BCIR/ostomies and food allergies/weight

[Dahlia]

I am doing a personal study of those people who have food allergies as well as ostomies. I believe that my UC was exacerbated by my allergies to dairy, wheat, and many other grains. When I had my colon taken out in 2006 I knew that there were several foods/food categories to avoid. Now, this could only be me, but since then I have developed an extensive array of food problems that cause gas, cramping, candida, etc. The last one to go is sugar, which recently caused my eyelids to become inflamed, etc. When I spoke to my doc. she corroborated that the UC inflammations (probably caused by foods) that still bother me, now have no outlet in my colon so have found another source to irritate. Needless to say, I have eliminated soooooo many foods. And, I am feeling so deprived of comfort foods. It is difficult navigating life when so much revolves around food. I think I could deal with only food allergies and not the BCIR issues or only the BCIR and not the food challenges. However, I do have both and want to know if others experience the same. I just feel the loss of so much. Additionally, no matter what I eliminate (and that means calories), I cannot lose weight, even with exercise. Perhaps my body is in famine mode from all the weight loss when I was so ill. Thanks for any input/support, Dahlia

[Flemmart]

I continue to have symptoms as well. GI ruled out crohns. Biopsies/blood/camera/ct/barium tests just show "inflammation". I was advised to eliminate dairy, gluten, sugar etc. years ago and I'm just not willing. I also have severe outdoor allergies/chronic sinusitis and take Zyrtec (generic) year round . I am also allergic to adhesives, tape, jewlrey, etc. so just believe that my body immune system reacts to things abnormally causing constant inflammation.

I also had gallstones resulting in severe UC like symptoms and it needed to be removed a few years after kpouch. But, symptoms continued and I was pretty discouraged. But, to be honest, I have just gotten used to it. My GI dr offers bentyl and any other type of medication that may help. My pouch is completely free of inflammation which is interesting - so no pouchitis. But, it's located in my upper small intestines.

Regarding weight gain, I also have hashimotos thyroiditis and my adrenals are fatigued. My internist is very attentive and has my blood work done regularly to be sure they are not working too little or too much as this can cause a host of digestive/weight issues. I am also in full menopause so it's been a rough year.

[Dahlia]

Dear Flemmart,
Thanks for your reply. I don't have the latitude to fudge on the my allergens since the food ones make me so ill. In fact, just after my BCIR, we thought I had pouchitis on several occasions only to later, upon reflection, realize allergic reactions were the culprits. It has been a long while since I have thought it was pouchitis when I have stomach trouble. I, too, have allergies to tape, nickel in jewelry, all sorts of other stuff. Some are easier to avoid and accept. The food ones, tho, are a struggle.
I was dx with Hypothryroidism as a teen so have dealt with that for decades. My adrenals are supported daily with supplements. I don't know!!!! The part I am grateful for is that I am strong and I keep on moving forward.
I hope you have support and care while you go through this latest challenge of menopause; not easy, for sure.
Warmly, Dahlia

[lesson]

I was lactose intolerant before and still am, although sometimes I will tempt fate with a treat and pay after.
In recent months I have been bloated, gassy and nauseous for days at a time. One of my doctors (my neurologist of all of them) agreed to run blood lab work for Celiac - all of which came back negative. So, I could eliminate the gluten and such and see if symptoms improve despite the lab results, but haven't done that...yet.

As far as weight..I've remained the same for years. You may have reached a plateau...and instead of trying to lose the pounds may just be able to 'tone' what you have. That's what I've been doing.

[Dahlia]

Dear Lesson,
Thanks for your reply.
I, too, did not qualify for Celiac but have so many of the aspects of it. Therefore, I just avoid all that stuff b/c it still bothers me.
Regarding the weight issue, yes, I am working on the "toning" part with exercise and a trainer. However, I just feel that I would love to have the benefit of all those calorie reductions!!!! I know how lucky I am when I ready other's posts; I see such courage and determination among this community. Surely, this is what is demanded of our medical challenges. Have a great Sunday and good luck, Dahlia

[Tysmom]

My son and I can totally relate. My son had a temp colostomy and now has a cecostomy. His food allergies so far are gluten,oats,all milk products and bi-products and soy. I am not an ostomate but put myself on the same diet and I started to feel better, now I've tried several times to put those foods back in and I too get extremely ill with all GI symtoms and so does my son. I had them run a blood test for celiac on him and it came back inconclusive so we will never know because we did not do a biopsy at that time we just decided to pull gluten. I refuse to make him sick again to confirm or deny the celiac test so maybe when he is an adult or teen he can challenge his body on that one but for now it gives him a rash, causes gas, cramping, constipation and accidents of stool.

Feel free to contact me via email if you have more questions.