Mesenteric Panniculitis or Sclerosing Mesenteritis

Hi, @pcfromfm. I just happened to come across your post with this photo while searching for something else on this site. Had to let you know that it's just gorgeous.

Is this group still active?

It is.

We are just really quiet.

Hello @kimh, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. We are a group of patients and caring individuals that want to help each other with the issues that we have dealt with and are currently dealing with. The Mayo Clinic has one of the best teams of Gastroenteriologist in the world.
I hope all is well with you and wonder if you can tell us a little bit about what brings you to the Mayo Clinic Connect.
Von @vdouglas

Hello @poppy73, how are you doing this evening?
Von

I have just been diagnosed (from keyhole biopsy) with Mesenteric Panniculitus. I think the Specialists thought I may have had Lymphoma, but no. I have had symptoms of pain in my stomach for over twelve months and when I work too hard in the garden get very sore and tired. Occasionally I also get stomach cramps. It has been suggested that I take steroids (P) and tamoxifen, but haven't started yet. I am a bit apprehensive as I've never taken many tables in my life. I'm a 65 year old woman.

Hi Jolie D,
I can certainly understand your hesitation about taking Prednisone (steriods). I was hesitant, too. But I took them for three months and felt much better. There were a few side effects, but nothing really serious. If you are really concerned, you can get a second opinion. A lot of us on this site have taken Prednisone. If someone else would like to tell Jolie how they felt when taking Prednisone, feel free to chime in. You'll get a lot of support here. Good luck to you.
Bertbiz

Hello everyone and thanks for responding. I suppose that you all have experienced some frustration with MP. I had been experiencing symptoms again (in late August) and because so many other things were going on at the time, my symptoms were attributed to other sicknesses (IBS....which I don't have!). At this point, I will be seeing my specialist next Friday and am hoping that he is able to give me some options other than pred for treatment. My GP and surgeon are reluctant about putting me back on an aggressive treatment with pred because of the side effects. Have any of you tried anything besides pred?

Hi all,
Prednisone took care of the pain and inflammations (I was on it for 6 months) which is the most important point. My side effects were many however. My hair became dry and brittle, I grew facial hair, gained about 40 lbs. (I also have hypothyroidism) and now have osteopenia. But honestly, within about 10 days, I would say that my pain had subsided substantially. I hope this helps.