Update

Hal a multitude of things can cause leaky gut, particularly acid suppressants which anyone on high dose steroids gets given over here in the UK. After 2+years on ranitidine then lansoprazole I suspect the Ph of my stomach is far too high which is why I've stopped the PPI and started the diet. No effect on counts so far but expect it to take at least 3 months to sort my gut out.

Hello Amber,

Have you done splenectomy?

Just curious whether if you have not done it, what are the reasons for not doing it?

Thanks
Jay

I can think several reasons why not

jayinchicago,

Amber only checks in occasionally. She had her spleen out fall 2013.

Gosh mrsb, I did not know that about antacids and PPIs. On a related note, do you know if the over the counter supplement L-Glutimine helps with leaky gut?

I have heard of it Hal but not currently trying it ..Did you watch the Betrayal series ?

Was that the video series from a month or so ago linked from someone's post? I think I watched two or three (random) episodes. Didn't seem to be learn anything new. LOL, did they mention antacids and PPI's in the series?

Yes it is Hal and they did mention PPI's etc, the first thing they do is take people off the drugs as they create a ph of 5 which is way too high for effective digestion.

Ok. How did they stabilize the gerd/ulcer issue with the removal of the PPI? I've heard of licorice DGL. With that?

jayinchicago wrote: Hello Amber,

Have you done splenectomy?

Just curious whether if you have not done it, what are the reasons for not doing it?

Thanks
Jay

Yes I have had mine removed in 2013

I have started taking L-Glutamine 500mg capsules. Got them from the local health food store. When I mentioned the video series and leaky gut that was the product she pulled and gave to me. She said she had been taking it and said it worked for her. I also started taking Vitamin D3 and at the same time I started removing Gluten from my diet. My Goal to make my stomach issues settle/ go away. In the long run have a good platelet count without needing to treat ever again.

So daily I take L-Glutamine 1000mgs BID ( I was told I could take more) and Vitamin D3 1000IU BID.

What I have noticed since starting the supplement and going gluten free My stomach doesn't swell up within 1/2 hour of eating. I'm not as uncomfortable all the time and I am starting to poop regularly (I have IBS with constipation sometimes I would go almost a week without going).

That said we just had Christmas holidays which meant like many of us I have not followed my diet properly. My sister-in-law cooked Christmas dinner she's Italian so I had Pasta and meatballs for dinner and have been up since 0500 with stomach issue (acid reflux, indigestion, cramping). Is it because I ate gluten I do not know but do not like how I feel.

Now for the big question what is actually helping me? Is it the removal of Gluten from my diet or the L-Glutamine supplement. Is the Vitamin D3 doing anything? Or is the combination of all 3 helping? This is why I always stress trying one item at a time because when you start to feel better if your taking more then one thing you do not know which one is working.

At this point I am feeling better so I will continue to do all three remove as much Gluten from my diet. Take both Vitamin D3 and L-Glutamine daily. I do not regularly check my blood so I would have no idea if it is helping with the ITP. At this point I do not care I'm actually starting to enjoy food again!

I took L-Glutamine for several years, twice a week. As an experiment I took 500 mg of L-Glutamine three times a day after each meal. To my surprise it curbed my appetite significantly. I can see how one could loose a bunch of weight with it. But I am unsure of the risks/benefits, so don't take it anymore.

I've been 99% gluten free for two weeks now. My hairline dermatitis is all but gone and, LOL, my poop is... better. Seem to need less fiber in my diet now.

As for Vit D, I think you'll find that one more obvious side effect is that it acts like a antihistamine. That is, if you have a sniffly nose, it should all but get rid of it a couple hours after taking. Probably fewer colds and flu over the long term with daily consumption too.

If you are gluten sensitive as I seem to be, eliminating that may provide the most benefit. It would be interesting to see if there is a platelet count change with what you are doing.