Mesenteric Panniculitis or Sclerosing Mesenteritis
I thought I would start a discussion for patients with Mesenteric Panniculitis. From what I know, this auto-immune disorder has three stages to it, each with differing names (Mesenteric Panniculitis, Schlerosing Mesenteritis, Retractile Mesenteritis). Typically, this appears to be in older individuals with some other under-lying problem (Lymphoma, tumor, diverticulitis).
I have an atypical presentation because I do not have an underlying cause. The doctors seem to be hoping for Lymphoma to appear so they can treat it and have the auto-immune go away. I am interested in hearing from others with this. I had this diagnosed in 2011, so I am interested in hearing more about what this is like to live with. I want to hear from others who also have an atypical presentation. Did is come back? Also interested in hearing from those with Lymphoma. How was the treatment? Did it address the auto-immune?
Pretty much, I am interested in hearing from anyone who has had this, so i can better understand it, and not feel so alone with this!!
Bill
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Google has a lot of information, so does the support group on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/groups/509021492520535/ It is a closed group, so you have to ask to join. I'm on both this one and that one. Really great information. The other thing I wanted to mention, exercise. I walk every day about two miles. It keeps things moving, if you know what I mean...
Hi @berbitz - the link above is broken but they just setup a new website and it makes it a lot easier for people who are not on Facebook. Here's the link to the group which now has 501c3 status - http://solutions2pnpd.com/. You can also just go to the search at the top of the Facebook screen and type the groups name - Solutions to Peripheral Neuropathy Pain & Discomfort. I also belong to the group and the protocol has reduced the numbness in my legs - used to be just below the knees in both legs and now it's just above the ankles. I'm happy if that is my new norm because it means it's not progressing like the neurologist said it was going to do.
Exercise definitely helps - just have to be careful not to overdo it.
John
So glad to hear you're new norm is better. I agree, you can't overdo the exercise. For me, walking is plenty.
Ok the site isn't working at all from my ipad, let see if it will work from a alien ware : )
Thank you for welcoming me ! I am glad to be here. I am very happy with all the resources everyone is sharing with
me. I am taking notes.
I do have some questions.. will the doctors have to do a biopsy to diagnose this? Is there any limit to the organs this disease can
affect?
Not what you want to do when you are in pain, but I agree walk it off 🙂 Thing that is going to be tough for me is going back
to lifting once I go back to work for the school district. I may have to find a easier line of work.
The doctors don't have to do a biopsy to diagnose MP. I was diagnosed through a CT Scan. Every six months I get another CT to check if anything has changed. MP is located in the Messentary and is considered an auto-immune disease. When you do see your doctor, bring a notepad full of questions. You are your own best advocate.
I will.So it is a auto -immune disease? Do they refer your u to a rheumatologist?
I have only seen a GI doctor.
Thank you for your help. Sorry it has taken me so long to get back but I was having computer problems. I had gone into the ER with flank pain for possible kidney stone (which pain wasn't real bad so did not think it was a kidney stone)and was diagnosed through a CT scan. I was put on Flagyl, which caused bad side effects and had to stop. I can't say I really have symptoms other than I have a feeling like some thing is there in my epigastric area and bad reflux. I have been dealing with this for a couple of years. I do get a feeling of nausea at times but it is mild. I have seen a gastroenterologist for this and he did an endoscopy and said I had some gastritis and to watch what I eat. I have been on Nexium for years but it really does not help. I was referred to a general surgeon from the ER and had an UGI and an esophageal manometry done. UGI showed a small sliding hiatal hernia, still waiting on the esophageal manometry results. Can my reflux be caused by the MP? In my readings so far, I have not seen this as a symptom. There is a procedure they can do to help the GERD but it involves surgery and I have read that surgery could aggravate it. Any and all information will be appreciated.
43 here!