So I have given the Dothep (50mg), Naturopathy and Imovane treatment a good 7 to 8 months now and I can actually say that there has been improvement. The pain used to feel like someone was stabbing me with a knife, and this occurred daily. Now that symptom is less often. Even the symptoms during my period have improved.
So I am definitely going to continue this treatment.
Unfortunately I still have daily symptoms but definitely a lot more tolerable. I am able to be much more active now and even am happy to go back to work part-time.
Hard to quantify something like this, but I will try. Overall I would say a 65% improvement.
My gastroenterologist wants me to take Dothep (50mg) for a minimum a year anyway. So far it has been 7-8 months.
I still have to take Imovane at times, because lack of sleep still does severely disrupt my days. I believe the Imovane helps to relax the gut muscles a little, which is probably why it helps. And also of course gives me a good nights sleep. Please do not take Imovane every night. You will get addicted to it.
I am also still taking the Naturopathy medicine. Some in the morning and some in the evening. I believe this also helps to sooth the gut. The naturopathy liquid remedy includes the following:
- Gentian
- Worm wood
- Melissa
- Mentha
- Matricaria
(Unfortunately I am unaware of the quantity levels of each item).
My diet remains simple. Only eat easy-to-digest foods. No red meats. Avoid chilly, onions and fried foods. Do not eat too much sugar at any one time. Small meals at a time. Avoid preservatives, and other chemicals. No msg. Eat vegetables. Porridge every morning is a good idea if you can have gluten. Stay warm and comfortable. Learn how to relax (I play guitar and computer games). Go to the park when the weather is nice. Stay away from toxic environments if you can.
Because healing is soooooo slow I probably will not write again for another 6 months. I do not believe I can add much value in between.
xoxo
Shikz
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ReplyDeleteHi Shikha, I just came across your blog and thanks for sharing your journey. I'm from Australia too and am going through something similar after attending a wedding in India at the end of 2015. I was wondering, how are you tracking now? Thanks, Eugene
ReplyDeleteHi Eugene,
DeleteSorry to hear that you are going through something similar.
Wow it has been while since I have written anything.
In relation to progress it is still a bit of a mixed bag.
I had to stop working as a consultant because the hours and work load became too intense, which in turn aggravated my symptoms.
I am no longer taking the herbal remedy from the naturopath, but instead moved to taking Iberogast again. Reason is because it is cheaper and I felt the naturopath remedy had taken its course and was no longer adding value.
I find that I no longer need to take Dothep. I stopped a few months ago and symptoms have not worsen, however, Dothep withdrawal is not the best. I have been experiencing some insomnia since I have stopped, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Australian summer and hot nights are contributing to that as well.
I have expanded the different types of food that I eat. My body seems to be handling the variety better, but still avoid too much onions, garlic, anything too spicy, too much sugar, red meat and fried foods. A little is ok.
I haven't experienced any aggressive sharp pains for quite some time, however, discomfort and mild pain still exist, including reflux (once again hot weather might be contributing along with the insomnia).
I actually just pre-ordered a Microba Insight Sampling Kit. Something you might be interested in. It is quite pricey, but might serve as providing valuable information in relation to what is happening in your gut. https://www.microba.com/preorder/. The program 'Catalyst' has much more information in relation to this. Might be worth watching a couple of shows on it.
I'm definitely keen on knowing whats happening inside, but only time will tell. The kit arrives in June this year. Happy to share results if you like.
Wish you all the best in your recovery and if you have any other questions please do not hesitate to ask.
Cheers,
Shikha
Thanks for the update Shikha! Would love to hear about the results on the Microba testing.
DeleteHi Shikha, how are you going? Did you end up getting the test results from the Microba kit?
ReplyDeleteI actually went on a 6-week course of anti-parasitics (Wormwood, Black Walnut Hull and Clove) and it made massive improvements. The only issue is that when I come off it the symptoms seem to creep back so figuring out what to do next.
Hi Eugene
DeleteYes I got the results and apparently my microbiome is relatively normal. I just need to add a bit more fibre to my diet. So unfortunately I don't think it added too much value, but was interesting nonetheless. Still learnt a few more things about diet and the different gut bacteria.
I had a chat with another Gastroenterologist and he said I have visceral hypersensitivity. As a result I am back on 50mg dothep which does help a little but is not a cure.
I need some sort of holistic approach apparently. Not quite sure what that means but is still a work in progress. I will be working with my doctor for a while with this.
Happy to hear that your treatment helped a bit and hopefully you will continue to improve.
Cheers