I know back in August, I shared with you this health update post (click here) and so many of you were incredibly supportive and helpful, giving me advice via email and private messages, as well as through the comments section and I was overwhelmed by your kindness and how much you all cared. I remember when I first started this blog and I never shared any personal information or even came out about my illnesses until a couple of years ago, after I had been blogging for years. So it’s really nice to know how supportive you all are and if I can help anyone else along the way who might be suffering the same problems, that’s even better. So, where am I at now?
Gastroenterologist – I mentioned before that I had been to see the gastroenterologist and we had done a SIBO test which had come back negative for hydrogen, however I found out a little while after all of that that I did have excess bacteria in my small intestine which produces lots of methane. Even if I don’t eat, my baseline methane production is above what it should be, which was causing a lot of gas and bloating as well since that bacteria was producing it on its own.
Antibiotics – My doctor said the best antibiotic for me (taking into account other medical issues) would be Rifaximin which I was to take for 14 days at 1100mg a day, so it was quite a high dose. This would then kill off all the bacteria (both good and bad) and then hopefully I can replace it with good. Luckily, because that specific antibiotic is only absorbed in the stomach, I didn’t suffer any side effects at all really, so that was a huge bonus as I know I usually react badly to antibiotics in general. It was fine being on the course and I finished it a couple of weeks ago.
While I was taking the tablets I noticed an improvement in my stomach, but I was making sure that I stuck to the rainbow diet and ate as healthy as possible while on them, and took pro-biotics, so that I would only be getting good bacteria. Then when I stopped them, I didn’t feel very good anymore and the bloating and pain came back unfortunately. I don’t know if I was too hasty in thinking that my stomach would be back to normal right away, but as of writing this now, two weeks or so on, my stomach is a lot better than it was. There’s much less bloating.
Endoscopy – I had my follow up appointment with my gastroenterologist and he said the next logical step to take is an endoscopy (I’ve been told that by a few people now) to rule out other issues which could be mimicking IBS. This doesn’t excite me though because I’m severely needle phobic and pass out a lot, plus the idea of being pumped with air doesn’t thrill me because I suffer so much with pain from gas. Then having a biopsy done etc, it’s not ideal either. If all of this is related to my IBS and overactive nerve endings, I can’t help but worry all that invasion inside would make it worse. So at the moment, it’s something I am considering and seeing if I can work my way up towards, but I’m unsure. I know loads of people have told me it’s fine and I would most likely opt to have it while I was awake, just using the throat spray, because that’s how bad my needle phobia is, but I don’t know. I’m not agreeing or disagreeing at the moment and I will leave it at that for now.
Supplements – I’m taking a digestive enzyme with every meal which is hugely helpful. It means I can broaden my food choices a little bit more now and not suffer so much. I’ve been taking these ones from Bulk Powders as they have all of the key enzymes in, and they seem to be working well. As long as I take them with my food, I suffer much less, which to me is indication that I don’t have a fully functioning digestive system and am missing the right enzymes which is why I’m having so many issues with food. I’m also still taking L-Glutamine for gut healing and of course still taking my Symprove pro-biotic, which I can’t be without now. It’s a huge, huge help! There’s 2 new ones that were prescribed for me, but I will go into those more next time.
Naturopathy – Last week I met up with a lovely lady called Lucy who has degrees in Naturopathy and I am going to be seeing her for a lot of my issues now. I’ve noticed that a lot of my patterns are related to other health issues as well, especially my hormones. During certain times of the month my stomach will cause a lot of pain, like a burning and gnawing sensation, my acne flares up badly, and a whole heap of other hormone related issues. But this is connected to stress and my cortisol and adrenaline being so high all the time.
I’ve always had anxiety ever since I was a kid and I’ve been through so much stuff physically and mentally, it’s always just been something I’ve dealt with myself and tried to overcome, but a lot of it hasn’t worked out very well and my anxiety levels are ridiculous. I often feel like I’m going to have a break down when it gets overwhelming. Because I’m in this ‘fight or flight’ mode all the time, my body is using its energy for my muscles and getting ready to escape the fear, but while it’s doing this it’s not allowing my digestive system or reproductive system to work properly as it doesn’t need it in times of high stress. Almost like adrenal fatigue.
I wasn’t aware of this before, but everything makes sense and I’m going to be seeing Lucy twice a month to try and de-stress myself and find the right supplements and routines I can implement to try and help me. I’m feeling quite positive about this and she also said I need to regulate my blood sugar as it seems how I am eating is causing that to spike up and down as well which isn’t helpful. As I’ve only been to one session and have literally only just started the supplements she recommended, I haven’t got much of an update on this progress at the moment, but of course I will definitely keep you informed in my next health post. I’m really hoping it’s going to work!
My thoughts – I feel like I haven’t really been taking into account the impact of stress and anxiety on my body as a bigger picture. I thought the issues with my gut were just to do with an isolated issue and not a side effect of something else. I know I am at fault a lot of the time because I work all various hours of the day, I get highly stressed out as working for yourself can be such a strain. There’s never anyone there to help or pick up the pieces and if you’re too ill to work, you can’t make any money, but then if you’re forcing yourself to work through illness and strain, you’re not really looking after your body.
Being an empath as well means I take on a lot of peoples emotions and that can cause problems for me too, but my main issue is the anxiety. I worry so much about animals getting hurt, I try to avoid the news because it’s always so devastating, I listen to my OCD brain (I’m a lot better than I was as I had CBT a while ago, but not fully) and I know my mental health suffers greatly. I’m never really worried about myself though, that’s not why I have anxiety, it’s always for others. I can’t even go to town without worrying constantly about the pigeons getting hurt. I can’t help the way I am and I know I have way too much love and a caring nature, but I’ve always been that way. I just need to find a balance now of learning how to still be that way but to not let it impact my mind. I have recently joined a Buddhist group here and I’ve been learning in the classes, which is hugely helpful, so I hope I will make progress with this and my other health issues will follow along with it.
At some point I feel like I want to take a week off from everything, just go to a forest and stay there. That would mean not doing 3x the work before I go so I’m covered for my time off, but actually just taking that time off so I can unwind and de-stress. But then that gives me anxiety as I’m worried about not liking the place or feeling comfortable, or missing out on work, or having my blogs empty for a week etc, then having to do major catch up when I’m back. I’m feeling generally more positive that things are figured out more though. I did suspect the other day, about 4 weeks ago, when I was shaky, sweaty, dizzy, faint, tight chested, feeling sick etc that I was running too high on my adrenaline, but I wasn’t sure because I wasn’t actually having a panic attack like I used to. This just lasted for hours instead and I think my body was lashing out at the constant stress. It’s just incredibly hard to learn to stay calm and not have anxiety when there’s so many things that upset and bother you all the time. There’s worrying situations wherever I am at the moment, especially with family and my mum and her health, so I really need to learn the best way to cope with stress. Which is hopefully what I’m going to achieve with Lucy, and we can go from there.
So that’s where I am right now with everything, and I always plan to keep you updated with my progress. Your support means the world to me and I’m really grateful to have such loyal and wonderful readers, so thank you so much! If you do have anymore advice or tips etc on what I’ve mentioned, I always am appreciative of the info. Lorna xx.
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Geçmiş olsun. Bolca spor yap bağırsakların çalışsın gaz ve şişkinlik sorunun olmaz. Antibiyotikleri fazla kullanma. Hareket ve egzersiz. Yeşil ve lifli gıdalarla beslen. Hergün sabah bir yemek kaşığı sızma zeytin yağı iç. Aç karnına.
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Thanks for your advice. I’m definitely not playing sports, I eat the correct foods what I can manage, but I wouldn’t be able to stomach olive oil. I’ve tried that before and it has little effect. Hopefully I’m going in the right direction though!
I’m sorry you’re going through so much! I have no good advice I can give you, other than to say it sounds like yo have promising plans to deal with everything so that’s the best bit. You might be suffering and things might be difficult at the moment, but you’re finding the tools and specialists you need to get answers and support so that’s definitely the silver lining! I hope your next update is how good things are going for you! 🙂
Hope you are having a wonderful week so far 🙂
Away From The Blue Blog
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Thank you, Mica 🙂 I do feel a bit more positive about it all, that is true! I hope the next update is a positive one too 🙂
Hi, Lorna, I am glad that some things worked well for you, like the bloating thing, that you found the bacteria – I didn’t think of that, actually, I didn’t know about bacterias doing that. It was new, good to learn. The mental health, anxiety, well, I hope you can work on it, not to be so overwhelmed, but you know, I told you I am also an empath and yes, news on TV are overwhelming, but you are doing it well, out of your thoughts is better. I sometimes feel the same – I do and do things for other people, normally family, and they take me for granted. Not that I am anxious, though, more like hurt 🙂 I think you should work on that and then your body can get better. After reading your post, I am now aware of that. But I think you are doing fine, aware of what impacts on your body! Hope you have a sweet day, Lorna!
DenisesPlanet.com
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Hi Denise 🙂 Thank you for your lovely comment! You are quite similar to me with your emotions and how you take things on. I’m glad that my post has taught you something too! I’ll stop by your blog very soon!
SO sorry what you have to go through but I admire your strength! I know you can do this! Sending hugs!
Happy Wednesday, babe!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
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Thank you so much!
Thanks for the updates, i hope everything keeps getting better and better! You are the best!
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Thank you! I appreciate it!
Hey Lorna!
I’ve been trying to think of what to say since you posted this because I’ve been having a lot of similar issues!! I’ve been dealing with Chronic stomach pain, diarrhea, etc for almost a year now. I was put on a few different medicines for IBS (that didn’t work, had awful side effects, etc) so then I finally saw a GI doctor. I actually got an endoscopy and colonoscopy a few weeks ago. I was really afraid BUT the endoscopy was a breeze! I’d definitely recommend getting it with sedation. I had an IV (which wasn’t fun, I’ll admit) but then you just fall asleep.
My doctor gave me some medications (a PPI) to treat GERD. I’m starting those now that I’ve finally weaned myself off of the IBS medicines so I’m slightly more hopeful for the future. I was hoping I just had H. Pylori but alas, I don’t.
I’m so sorry you’re also going through all of this. Digestive issues are so frustrating and I definitely know how you are feeling 🙁
Lee – leethrifts.com
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Hi Lee 🙂
Oh GERD is no fun! I really hope your treatment for that helps you. Being given the wrong medication can cause so many issues, I know how it feels, so I’m glad you’re off the IBS treatment now. I didn’t even know there was a medicine for that specific thing. Hope you get better!
Oh, dear. I wish you all the best in the world, power and health… I hope you ca distract yourself with nice things.
Kisses
♘ http://www.sugarpopfashion.com ♘
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Thank you!
Hi Lorna glad to hear you are getting a few things sorted out , have you been watching super foods channel 4 ? They recommend balboa tree powder to even out blood sugar . Even may help with type 2 diabetes . My own police is if you can not any thing to change it , don’t worry about it . Stay strong and positive and the Buddhist way is good . take care Ian
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I do love that show! I take moringa powder, but I will see what my naturopath says about it!
I hope that these sessions prove to be of great benefit to you – and likewise the other treatments. I feel so sorry for you that you’ve had to suffer from these complicated health issues for so long. Hopefully you are on the right pathway to a more comfortable life now.
I feel that stress and strain are such an increasingly unwelcome presence in all our lives these days. It’s certainly something that we all have to guard against as best we can. I had to make a very big decision in my own life last week because of stress. Hopefully I’ve got it right but only time will tell. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this health update. I am sure that many people will find it inspiring and encouraging in different ways – there is something that each of us can draw from this. It’s great that you feel able to share these details. 🙂
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Thank you, Steven! I really hope things are on the right track too. I’m trying not to get wrapped up in it and continue my days as normal, and my anxiety is calming, so we will see!
I really hope your big decision pays off too and you are much happier now, with whatever it was!
Thank you, Lorna. 🙂 I’ll tell you about the decision in private when I’m back from my London trip. 🙂
It sounds like you are certainly doing all of the right things.
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Looking forward to it!
So sorry to hear what you’re going through, but I definitely believe that stress and anxiety have a big impact on physical health (I had to take some time out due to a stress related illness and I find I really have to force myself to take a deep breath and calm down and walking in nature really helps me.).
I think that working with Lucy could make a big difference and you shouldn’t feel bad about taking some time off if you need to! We’ll still be here when you get back!
Julia x
http://www.thevelvetrunway.com
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Thank you so much, Julia! I really appreciate you reading what I wrote and the honesty in your reply. I hope you’re doing well and feeling much better too! x
Blood sugar bouncing back and forth has disadvantages of its own; I hope you can get it easily regulated. It’s almost certain to help.
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Thank you, Charles! Fingers crossed!
Lorna I’m sorry to know that you’ve been dealing with so many health worries, as well as being very concerned about the health of your Mum and wellbeing of others. It must be hard to avoid anxiety when the sources of the stress are hard to control. However, it sounds like working with Lucy will be a very positive thing. Luckily you have great self-awareness, and taking a holistic approach will help you to be aware when your stress levels are getting too high. Regular breaks are necessary, as your mind and body can only cope with so much. Hopefully taking time out sometimes will allow you to have a much-needed break. I look forward to your next update, and I hope that your new strategies will have you feeling better very soon.
Lots of love Saba xx
http://www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com
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Thank you, Saba! I’m seeing her again this week to work on a few techniques, so I’m hoping it goes well! I feel like it’s definitely a turning point in my life now as it can’t go on like this xx.
It’s great that you’re learning new coping strategies while working with Lucy. Hopefully these will make a difference! Good luck with your next appointment! xx
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Thank you, Saba! I will let you know how I get on!
So sorry to hear that! Hope you feeling better soon <3
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Thank you!
A friend once told me that sometimes, disease is caused by the dis-ease of the soul, meaning, stress and anxiety plays a major role. Glad to hear some things are working out well for you. Hoping for your recovery dear.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
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That’s actually probably true!
Oh Lorna, you’ve definitely been going through a lot. I’m glad that you’re feeling a lot better and I hope you continue to get better. I think it’s great that you’ve formulated a plan on what you’re going to do to improve things. In regards to taking a week long break, if you don’t feel like you can do that without worrying, you could try starting small? Like this week, take an hour off during the day then maybe next time half a day and then a full day, then three days and so on? I hope you have a great week. xx
Coco Bella Blog
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Hi! Actually, that’s funny you say that, I have been doing that. Last week I took a day off, but I had doctors appointments that day so maybe that wasn’t even valid, ha ha. I will see what I can manage! Thank you for your comments.
I’m glad you’re handling well. Thanks for sharing!
http://www.comfycozyup.com
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Thank you!
A companion once revealed to me that occasionally, malady is caused by the dis-simplicity of the spirit, which means, stress and nervousness assumes a noteworthy part. Happy to hear a few things are working out well for you. Seeking after your recuperation dear.
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Thank you, I hope so too!
Lorna, it sounds like you are winning a few of the battles… I really need to get back to eating healthy… I have that gas issue, it’s quite embarrassing for me… I am so grateful I work from home… I couldn’t deal with working outside the home now… I hope you continue to find things that will help you to feel better and better xox
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Thanks, Launna. I definitely am starting to make improvements I think. It’s hard to say as some days go well, then other days are really bad!