Microscopic Colitis

Oh, thank goodness @janstur! I do gotta say though, it’s funny to hear how you feel much better dealing with constipation. We are absolutely opposite in that regard. 😀

I’ve had a colonoscopy, then an upper scope locally a maybe 5 years ago because of a thick stomach showing up on a CT I believe. I had an anorectal manometry that led me to Mayo’s bowel evacuation program 3 years ago. Recently, a gastric emptying test showed good transit times.

Glad we met here! The struggles are real and so, so difficult to explain to anyone.

What is next for you?

Well, day 3 of constipation is not so fun. lol. I 'm so sorry for what you're going through. As for me, it makes it hard to plan things. Will I have a flare-up? I have a trip coming up, that's causing major anxiety. It involves a 10-hour drive. Then there's another weekend trip. Who knows?

Thanks @janstur. Likewise, I am sorry you have an added travel planning stressor with all this. Kudos to you for persevering!

Have you tried charcoal, what @ymoreno2 reported in her original post?

Does charcoal work?

Question: Can microcolitis cause constipation? When I was diagnosed, it was the opposite and the budesonide fixed it. Now, all of a sudden I'm having the opposite happen. Is this a relapse or something new?

Hi,
All I know is I had a relapse of diarrhea 5/5 to 5/21 and started Budesonide at a lower dose (I couldn't tolerate it before) 6mg. on 5/14 and then 5/21-5/25 had constipation. I read that yes it can be part of MC. I took Ducolax, 3 over 2 days and then the dam broke and so did my stomach aches. I'm starting to eat normally again and am not fatigued anymore. Best of luck to you.

Hi Again,
Now I'm dealing with constipation. Had for 4 days, cramping, etc, took 3 ducolax over 12 hours and then had a "normal" day. The next day back to constipation! Day 3 today. Took 3 ducolax again over the last 12 hours and have barely had success. Cramps, etc. I drink kefir every morning and green tea with optifiber. Doesn't seem to help. I'm still on Budesonide. Keep leaving messages with my GI doc and they don't get back to me. I think they may have too many patients. On top of that, went to urgent care yesterday and have UTI. Am on antibiotics now. Geez! Do I ever get a normal life again? I'm very discouraged.

I finally got called back and they said avoid ducolax and do Maalox instead. It doesn't have a stimulant. Good to know.

Hello everyone,
Diagnosed w/MC last July, health went downhill fast, down to 85 lbs and ended up w/PTSD...what a nightmare! I have been on 30mg Mirtazapine and 5mg Lexapro since January and that pulled me out of the PTSD. Mentally and emotionally am doing well, but had a flare a few weeks ago....trying to get it under control. I stopped all natural supplements (I was on a LOT) which helped, but stools still very soft w/occasional diarrhea. I am just taking D3, Magnesium Glycinate and Brain MD. Am sticking to a BRAT diet w/roasted chicken and well cooked carrots, squash, spinach, sweet potato and white rice. My gut likes these.

Been on Creon since last August and I tried weaning off of it slowly a few days ago. My gut said, "No!" I have an order for a fecal elastane test but I'm afraid to stop the Creon for 2 full days before the test for fear of dealing with a lot of diarrhea again. Has anyone experienced this?

My GI ordered Budesonide last summer but I never took it so it's still in my bathroom cabinet. I have read so many people's accounts of recovering quickly w/Budesonide but that the D returned once they stopped. Is this the general concensus here?

Thank yo for any comments, suggestions or opinions.

I'm curious as to why you've been asked to discontinue Creon before your fecal elastase test? My understanding is that Creon does not affect the outcome of this test (according to my GI.); however, diarrhea will definitely affect the result giving a lower level than what you would get with a better-formed stool sample. Also, please take the Budesonide! Not everyone relapses after coming off Budesonide, and many of us stay on a maintenance dose for years. Unlike other steroids, Budesonide acts mainly on the colon and does not have all the side effects of other steroids. It's worth taking, especially since you have had such a difficult time with managing your MC.