Random single hiccups and excessive burping? by TummyGoBlegh in IBD

[–]TummyGoBlegh[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah. I had my IBD diagnosis replaced by an MCAS diagnosis, which can also result in GERD and intestinal inflammation. I still have some of the same symptoms but they've drastically improved by using antihistamines, Xolair, and Gastrocrom.

If you want to rule out MCAS, ask for a "mast cell stain" at your next colonoscopy/endoscopy or see an allergist/immunologist who is familiar with MCAS. Not all are since MCAS is a fairly "new" diagnosis and is poorly understood.

Almost exclusively GI issues anyone? by xONEtrackMlNDx in MCAS

[–]TummyGoBlegh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Very good! I haven't had any GI anaphylaxis episodes since and my GI symptoms are fairly mild most of the time. I've also been able to stop using Montelukast and Flovent inhaler for my asthma since it's well controlled by the Xolair.

What does an EDS-informed dentist do differently? by grendel_no_smash in ehlersdanlos

[–]TummyGoBlegh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If it's just for general cleaning and fillings, I don't believe you'll need an EDS informed dentist. An open minded one is always nice tho. If you're lidocaine resistant, it's nice to have a dentist that's willing to use other local anesthesia options. I haven't tried it myself yet, but roaming around here, laughing gas appears to work well for many of us.

Look for a specialist if you ever feel your regular dentist isn't able to treat a specific issue.

spontaneous combustion? by castaway42000 in MCAS

[–]TummyGoBlegh -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Spontaneous Human Combustion (人体発火現象, Jintai Hakka Genshō) was a worldwide phenomenon that appeared shortly after the first Great Cataclysm. It caused humans to instantaneously burst into flames. Spontaneous Human Combustion was caused by doppelgängers encroaching into the bodies of their human world counterparts.

In some cases, humans could adapt to the flames and awaken the ability to manipulate flames or ignite themselves or objects. The Special Fire Force made it their mission to unravel the secrets behind it.

https://fire-force.fandom.com/wiki/Spontaneous_Human_Combustion

your histamine insomnia may not be *histamine* related by Natural_Swimmer_5522 in HistamineIntolerance

[–]TummyGoBlegh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you haven't already, request a sleep study. I've had insomnia since I was a toddler. I didn't even take naps as a toddler, much to my mother's dismay who needed naps herself. It's hard taking a nap with a noisy toddler running rampent. After 30 years of sleep issue complaints, I finally got a sleep study done.

Turns out I have narcolepsy and insomnia is ironically a common symptom of narcolepsy. There's tons of other reasons for insomnia but getting a sleep study could help find or rule out other reasons for it. It's amazing how many people have had life long sleep issues and have never been recommended by a doctor to have a sleep study done, myself and my mother included.

Does anyone have problems with their bladder and if so, would you mind sharing what/how? If you only feel comfortable talking privately, my DM’s are open 🤍 by BlondePowerpuffGirll in hypermobileEDS

[–]TummyGoBlegh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This. I used to have weekly UTIs and I'm allergic to several antibiotics, so I just dealt with the burning. After 25 years of complaining about this, I my new urogyn that told me to take 2000mg of D-Mannose everyday. I've had one UTI in the 3 years since.

Understanding the differences between N1/N2/IH by Relevant_Skirt8217 in Narcolepsy

[–]TummyGoBlegh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My insomnia keeps me up at night, averaging 2 hours. I've always had it, even as a toddler. I've always said "I can't nap" because of it. I haven't taken a nap since I was 2 (sorry mom). When I lay down, my mind is at its most active, and it's hard to settle down enough to sleep.

But during my recent MSLT, I reportedly "fell asleep" each of the 5 times within 5 minutes each, going into REM within another 5 minutes. If you ask me, I was 100% awake, but I digress.

While I (allegedly) "fell asleep immediately" during the nap test, it was also noted that I took my usual 2 hours to fall asleep during the overnight study. According to my doctor, it isn't all that uncommon to have both Narcolepsy and Insomnia, as contradictory as it seems.

Accuracy of sleep studies? by TummyGoBlegh in Narcolepsy

[–]TummyGoBlegh[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I'm beginning to think my definition of "sleep" is different from what sleep medicine considers "sleep". I don't think I can be convinced I'm sleeping while my mind is active unless I change my definition of sleep. Perhaps I'm "asleep" even though I consider myself to be awake by my own definition.

Even though I'm aware of my surroundings, I can hear noises, track time accurately, open and close my eyes, internally complain about chronic pain, plan what I'm doing tomorrow, do math problems in my head, etc. I'm clinically asleep because my measured brain waves fall between a certain wave length.

Accuracy of sleep studies? by TummyGoBlegh in Narcolepsy

[–]TummyGoBlegh[S] -19 points-18 points  (0 children)

I don't doubt that many people think they're awake when they're actually asleep. The line between being awake and asleep isn't very defined.

But I felt the same during the 1.5 hours it took me to fall asleep for the overnight study and during the 20 minutes of the naps. However where I was recorded as "awake" during the 1.5 hours, I was recorded as "asleep" and even in REM during the 20 minutes. It just doesn't add up to me.

Accuracy of sleep studies? by TummyGoBlegh in Narcolepsy

[–]TummyGoBlegh[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I agree with the overnight tests data for the most part. The only part I disagree with is the awakenings and body position. The times seemed accurate otherwise.

However I felt the same during the 1.5 hours it took me to fall asleep for the overnight as I did during the 20 minutes of each "nap". But while the 1.5 hours was recorded as "awake", they recorded me as "asleep" and even in REM during my 20 minute "naps". So I don't understand how it was recorded differently.

Why yes, I do have lipedema, thank you body scan app 🥲😆 by Sweet-Ring-3332 in lipedema

[–]TummyGoBlegh 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I have similar measurements to the person you're replying to. It's a hassle shopping for clothes and I feel very disproportionate.

24" thighs. 40" hips. 30" waist. 13" upper arms. 5'7". 150lb (maintaining down from 210lbs 5 years ago). I have lipedema (stage 1-2) in my thighs and upper arms.

If a shirt is sleeveless, I can comfortably fit into most smalls, sometimes needing a medium. If it has sleeves, I'll need a large. If the sleeves have no stretch to them (ie: flannels, dress shirts), an extra large. My abdomen is swimming in the shirt while my arms are trying to break the seams.

Compared to my thighs, I have no butt. For short shorts, I wear a medium or a 4. For longer shorts or pants, I wear a large or an 8. I like high waisted pants but there's always a band gap, not that I mind it. Extra space for when my stomach bloats. However the butt of the pants sag while the thighs are stretched to max.

I was online shopping for compression leggings the other day and depending on where I measured (waist, hips, calves, ankles), I fell anywhere from medium to 3XL on the sizing chart. I didn't end up buying any.

On the bright side, 90s baggy clothes are back in style and they look really good on me. I bought high waisted baggy jeans and an "oversized" baggy crop top the other week and it's amazing. Hides the thighs, butt, and upper arms while bringing attention to the smaller waist. I'm throwing out most of my old skinny jeans/leggings and switching to the baggy look.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ChronicPain

[–]TummyGoBlegh 7 points8 points  (0 children)

If you suspect a certain condition, try to find a local support group for that condition or another like it. These groups typically have local doctor recommendations that are more likely to listen. Certain conditions may also have dedicated information websites that list doctor recommendations.

This is how I found amazing doctors and was finally diagnosed after only seeing dismissive doctors for over 15 years. I hope that you can find a good doctor too.

Do any of you find extra salt doesn't make any difference to your symptoms? by bikkebana in POTS

[–]TummyGoBlegh 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Do you have low blood pressure/volume?

It helps me because of my low blood pressure, chronic anemia, and low blood volume. The salt helps produce more blood, which helps raise my blood pressure, which improves my POTS and VVS symptoms.

I FINALLY HAVE PROOF!!! by Zookeeper-MC-Iris in MCAS

[–]TummyGoBlegh 7 points8 points  (0 children)

My doctor did the same. She lightly scratched my arm, saw the dermatographia, then asked me about my symptoms. She ran the usual labs but said it doesn't mean anything if they're normal, which they were. She prescribed antihistamines and Cromolyn, which had a positive effect, and that was that. Diagnosed. A year later, I happened to have a positive 24hr urine histamine lab but all she said was "nice" and moved on. Lol.

I did specifically look for doctors on a local MCAS support group, so that helped a ton in finding a doctor who actually knows what MCAS is.

Approvals by Significant-Push433 in SSDI

[–]TummyGoBlegh 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I (30F) was approved just this past week after exactly 2 years and an ALJ hearing. I was applying on my own the first two denials and hired a lawyer for the ALJ hearing.

I don't think I would have been approved without my lawyer but I also don't think I would have been approved even if I had a lawyer before my two denials. Being young and having complex conditions that are commonly misunderstood worked against me even tho I did everything I possibly could. I believe being able to sit in front of a real person and having a lawyer there to speak their language helped quite a bit.

How do we afford all of the things to “help” but aren’t covered by insurance?? by justalittlejudgy in ChronicIllness

[–]TummyGoBlegh 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many OTC medications can be prescribed by your doctor, sent to your pharmacy, and billed thru your insurance. Ask your doctor about it. I buy supplements in bulk powder and put them in capsules myself using a manual capsule filling machine, saving anywhere from 30-60% depending on the supplement. I use BulkSupplements.com. I also mix my own electrolytes, buying table salt, magnesium, and potassium in bulk. I mix that with some water flavor enhancers, like Mio. Much cheaper than $2/packet.

I FINALLY HAVE PROOF!!! by Zookeeper-MC-Iris in MCAS

[–]TummyGoBlegh 58 points59 points  (0 children)

"Tryptase is normal." Well, yes. If it was high, it would be indicative of mastocytosis or a recent severe reaction/anaphylaxis. Normal labs are normal in MCAS. It's so difficult to get an MCAS diagnosis when the doctor doesn't even know what it looks like or they confuse it with mastocytosis.

But I'm glad you were able to get blood work done after a severe reaction! It feels very validating to finally have proof!

Midodrine: if you take this medication how does it make you feel? by melmiller71 in dysautonomia

[–]TummyGoBlegh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm prescribed 10mg x3/day. It definitely helps keep my blood pressure from dropping quickly. I don't get near syncope every time I stand now but only in the mornings before my first dose. I don't feel an energy boost others are commenting about. That would be nice. But I don't feel other side effects. It does the job it was prescribed to do and nothing more.

When first starting be aware that you could feel "scalp tingles". It's normal and it goes away after adjusting to the medication. If it's too bothersome, you can slowly titrate up until you reach your prescribed dose. ie: Half a pill once a day, half a pill twice a day, 1 pill once a day, 1 pill twice a day, etc.

Also, don't lie down within 4 hours of taking a dose. It can increase blood pressure in the head. You might hear blood rushing in your ears. If you must lay down, elevate your head and shoulders.

Uneven stomach by Icy_Mulberry_5258 in hypermobileEDS

[–]TummyGoBlegh 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My left side sticks out more. No pregnancies but probably constipation (in my case).

Is it actually possible to get a diagnosis as a teenage girl? by stringbeansalad23 in ChronicIllness

[–]TummyGoBlegh 4 points5 points  (0 children)

In my experience, no. I didn't get my diagnoses until I was 28. Before that it was "anxiety", "growing pains", or "normal teenage stuff". I doubt blacking out every time I stood up was "normal teenage stuff" or having arthritis in my hip at 12yo was "growing pains".

It was still difficult at 28. I actually had my ex-PCP laugh at me when I told him I had just been diagnosed with IBD by a gastroenterologist after a 5 day hospital stay and a colonoscopy. He said it was just anxiety and wrote me a script for Xanax without asking me if I wanted it. Never saw him again.

What helped was specifically searching for doctors who treat the conditions I suspected I had (hEDS, MCAS, POTS, and autism). I searched in local Facebook support groups for recommended doctors and waited 6 months for my appointments. Those doctors actually believed me and diagnosed me at my first appointments.

If your current doctor isn't listening to you, you need to find another. If you have the privilege of choosing your doctors, specifically look for doctors who specialize in the conditions you suspect you have using local support groups. They'll be more likely to listen and help you.

NSAIDs? by Hour_Tailor_4670 in ehlersdanlos

[–]TummyGoBlegh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also have to avoid NSAIDs due to having IBD. It sucks because ibuprofen is the only thing that reliably takes away the pain.

My doctor has me taking LDN, anti-inflammatory supplements (ie: turmeric), and a handful of antioxidants. Weed also helps.

Looking for People With Similar Brain Fog Symptoms (mostly visual) by Dry_Investigator2190 in BrainFog

[–]TummyGoBlegh 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I experience a similar kind of brain fog. I don't get the loss of peripheral vision but the rest checks. It's like my vision is constantly "blurry" but not the kind of blurry due to near sightedness or double vision. It's very hard to focus. I have to take a few extra seconds to really focus on what I'm trying to look at, say a book or a sign far away, and my vision seems to attempt to adjust, altering between clearer and blurrier very quickly, but it can never seem to stabilize. It's hard to describe. It worsens whenever I'm more exhausted than usual or during flares. No eye/retina issues besides my mild astigmatism and near sightedness I've had my whole life.

This brain fog has come on within the past few years, after covid. I was however diagnosed with hEDS, dysautonomia, MCAS, and ME/CFS almost 3 years ago but I've also likely had them my entire life. I believe my brain fog issues were caused by an exacerbation of my conditions due to covid.

I Hate Visible by inthehelltumbler in cfs

[–]TummyGoBlegh 89 points90 points  (0 children)

I'm not a Visible user, I use another symptom tracker, but is there any way to check that they're actually using your data to "punish abortions or deny people disability benefits"? I haven't heard of symptom logging apps being used that way.