Anybody diagnosed with microscopic colitis?

@oregonian I’ve not taken budesonide, but it was for that exact reason. I’ve had mc for about 35 years now and the person who finally explained everything about the drug and what it can do to you was my pharmacist (makes sense). It is recommended if you have osteoporosis not to take it. It will just make your bones more brittle than they already are. It’s recommended to not take it if you have thyroid disease or osteoarthritis as well. Any kind of steroid like budesonide will damage your bones.

Thanks, that is good to know. I broke my left shoulder a few years ago. Thing is, I fell on my right side and broke the left shoulder. This was because my had thrown my left arm up to catch myself so I know my bones are pretty brittle. I am not sure that my gastro doctor even knows that I have the osteoporosis!

@oregonian Definitely tell your GI you have it, and any other preexisting conditions. If you haven’t had a bone density test done, maybe you should get one. However, don’t take osteoporosis med if you can avoid it. That can cause damage if you have osteoarthritis. What does help is bumping up your Vitamin D3 and calcium, plus core exercises (like walking everyday). Also, if you spend only 15 minutes a day in the sun - without sunscreen - you get a full daily dose of regular vitamin D! And it doesn’t even have to be 15 minutes at one time.

Hi, @oregonian - A broken shoulder sounds painful.

Medical advice about the details of your particular condition and balancing your GI and your osteoporosis needs should come from your primary care doctor, gastroenterologist and/or endocrinologist. Mayo Clinic Connect members can share their experience but not provide medical advice.

I agree with @ndough that telling your gastroenterologist about the osteoporosis would be wise, if you've not already done so. Getting physician or multiple of your physicians' advice would be really good to ensure your GI and osteoporosis needs are all being met and risks addressed.

If you've not already, you might check out and consider following the Mayo Clinic Connect Osteoporosis & Bone Health support group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/osteoporosis/.

I have collagenous microscopic colitis and Celiac disease. I've been on budesonide several times; unfortunately, this doesn't work for me. I feel miserable on it, and return to chronic diarrhea shortly after I stop. Unfortunately, this has made it challenging to maintain healthy potassium levels.

@szelisk Green bananas! Whenever I have a flare up, I can eat green bananas. Don’t eat ripe ones, those help with constipation. But bananas have tons of potassium.

I had diarrhea for five months before being diagnosed with cytolic microscopic colitis . Before starting any treatment it reversed to chronic constipation. Has anyone experienced this complete reversal of symptoms?

Was diagnosed with microscopic colitis a few months ago. Put on budesonide for 2 months. Diarrhea improved for a while, but I continue substantial bleeding with bowel movements. I have followed cautious diet, don’t tolerate raw fiber (like salads and most fruits). But try to get fiber from cooked vegetables and fiber supplements. Any experiences you can share?

@annettam - I'm so sorry to hear you've experienced substantial bleeding with bowel movements, despite the cautious diet.

What is your doctor saying about the blood with your bowel movements? How do you feel about it?

@annettam I’ve had microscopic colitis for more than 35 years but have never heard of bleeding being associated with it (doesn’t mean it’s not). However, maybe you should try to find out what the source of your bleeding is? Don’t think it’s from MC. Food-wise, I can’t eat anything with fiber when I’m in a flare up. Plain carbs will help stop it the fastest. Fiber supplements will only make it worse.