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Irritated

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julia65304
julia65304

I think my doctor is wrong. She says ibs i say ulcerative colitis. my colonoscopy says evidence of prior colitis. she says that just means prior inflammation. i have symptoms of colitis like inflammation in my eyes i have red itchy hands and pain in my belly. I will take the meds she prescribed and see how this goes

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • cjb106
    cjb106 julia65304

    Posted

    It helps to understand terminology. Itis means inflammation and is the body's natural response to attack.

    For example, we get things like rhinitis and sinusitus where the passages in the nose and sinuses become inflamed as part of the common cold. Conjunctivitis, cystitus etc etc. Conditions that will either go away on their own or respond to short term medical intervention.

    Colitis is therefore inflammation of the colon. This can be caused by different things including a simple bacterial infection.

    Ulcerative colitis is a chronic (i.e. incurable) auto immune condition, the result of the body's own immune system attacking the body rather than protecting it. It is a condition which relapses (flares) and remits. Active UC would have shown up on the colonoscopy. It's clear to see if one watches the scope. Biopsies will have provided further evidence of whether the disease is present or not.

    The chronic diarrhea and bleeding that come with a UC flare can cause the patient to become severely dehydrated and that can lead to peripheral symptoms such as eye and skin irritation but the latter could equally be caused by something else.

    You have not mentioned whether you have had blood tests to test the inflammation markers ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and C-RP (C-reactive protein). Have you had those done? These are general markers but in active UC they will show a very noticeable spike compared to normal levels.

    • julia65304
      julia65304 cjb106

      Posted

      thank you for the response and helping me understand. I have a doctors appointment on the 26th and i will ask for those test. Again thank you very much

  • jeff07718
    jeff07718 julia65304

    Posted

    It is quite normal for the medical professionals to go for IBS, hence the need for further testing. Good luck. Research and write down questions.

    Sheila.

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