come in boxes. It's amazing how less full the grocery cart is when you're not hauling around the boxes half filled with air.

I take it back, I do get a box of meat from the butcher every few weeks.

Ha! I was about to say...hauling around a cart-full (or bag-full from farmer's market) of fresh fruits/veggies/pastured meats isn't light, either!