IBS When its not actually ibs.. a caution....

[becvan]

For almost five years now I've been running under the belief that I had IBS and that's completely normal with PTSD (of course.) Unfortunately, in my case, it was not. Last week I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I am on meds, a restricted diet and just finished antibiotics for a severe infection. At a later date my UC might be upgraded to Crohns. Both are autoimmune diseases. I was diagnosed so late that I"m in the severe stage and if we don't get it under control I could lose my colon.

I have had severe (as in over 10 bowel movements a day) diarrea every day for almost four years straight. I had intermitent pain. I was chronically underweight. This spring I bloated up, got constipated and have had bleeding and mucas since. (yes I know this is gross.)

The diarrea, pain and weight loss are not necessarily IBS only. 47% of all UC cases are first misdiagnosed as IBS. I just learned that. Swelling, bleeding and mucas are NOT IBS related. If you have those symptoms something else is wrong with you.

PLEASE, please get stool samples and/or colonoscopy done and ensure it is not UC or Crohns.

And yes, I"m okay. I'm now working on healing. Same strategy for PTSD, information with action. :)

Just a freindly make sure.. post.

bec

 

[cat]

Thanks Bec. I do feel that drs are too quick to put stomach problems down to anxiety & therefore IBS without further investigation, surely its time for them to think beyond our ptsd symptoms!

 

[James B.]

Last week I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. I am on meds, a restricted diet and just finished antibiotics for a severe infection. At a later date my UC might be upgraded to Crohns. Both are autoimmune diseases. I was diagnosed so late that I"m in the severe stage and if we don't get it under control I could lose my colon.

Dear becvan, I am so sorry, sincerely hope you get this thing under control, and get healed up soon!

 

[becvan]

Thanks to both of you. Yes, it is time for doctors to start actually looking and investigating instead of assuming. However it is also our jobs to keep ourselves as informed as possible. I feel just as responsible as my doctors because I never gave it another thought either even though I knew my "IBS" was very severe.

I also hope I get it under control! I will try very hard and not give up! :)

bec

 

[James B.]

I feel just as responsible as my doctors because I never gave it another thought either even though I knew my "IBS" was very severe

Similar here. Never even did a web search regarding the sciatica ('97) just did what my Rolfer said. Truth is, I was scared 'cause i had hurt my spine, back in '89.

Good luck with everything, becvan. :) :tup:

 

[Srain]

Thank you for the information, Becvan. I hope you get it under control, I'm watching what is going on with me very closely because of the very reasons you explained, though mine are for a different reason.

I hope you get things taken care of and find relief.
((hugs))
Peace,
Rain

 

[The Albatross]

(((Hope you feel better soon Bec))) And really thoughtful to post your personal experience and send out a caution to others about this symptom. Sending you healing vibes and wishes for wellness and recovery.

 

[Nicolette]

Take care Bec and lets hope its not Crohn's as I know of that and it's not much fun.

 

[Queen Boudica]

So Sorry to hear of your experience Bec. I hope it does not turn out to be crohns.

I'm pleased to say that when I was diagnosed with IBS my doctor first sent me for a colonoscopy to check that there was nothing wrong with my bowel. Unpleasant as it was, it is good to know that my doctor did the right thing and that I did not have anything else more serious.

 

[becvan]

Thanks guys. It's heartening to hear that a doctor somewhere is on the ball Lizio.
Your new facts for the day, hehe:
FYI: Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns are both IBD (inflammatory bowel disease.) The differences between the two are slim. UC is found only in the large colon. Crohns can be anywhere from anus to mouth. UC is found in a continous line, crohns is generally patchy throughout the digestive system. UC only goes through a few layers of bowel, Crohns through all layers. Both have external symptoms (ulcuers, arthritis, etc.)Treatments, diets and symptoms are the same. Generally considered to be same disease. UC is usually the first diagnoses given until further tests can be run. IBD is generally broken up into 50% of each.

LOL now you know more than you probably wanted to!

bec

 

[anthony]

PLEASE, please get stool samples and/or colonoscopy done and ensure it is not UC or Crohns.

I had to before they would diagnose it as IBS, to ensure it wasn't something else. I don't have IBS nowadays, and haven't for a long time since getting anxiety under more control.

Glad to hear you are being treated and it has been caught Bec. Sorry to hear its late and what you are suffering now. Best wishes for you health and quick recovery.

 

[becvan]

Thanks everyone. I'm still hanging in. I'm not really improving at all and am most likely going to be put on immune-suppressants soon. Nothing else is working. I've been focused mostly on my IBD as it's a huge mess and taken over my life lately. I"m really sick of being sick at this point. UGH.