Intestinalis Lymphangiectasia

Connect with others who understand this condition

Looking for other IL patients and families?

We're a small group sharing practical experiences and what we've learned living with IL.

Connect with us

Share your experiences and learn from others in our private email community

We'll add you to our private Gmail group for ongoing discussions

What we share

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Recipes that work

Low-fat meals and recipes that IL patients actually use. Real experiences with what helps and what doesn't.

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Treatment experiences

What treatments, medications, or approaches have helped manage symptoms. Personal experiences only.

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Healthcare navigation

Which doctors or centers understand IL. How to communicate with healthcare providers about this rare condition.

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Practical tips

Where to find MCT oil, special foods, supplements. Daily life management strategies that actually work.

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Language help

We're from different countries. When language is a barrier, we use tools like DeepL to communicate.

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Mutual support

Understanding from people who live with the same challenges. Sometimes that's what helps most.

About Intestinal Lymphangiectasia

Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (IL) is a rare disorder where dilated lymph vessels in the small intestine leak protein-rich lymph fluid into the bowel, leading to protein loss and various symptoms.

Also known as: Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE), Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia (PIL)

Why connect with others

IL is rare enough that many doctors haven't seen it before. Connecting with other patients and families means:

  • Learning what has worked for others
  • Practical advice on daily management
  • Understanding you're not alone
  • Sharing what you've learned to help others

Our approach

We share what we've learned through living with IL. Every person's experience is different, but practical knowledge helps.

We're not trying to replace medical care - we're sharing real-world experience living with this condition.

Recognizing IL symptoms

Common symptoms:

  • Low protein levels in blood
  • Swelling (edema), especially legs/feet
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue and weakness

Less common symptoms:

  • Fluid in abdomen (ascites)
  • Lung fluid (pleural effusion)
  • Low lymphocyte count
  • Frequent infections
  • Growth issues in children
  • Nail and hair changes

Medical information about IL

How IL is diagnosed

  • Blood tests showing low protein
  • Endoscopy to see intestinal changes
  • Biopsy to confirm diagnosis
  • CT or MRI scans
  • Tests to rule out other causes

Common treatments

  • Very low-fat diet
  • MCT oil supplementation
  • Protein replacement
  • Medications like octreotide
  • Vitamins and supplements
  • Surgery in severe cases

Diet management from our community

Based on shared experiences, many find help with:

  • Very low-fat diet (often under 20g fat daily)
  • MCT oil as the main fat source
  • High-protein foods and protein powders
  • Fat-soluble vitamin supplements
  • Smaller, more frequent meals
  • Careful meal planning and preparation

Important information

This is a private initiative by IL patients and families. We share our experiences to help others navigate this condition.

This community does not replace professional medical care. We complement it by sharing practical, real-world experience.