Mesenteric Panniculitis and Sclerosing Mesenteritis: Let's connect

A radiologist diagnosed me with MP in 2016 after a CT scan. 6 months later I had another CT scan and it was still the same diagnosis. For fear of having a million dollar work up and still no solutions I tried a different approach. I stopped seeing my GI doc and returned to my primary doctor with the idea that my symptoms seem to return with extreme prejudice when I’m stressed or suffering from anxiety. I asked my doctor about trying medication to control my anxiety or stress and I was prescribed a very small dose of generic Prozac. 10mg Just strong enough to take the edge off. It took a few weeks for the drug to work but eventually my MP symptoms which I refer to as “stomach spells” went away. I realize this might not be the answer for everyone. I can only tell you that I found relief from it. I ran out of Prozac last week and my stomach spells returned with a vengeance this evening right before I was to turn in for the night.
So I decided to post my results of the past 6 months online. I plan to return to my primary doc and continue with this approach. My hope is that I don’t develop a tolerance and eventually have to increase my Prozac dosage but coming from a background in Pharmaceuticals my guess is this will probably be the case eventually. Also I started drinking sparkling water for relief. Belching seems to keep my inflammation down and I grew tired, unhealthy and fat drinking sodas. Zero calorie, zero sweetener sparkling water. Exercising works also if you’re not too bloated or inflamed to actually work out. Make the time to exercise your brain and body will thank you. When all else fails I reach for my tum tum tum tums just like tonight. Find something to read online because it’s going to be a long night.

The deal is we have this issue that is rare and hasn’t been solved yet.
All we can do is treat or try and prevent the symptoms from returning until a cure is found.
I can only assume that my MP is A typical because my GI doc performed a scope and colonoscopy and found no evidence of Cancer, Lupus or anything else that could be underlying but only time will tell.
Wishing you all the best of luck learning to live with this. Should anyone have any other ways of treating their symptoms please share. Maybe your way will work for others including myself.

During Covid, I found myself in the ER twice in a great deal of stomach pain. The CT scan showed MP. The GI doctor refused to believe I had it because all my inflammation markers were normal. Fast forward, I continue to have flares and scans show MP.
Overall, I am in excellent health. I am going to add some supplements and tweaks to my diet. What can I expect as far as medication and treatment for this diagnosis.
Thank you in advance,
Barb

During Covid, I found myself in the ER twice in a great deal of stomach pain. The CT scan showed MP. The GI doctor refused to believe I had it because all my inflammation markers were normal. Fast forward, I continue to have flares and scans show MP.
Overall, I am in excellent health. I am going to add some supplements and tweaks to my diet. What can I expect as far as medication and treatment for this diagnosis.
Thank you in advance,
Barb

May I ask what were your symptoms? I was just diagnosed on a CT scan that I drank Barrium and got contrast in iv.

Kathy

During Covid, I found myself in the ER twice in a great deal of stomach pain. The CT scan showed MP. The GI doctor refused to believe I had it because all my inflammation markers were normal. Fast forward, I continue to have flares and scans show MP.
Overall, I am in excellent health. I am going to add some supplements and tweaks to my diet. What can I expect as far as medication and treatment for this diagnosis.
Thank you in advance,
Barb

My diagnosis of Mesenteric Panniculitis confirmed by CT with contrast was a year ago- March 2024. I’ve seen multiple providers and have had an exhaustive work up of testing. I’ve changed my diet, Fodmap, etc. Questions- has anyone tried Fodzyme digestive enzymes powder? ALSO, my Gastro Dr pushed on my abdomen and found tender areas when he had me lift my legs and hold them there (carnets sign?) He is sending me to pain management for abdominal trigger point injections. I’m hesitant. Anyone else try this???

I change my diet and it helps. What is fodzyme? Will have to check it out

Hello -
I was just diagnosed with MP - by a catscan. So far, my PCP dismissed it as 'just fat in the abdomen.' I was a little shocked. I have an appt with a gastro next Thursday. I have back pain, bloating, my stomach feels big. My PCP said - do you have vomiting, or weight loss? I was like, no - so she said, ok you're ok then and dismissed the whole thing. Anyway I am on Colchicine for gout because my hands and feet started to swell in the Spring, and that really helps it. Not sure where to turn so if anyone has advice - I can go to NY, NJ, CT, Boston. . . or anywhere reasonable around me. If I have to go to MICHIGAN to the Mayo Clinic, I will but hoping I don't have to. travel that far. I have another rare condition so this is frustrating and I feel tired alot. -

Well I'm glad to talk to others after constantly searching to see if what I feel is normal for people diagnosed with sclerosing mesenteritis. I have lived with discomfort and pain most of my life due to infertility issues for over 18 years and that was 25 years ago and had many abdominal surgeries. My last 3 cat scans over last 3-4 years and visits to various qualified doctors including ruling out lymphoma at this point with an oncologist point to this diagnosis. My symptoms are as follows. I feel gas and bowel moving from place to place along with ripping sensations alot, sometimes a pain that takes my breath away although it dosen't last too long. Serious cramping at different times, of course bloating. I do get mid thoracic discomfort that I always thought was an old ski injury, however now that it's in the problem area, maybe it's related. Anyway it would be nice to talk to people that might have these symptoms so I know it's within normal limits. I am active and almost 70 🙂 No meds used as of yet. 🙂