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Gastroenteritis with Colitis

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Carstruck
Carstruck

I had a flare up of Colitis about three weeks ago (I was under some stress having had a knee op followed by two DVT scares - both negative fortunately).  I had also had two lots of antibiotics a few earlier still for a gum boil. (I am beginning to sound like a wreck but am usually very healthy.  When the colitis flare started all had been quiet for some years but it did seem to be a nasty flare up.  I usually take 2 Asacol  tablets to maintain control so increased these to 6 a day but sadly with no improvement after two weeks.  

we had a short break planned and went ahead last weekend but it now seems that I must have eaten something that didn't agree with me as I now have all the symptoms of Gastroenteritis on top of the colitis.  Not meaning to be too graphic, basically even more frequent bowel movements and watery motions.  It seems useless to continue with the Asacol which didn't seem to be working and would probably pass straight through anyway.  I am unsure how to proceed and getting quite worried as I dare not move more than a few feet from the bathroom so am basically bedridden at the moment on account of my relationship with the bathroom!  Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.  I am a 63 yr old female, still working (usually anyway) and reasonably active.

it is now becoming increasingly difficult to know the difference between the colitis the gastro problem.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • gabe99
    gabe99 Carstruck

    Posted

    One thing you may want to ask you doctor is to check for possible C. difficile issues.  This can occur if you take antibiotics which can kill of the good bacteria in the gut giving D. diff. a chance to proliferate.  I had this happen a number of times, although I'm on immunosupressants after a liver transplant.  It's worth a try to check.
    • Carstruck
      Carstruck gabe99

      Posted

      Thank you for your prompt advice - I will definitely ask him to check for C Difficile.
  • joan18709
    joan18709 Carstruck

    Posted

    Antibiotics kill off the good bacteria in the colon which allow the bad bacteria to work it's way through the mucous layer and cause ulcers that bleed. In order for that not to happen you need to take really good probiotics. It you are already on probiotics then increase them.

    The FDA in the United States pulled Asacol. It is no longer available. My son almost died from it. The doctor kept increasing the dosage because his BM's kept increasing. He ended up with pancreatitis.

    • Carstruck
      Carstruck joan18709

      Posted

      Thank you Joan, it does seem that the antibiotics prescribed for my dental problem could be the starting point of my current flare up. I do have a probiotic  yoghurt daily but perhaps I need more just now. Are capsules best? A very slight improvement today in the gastroenteritis department but I am concerned about the amount of blood I am losing. Hopefully as the gastro bug clears I can concentrate on getting the colitis back under control. It is very frustrating having been clear for many years. The info about Asacol is interesting and worrying. I had no idea that this could not be prescribed in the US. I hope your son is ok now. 

  • gabe99
    gabe99 Carstruck

    Posted

    If you have C. diff, probiotics will not kill it off, although it may be helpful as a supplement to C. diff. meds.  I've found that valgancyclovir seems to work best.  It's quite expensive unless it's covered by insurance.
    • Carstruck
      Carstruck gabe99

      Posted

      Hi Gabe,  maybe probiotics will help the colitis issue if not the gastroenteritis issue though?  I will look up valgancyclovir - so far I have been reading about one called VSL#3 which sounds good.  Maybe for my colitis issue I just need to redress the balance in my gut after the two lots of antibiotics?  Does anyone know more about VSL-#3?  Thank you for all the advice it is much appreciated as I am really worried and unwell just now.

       

  • gabe99
    gabe99 Carstruck

    Posted

    One other thing to look into is fecal transplants. 
    • Carstruck
      Carstruck gabe99

      Posted

      Eek!  I hadn't heard of that before - and might even be worth looking into because it seems that it could help if it is CDiff and help the colitis too so a win win situation - except for the procedure of course!!! You have certainly done your homework and I have learned some options on here today so thank you. (The valgancyclovir seems to have a lot of warnings though?). My husband worked on the sewers when he was a student in the hols so is not squeamish in the slightest so I might mention this option to my consultant (I have an appointment pending) as he is quite progressive.
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