Cameron’s Story: Colitis

Stressed. Frustrated. Grasping at straws. I assume that I was like a lot of other clients before I found Russell, who was mentioned as a resource on a Facebook support group for those suffering from colitis. My diagnosis of “severe collagenous microscopic colitis” was new to me and I was frantically cycling through every kind of dietary fix I could think of. I had already quit coffee, which was hard, and I knew not to drink alcohol. I had eliminated processed food, especially sugary processed food. It had been years since I'd eaten much gluten. But what about Gluten- Free stuff?And the Low Fodmap diet? What about nightshades? What about sulfites? And sulfates? And what was the difference? It felt like I couldn't eat anything. I tried CBD oil, psyllium husks, anything to slow things down. I had lost 35 pounds. I worried that I was going to have to quit my job, which involved quite a bit of travel and go on disability. I was at the end of my rope.

Today, six months after starting Russell's program to address my dysbiosis (a new word for me), I have come a long way. From not being able to eat anything to being able to eat a very, very wide variety of foods. I allow myself all vegetables, even the nightshades. I don't even think about sulfites/sulfates anymore, or Low Fodmap. I even have a little coffee. I am traveling for work and I don't worry about being away from my own kitchen. I've started to regain the weight and am up about 10 pounds from my absolute low.

What was Russell's part in all of this? A lot of empathy (he's been there), a lot of common sense ("Everything is either complimentary or insulting; there is no neutral") and a whole lot of support. From the extensive supplement program to the daily and then weekly check-ins, I felt like I was no longer on this journey alone. And better yet, I felt like I now had a plan, which was enormously comforting. Megan, his wife, was hugely helpful as well, keeping an eye on the supplement side of things and making sure I had exactly what I needed. Their son Brian is also involved, as you'll find out if you attend one of their weekly Zoom sessions. The support has been tremendous, and the journey continues as I get back to my life before my diagnosis. I will not be going back to candy and cookies and alcohol. I am not 20 years old anymore. For me, the journey continues, but I'm in remission, I'm getting stronger, I no longer live in fear and there's a real feeling that we're all in it together. Me. Russell. Megan. All of their other clients. I am hugely, massively grateful.

Cameron Morfit, age 51
Jacksonville, Florida
February 2021