Connect
IBS, Crohns, colitis, sarcoidosis?
Have had bowel issues for years. First it was bouts of diarrhea every time I ate. Doctor said probably IBS but the meds were worse than the condition. Later, the constant diarrhea went away and became stomach cramps w/first meal of the day and several bowel movements. Had a colonoscopy/endo which showed gastritis & diverticulosis. After that had a bout of diverticulitis.
Past couple years had random bouts of diarrhea, or just pain. Then got to bowel changes w/urgency, or the bowel acted like it didn't know what to do. Had another colonoscopy/upper gi endo. Doctor never got back to me, w/diagnosis in 2 months, but pathology report said: focal active colitis, focal neutrophilic cryptitis, crypt architectural disarray, mild increase in lymphoplasmacytic cells, & few mucosal granulomas in colon, as well as granuloma in the stomach. Findings suggest: possible Crohn's, less likely sarcoidosis.
Today I got a letter from doctor saying there are no abnormalities that require changing current management. (Not doing anything or taking anything so I'm not sure what that means). Biopsies showed no significant inflammation, but both biopsies show granulomas, that could be related to history of sarcoidosis.
So, all that to say, how do I know what the actual problem is? I do have sarcoidosis diagnosed through a mediastinoscopy. Is that the cause of all the bowel and stomach issues? Is focal active colitis nothing a condition or just a symptom of something else?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.
Connect
As a place to start, can you follow up with your doctor and ask for a more detailed explanation of the results? Or would you want to get a second opinion?
From what you mentioned, it sounds like the letter they sent is contradictory to the pathology report.
If the colonoscopy and endoscopy really do show nothing significant, then you could talk to them about options for managing your symptoms. Now, I know from experience that conversation might not yield much, but I feel it would be ideal to rule out the other things before moving on to figuring out other ways that might give you more relief.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYeah, I'm working on getting a second opinion. This doctor hasn't been too helpful.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI was called today by my doctor and he said I have colitis I also have IBS on top of that I have sciatica pain severe. I'm extremely confused and really don't know what to do I feel weak I'm so dehydrated I drink plenty of water eat lots of fruits but I don't seem to get any better. He prescribed steroids and pain medicine for the sciatica. But what about colitis? I don't know if to go to the hospital or just wait and see what he'll give me for the colitis. Since he does not know what type of colitis it might be. What would be your recommendation? Should I go to a hospital? Or just wait on my doctor?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactionspain meds are just masking the pain and not dealing with the cause of the sciatica. I've had this before and a good chiropractor/massage therapist/PT combo will fix that. Your nerve is being pinched by muscles that are tight and a skeletal system that is out of balance. A chiro will keep your system in balance, while the massage keeps your muscle looser so that they aren't pulling on stuff and causing things to go out of balance and the PT will help with sometimes (depending on the PT) on both those but will also work with exercises to keep things strong and in balance.
Having severe pain like that can make you feel weak and tired, so you maybe getting enough water.
The colitis if you are having diarrhea with it will definitely cause dehydration and fatigue as well. But I would get that sciatica fixed not with meds as those can cause too many problems too. Wait on your doc with what route he will help with on the colitus but do your research big time with this too. Medical docs seem to push the drugs as the first chance and I don't know about you but I hate that. I will advocate for myself do my research and see what natural ways I can improve the situation and drugs/surgeries are my last resort. But that's me. You will need to decide what's best for you.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsThanks 🙏 so much for your comment. It is really helpful
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi Nena
To find out what kind of colitis you have, you may need to have a colonoscopy. I had severe diarrhea and it took a 2 month wait to get a colonoscopy. This revealed microscopic colitis (from biopsies taken during the procedure) and after scaling my diet down to a few things and gradually adding one thing at a time, and taking one 3 mg capsule of Budesonide daily, I am now on a pretty varied diet and have no more diarrhea unless I have a flare.
A flare for me is an episode or 2 of diarrhea, usually lasting 1-2 days. Good luck with getting help.
Margot
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHas there been any recommendations for dietary changes?
What testing was done to diagnose colitis? Hopefully it was a colonoscopy where some biopsies were taken and examined by the lab. If that doc office has a registered dietitian you should take advantage of that to create a diet that works for you.
I am also wondering what testing you’ve had done for your sciatica? Through a lumbar MRI docs should get an idea of what nerve is impinged (pinched). A qualified Physical Therapist should be able to help with that. For me, I was able to push off back surgery for a couple years with the help of my PT, ice, proper stretching and exercises, etc….
PT, Chiropractic and Massage have done a lot for me over the years with all sorts of problems that the medical doc would just throw muscle relaxers or pain meds on. Nothing worse than an iminged nerve....causes all sorts of health issues not just pain.