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Hi all,
I'm not quite sure where I fit in with all of this. I had a colonoscopy done, which was normal then had a biopsy show that I "may" have MC. My GI was a bit vague because whatever he saw in the biopsy was quite minor. My general practitioner looked at the results as well and said it's not conclusively MC. Celiac test was negative. Either way I did have all the sypmtoms at some point however the diarhea is a bit under control now. I may go in the morning once or twice and that's it for the day. Often times the BM's are normal. The stomach cramps and nausea have subsided but I occasionally will have a stomach ache. My GI didn't educate me enough on this but I plan to ask him a lot more questions when I see him next week. I have been reading many posts on this board and seeing how severe some people have it. I'm wondering if I have a mild case. Is there such a thing? Or is it just the beginning of something that's coming. My GI said he wouldn't move forward with any steroid treatment unless it got worse. My biggest issue now however is the anxiety that has set in. I'm now being treated with Ativan because I just don't know what it is I have, if it's going to get better or worse. Any feedback will help.
Another Newcomer
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Hi,
Welcome aboard. Hmmmmm. "May" have MC certainly is vague. Do you happen to have a copy of the pathologist's report? That would be the easiest way to get a definitive answer, (IOW, we can interpret it). Most GI docs aren't very familiar with MC, and often seem lost, when trying to deal with it. MC is like being pregnant - either you have it, or you don't. Yes, it is possible to have a light case, though, or a case with few or even no clinical symptoms, (similar to asymptomatic celiac disease). If your biopsy slides show evidence of slightly inceased lymphocytic infiltration, for example, but not enough to justify a diagnosis of LC, then you might have a little known form of MC known as Paucicellular LC, (which I'm sure most GI docs are still unaware of, at this point).
Certain meds can cause MC, and in that case, discontinuing the use of the med, will often resolve the symptoms. It's possible that may have happened to you, (NSAIDs, for example, are a common trigger for MC), and that might explain why your symptoms have diminished. Depression and/or anxiety are common issues with MC, especially for those with debilitating symptoms.
I'm not a doctor, of course, but IMO, MC usually presents with "full throttle" symptoms, so it's unlikely that your symptoms will get significantly worse, (of course, just about anything is possible with MC, so that opinion isn't chiseled in stone, obviously). If your symptoms seem to be under control, it's possible that no treatment may be necessary. If you want to insure that it doesn't become worse, there are diet restrictions that you can follow, that may prevent further development. (Be aware that most GI docs do not realize that MC can be controlled by diet, however, and they will insist that diet has nothing to do with MC).
Again, welcome, and please feel free to ask any questions that come to mind.
Tex (Wayne)
Welcome aboard. Hmmmmm. "May" have MC certainly is vague. Do you happen to have a copy of the pathologist's report? That would be the easiest way to get a definitive answer, (IOW, we can interpret it). Most GI docs aren't very familiar with MC, and often seem lost, when trying to deal with it. MC is like being pregnant - either you have it, or you don't. Yes, it is possible to have a light case, though, or a case with few or even no clinical symptoms, (similar to asymptomatic celiac disease). If your biopsy slides show evidence of slightly inceased lymphocytic infiltration, for example, but not enough to justify a diagnosis of LC, then you might have a little known form of MC known as Paucicellular LC, (which I'm sure most GI docs are still unaware of, at this point).
Certain meds can cause MC, and in that case, discontinuing the use of the med, will often resolve the symptoms. It's possible that may have happened to you, (NSAIDs, for example, are a common trigger for MC), and that might explain why your symptoms have diminished. Depression and/or anxiety are common issues with MC, especially for those with debilitating symptoms.
I'm not a doctor, of course, but IMO, MC usually presents with "full throttle" symptoms, so it's unlikely that your symptoms will get significantly worse, (of course, just about anything is possible with MC, so that opinion isn't chiseled in stone, obviously). If your symptoms seem to be under control, it's possible that no treatment may be necessary. If you want to insure that it doesn't become worse, there are diet restrictions that you can follow, that may prevent further development. (Be aware that most GI docs do not realize that MC can be controlled by diet, however, and they will insist that diet has nothing to do with MC).
Again, welcome, and please feel free to ask any questions that come to mind.
Tex (Wayne)
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
It may be possible for certain antibiotics to trigger MC - we've heard of it happening before, but that's not common, of course. Once you have MC, some antibiotics tend to cause a flare. Ciprofloxacin, on the other hand, will almost always bring temporary remission of symptoms. Of course, the D will usually resume, a few days after the Cipro treatment ends.
You're most welcome,
Tex
You're most welcome,
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
If you use Pepto Bismol too long you stand a chance of bismouth poisoning. I believe it's not recommended for more than 6 weeks but please wait for confirmation on that time frame.
It's not something I'd want to rely on for any length of time and after stopping the treatment the MC normally returns.
I'm glad your symptoms are mild and I hope they continue to be so.
Welcome to our "family".
Shirley
It's not something I'd want to rely on for any length of time and after stopping the treatment the MC normally returns.
I'm glad your symptoms are mild and I hope they continue to be so.
Welcome to our "family".
Shirley
When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber"
-- Winston Churchill
-- Winston Churchill
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
Greetings Gillis---and welcome ---
As Shirley posted----I am ONE that cannot take Pepto--due to the bismuth---
Also I was treated for MCC---had some issues with *fillers* ---I have been *free* of the big *D* for a few years now---
Dont give up---keep reading and QUESTION--whatever comes to your mind--
Good luck on your *wellness* trail--
Barbara
As Shirley posted----I am ONE that cannot take Pepto--due to the bismuth---
Also I was treated for MCC---had some issues with *fillers* ---I have been *free* of the big *D* for a few years now---
Dont give up---keep reading and QUESTION--whatever comes to your mind--
Good luck on your *wellness* trail--
Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
WELCOME GILLIS!! 
I initially thought my MC appeared without warning, but as I look back, I realize that my stools were becoming softer, if not more frequent. Most of us don't know what brought on the MC, but studies have shown that prior NSAIDS usage is common MCers. I took a daily aspirin regimen before I got MC and have stopped the practice. At the very least, you shouldn't take NSAIDS anymore. Most of us here take Tylenol for pain/fever.
I had a severe reaction to Pepto Bismol and, as Shirley wrote, it isn't recommended for long term use.
You may want to keep a food/elimination diary for a time to see if there's any correlation between what you eat and the type of stools you have a day or so later. If you have D on some days, but solid stools on others, there may be a food connection.
Feel free to ask us any questions - we aren't embarrassed by them. We've usually been there, wondered that.
Gloria
I initially thought my MC appeared without warning, but as I look back, I realize that my stools were becoming softer, if not more frequent. Most of us don't know what brought on the MC, but studies have shown that prior NSAIDS usage is common MCers. I took a daily aspirin regimen before I got MC and have stopped the practice. At the very least, you shouldn't take NSAIDS anymore. Most of us here take Tylenol for pain/fever.
I had a severe reaction to Pepto Bismol and, as Shirley wrote, it isn't recommended for long term use.
You may want to keep a food/elimination diary for a time to see if there's any correlation between what you eat and the type of stools you have a day or so later. If you have D on some days, but solid stools on others, there may be a food connection.
Feel free to ask us any questions - we aren't embarrassed by them. We've usually been there, wondered that.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
Thanks so much everyone. It's nice to know there are caring people out there willing to help a lost soul. I know of no one who has this so it's been a tough two months.
Do any of you take probiotics? Can that help? Isn't MC in part caused by the depletion of good bacteria? I also started drinking chamomille tea as it claims to help digestion and anxiety.
Do any of you take probiotics? Can that help? Isn't MC in part caused by the depletion of good bacteria? I also started drinking chamomille tea as it claims to help digestion and anxiety.
Welcome Gillis!
Glad to hear you are feeling good and not having D. This illness is strange in that sometimes it comes and goes. If you read through threads on this site you will find that most of us have identified food intolerances. If your symptoms return you may want to look closely at your diet. As Gloria suggested, a food diary can be very helpful. There are also some tests you can do to speed up the process.
Again, welcome!
Mary Beth
Glad to hear you are feeling good and not having D. This illness is strange in that sometimes it comes and goes. If you read through threads on this site you will find that most of us have identified food intolerances. If your symptoms return you may want to look closely at your diet. As Gloria suggested, a food diary can be very helpful. There are also some tests you can do to speed up the process.
Again, welcome!
Mary Beth
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barbaranoela
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 5394
- Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 6:11 pm
- Location: New York
Gillis====in the beginning I had a GI that was a total ass---knew nothing about nothing--and I suffered a few years under his (scratching his head) and his humms and whatever---to add he was HIGHLY recommended as one of the top GI's --DUH!!!
Of course--me not searching further--nor even THINKING of it--trudged along with him--
UNTIL a good friend of mine contacted his brother( a doctor in NYC) to find me a knowledge GI and he did--
When I went to see Dr. Chapman --at that point I was very bad---so I had to do the PREDNIZONE plus ASACOL(asacol didnt work so that went out the door) and I went on COLAZAL which got me on that Long long waited *wellness road*
I always have posted---I didnt suffer with the issues that so many do here--in our family--took me a few years with Chapman but things are good---
Also sometimes ONE has to get get WORSE before your GI will know what to do!!!!! NOWAY!!!!! he should be in the know---
As U can--no doubt read---I am not too happy with what your GI has said to U!!!!!!
Let him know U DONT WANT TO GET WORSE=====GLORY BE DONT THESE GUYS EVER GET IT
I hope U get some answers and if U arent HAPPY with his *well* than find another GI or tell this one U WONT wait to feel WORSE!!!!
Take care---ask away--U will always get helpful answers here--
Sorry for the attack of my words but I had been down your road!!!!
Lets hear how U do--
Barbara
Of course--me not searching further--nor even THINKING of it--trudged along with him--
UNTIL a good friend of mine contacted his brother( a doctor in NYC) to find me a knowledge GI and he did--
When I went to see Dr. Chapman --at that point I was very bad---so I had to do the PREDNIZONE plus ASACOL(asacol didnt work so that went out the door) and I went on COLAZAL which got me on that Long long waited *wellness road*
I always have posted---I didnt suffer with the issues that so many do here--in our family--took me a few years with Chapman but things are good---
Also sometimes ONE has to get get WORSE before your GI will know what to do!!!!! NOWAY!!!!! he should be in the know---
As U can--no doubt read---I am not too happy with what your GI has said to U!!!!!!
Let him know U DONT WANT TO GET WORSE=====GLORY BE DONT THESE GUYS EVER GET IT
I hope U get some answers and if U arent HAPPY with his *well* than find another GI or tell this one U WONT wait to feel WORSE!!!!
Take care---ask away--U will always get helpful answers here--
Sorry for the attack of my words but I had been down your road!!!!
Lets hear how U do--
Barbara
the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control
Gillis, we're glad you found us.Regarding your question about the Pepto-Bismol treatment - Dr. Fine developed that treatment about 10 or 15 years ago, but he no longer recommends it. To show you how slowly the medical community adapts to change, many mainstream GI docs are only recently becoming aware of that treatment, and they are beginning to recommend it, (after the originator of the treatment has already stopped recommending it. 
) As Shirley mentioned, it's a high dosage, 8 or 9 tablets for 8 weeks, (rather then 6 weeks, as she mentioned), so there might be a risk of a toxic buildup of bismuth, if it were continued indefinitely, at that rate. Unless you are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate, however, it probably won't hurt you to try the treatment. It will bring remission in about 85% of cases. However, (and this is probably one of the main reasons why Dr. Fine stopped recommending it), if you are gluten-sensitive, and if you do not adopt the GF diet when you start the treatment, you will relapse, a few days or so after the treatment is ended. Be aware that it will turn your stools pitch black.
I am aware of at least one member here, who uses the Pepto treatment continually, or as needed, at slightly reduced daily dosage rates, with no apparent ill effects.
Theoretically, a good probiotic should be beneficial, but unfortunately, despite much experimentation, so far, at least, I'm not aware of anyone here who has posted that they have seem good long-term benefits from taking a probiotic. It is definitely recommended, however, that you begin a treatment program with a good probiotic, immediately following any treatment with an antibiodic, (especially treatment with augmentin, or one of the antibiotics in that family), in order to reduce the risk of a C. diff infection. IOW, the antibiotic will tend to kill virtually all the good bacteria in the GI tract, (along with the bad ones), and a probiotic will help to prevent a bad strain from taking over, as the gut is repopulated, again. Continue taking a probiotic for at least a couple of weeks, after a treatment with any antibiotic, even the less risky antibiotics.
Yes, various types of tea seem to have digestive system benefits, and many members here use them.
Tex
) As Shirley mentioned, it's a high dosage, 8 or 9 tablets for 8 weeks, (rather then 6 weeks, as she mentioned), so there might be a risk of a toxic buildup of bismuth, if it were continued indefinitely, at that rate. Unless you are allergic to bismuth subsalicylate, however, it probably won't hurt you to try the treatment. It will bring remission in about 85% of cases. However, (and this is probably one of the main reasons why Dr. Fine stopped recommending it), if you are gluten-sensitive, and if you do not adopt the GF diet when you start the treatment, you will relapse, a few days or so after the treatment is ended. Be aware that it will turn your stools pitch black.I am aware of at least one member here, who uses the Pepto treatment continually, or as needed, at slightly reduced daily dosage rates, with no apparent ill effects.
Theoretically, a good probiotic should be beneficial, but unfortunately, despite much experimentation, so far, at least, I'm not aware of anyone here who has posted that they have seem good long-term benefits from taking a probiotic. It is definitely recommended, however, that you begin a treatment program with a good probiotic, immediately following any treatment with an antibiodic, (especially treatment with augmentin, or one of the antibiotics in that family), in order to reduce the risk of a C. diff infection. IOW, the antibiotic will tend to kill virtually all the good bacteria in the GI tract, (along with the bad ones), and a probiotic will help to prevent a bad strain from taking over, as the gut is repopulated, again. Continue taking a probiotic for at least a couple of weeks, after a treatment with any antibiotic, even the less risky antibiotics.
Yes, various types of tea seem to have digestive system benefits, and many members here use them.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.