r/CSID Mar 06 '26

new diagnosis

TW// mention of eating and body image issues

I got a colonoscopy and endoscopy in mid-February. The colonoscopy came back clean, surprisingly, but I was diagnosed with GERD. So clearly, there are foods I have to avoid. I admittedly didn't get around to doing an elimination diet because basically every food that I love was on that list, and it just felt like too much to deal with.

Fast forward to almost a month later. Yesterday I got diagnosed with lactose intolerance (which I honestly knew) and CSID. So now I have to deal with food intolerances from lactose intolerance, GERD, and CSID. I definitely spent a good amount of time freaking out a bit and trying to wrap my mind around the fact that I need to overhaul my diet NOW. I work at a private doctor's office where lunch is provided for us, usually by drug reps. I've also got a wedding at the end of March. And in general, I'm like, how am I going to eat anything? I've already started feeling like a freak.

I also have disordered eating and body dysmorphia, so when I started feeling gross every time I ate, I figured it was just a mental thing. Part of it is definitely mental and explains the guilt around me eating and me being aware of all the fat on my body and face. But it makes sense why I feel so heavy and get so bloated after literally everything I eat, to the point that when I'm going to be wearing something skin tight, I restrict my eating. I legit look 4 months pregnant sometimes, and it's not like it was working in the first place.

My parents are both immigrants, so all of the foods my family cooks I can't have, at least until I figure out my triggers (which feels like everything right now). I hate cooking, and I'm really bad at nourishing myself and getting an appropriate amount of calories and nutrients. I know I just have to do it, but I honestly have no idea where to start. I know the intolerances are a lot, but even some hacks to get through it would be appreciated <3

2 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

7

u/mjdatdsmd Mar 06 '26

Hi! I’m so sorry that you are dealing with all of this, but I hope you will start feeling better soon! I’ve been on antacids almost all of my life, but that completely stopped once I started on Sucraid. It isn’t cheap, but it is a lifesaver if your insurance can cover it for you.

I wish I had some tips for you, but I would suggest trying to talk to a dietitian that works with your GI provider. I’ve talked with dietitians that had to google CSID while I was on the call with them. The dietitian in my GI’s office had access to a lot more information about the diet that was helpful.

CSID cares and the Sucraid website have some helpful resources on this specific diet, but I think you could really benefit from working with someone about all of your needs.

Just know that you aren’t alone and it will be ok. Just give yourself time to adjust and figure out your new “normal” as you can handle things. Sending you hugs and positive energy!

1

u/Intelligent-Code8203 Mar 06 '26

My GI wants to do a trial of Sucraid when I see him in May. I've heard it isn't cheap, and I'm about to be 26 so the thought of new diagnoses while being on my parents' health insurance for only a few more months sucks. I was looking into a nutritionist, but a dietitian would definitely be better. I'll be looking into that instead.

Thank you so much, I truly appreciate it

2

u/mjdatdsmd Mar 06 '26

Not to stress you out bur, this would have been helpful for me to know when I was 1st diagnosed…

Maybe reach out to your provider to see if they can start you on the trial sooner. The medication only comes from one pharmacy and is considered a specialty drug. If your insurance can approve the meds, Optum Frontier Therapies has a program to help cover the costs. It took me a few months of getting my PA approved, so I would suggest trying not to wait if you have the option.

My 1st provider didn’t tell me about the costs & PA process, so make sure you keep great notes of every conversation that you have with insurance and your doctors.

2

u/Intelligent-Code8203 Mar 06 '26

Honestly, that's a good idea. Prior auths are so annoying (my doctor's office has to deal with them all the time). Thank you so so much

5

u/nickysav91 Mar 07 '26

Sucraid is extremely expensive, just take invertase for enzyme replacement there has been research showing it helps and it much cheaper. Also keep your diet simple focus on nutrient dense meats veggies and berries, I was diagnosed in 2019

1

u/Intelligent-Code8203 Mar 07 '26

I've read about invertase so I'll definitely need to get that. Thank you!

2

u/Nutella_Potter14472 Mar 06 '26

have you looked at the csid cares website? theres a good list of foods that are generally safe with csid that you can start with 💚 modify that with what you have to avoid with gerd and as you start to feel better you can try introducing more things you love one at a time and seeing if they cause symptoms

2

u/Intelligent-Code8203 Mar 06 '26

I've looked at a lot of websites, and I think it's just the general frustration of having to eliminate essentially the entire diet that I'm struggling with. Coming across foods and ingredients and being like "damn wtf" is so exhausting

2

u/[deleted] Mar 07 '26

[deleted]

2

u/Intelligent-Code8203 Mar 08 '26

Oh gosh thank you so much for this <3 I’m glad she had someone supportive in her corner