Frustration and Inflammation

I have seriously considered becoming a doctor, as there are not nearly enough specialists. Earlier this summer, I was in and out of the ER dealing with severe symptoms. And emergency case or not, the next available appointment with the GI was three months away.

Yes, three months. 

Meanwhile, having blood tests galore, and slowly figuring out the problem, I decided I was not going to wait. Yesterday I had my first visit with a facility that deals specifically with chronic illnesses and autoimmune disorders. They were extremely familiar with Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. 

Relief.

Although I have experienced a dramatic improvement since eliminating gluten, I still have the typical stomach healing symptoms. The doctor suggested taking supplements daily, such as fish oil (for inflammation), probiotics (for good bacteria), and digestive enzymes (for digestion). When leaving the facility, with a goodie bag of side effect-less supplements, I felt like I had finally taken a step forward in getting on with my life. For so long, I had been hovering with no doctor to turn to.

I am taking the fish oil twice a day, with breakfast and dinner. Within the first hour of taking it yesterday I noticed a difference. After eating a meal, my intestines no longer felt as if they were having a wrestling match inside my stomach. I may have been imagining it, but I could feel the fish oil soothing my small intestine. Ok, maybe I was imagining that..but seriously, have inflammation or bloating? Try fish oil. 

Beyond that, there are so many health benefits to taking fish oil. I won't list them all, but do look into it. Tomorrow, I will be trying the other supplements, and I will keep you updated.

For now, the fish oil continues to soothe my small intestine, encouraging the growth of baby villi.