Ulcerated Colitis

[valrene]

Hi all I’m new here, have had polymaligia rheumtica for 5years just on 20mg of Leflunomide now, had my 2 month blood test which says I’m anaemic, Gp sent me for a colonoscopy and endoscopy took 4 biopsy from top stomach and 12 biopsy’s from the anus to the terminal ileum where a ulcer was found, have to wait 2 weeks for results, diagnoses on hospital sheet says Colitis, have to wait for a full diagnoses from hospital. As I already have a immune disease and ulcerated Colitis is an immune disease has anyone else suffered with 2 immune diseases together. If it is Colitis what medication would they use to control symptoms. Thank you for any replies.

[willow24 Administrator]

Hi, sorry to say having 1 autoimmune disorder greatly increases risk of having another. I have Crohns (entire large bowel, rectum, anus and some small bowel) and arthritis. Fortunately the meds for both illnesses are the same! Often steroids and disease modifying medications are used first line, with immunosuppression therapies used if these meds are not controlling and improving symptoms.

Other than anaemia did you have other symptoms?

Colitis means inflammation of colon, and can be caused by infection or medication. where about was the ulcer found?

Sorry, your looking for answers and Im asking you questions

[valrene in reply to willow24]

Hi Willow24 thank you for your reply, the ulcer was found at the end of colon just before colon goes into intestines, apart from anaemia bloated stomach, cramping pains which are really painful, some diarrhoea and constipation, have to rush to toilet, pains up bottom and stomach only relieved when passed stools, so tired all the time that could be caused by anaemia? haven’t noticed any blood in stools. Just worried what they are going to find, I’m on Leflunomide to keep the inflammation down from the pmr, then read that Colitis causes inflammation in the bowl.

[willow24 Administrator in reply to valrene]

If it is crohns colitis or ulcerative colitis, it may be that your in a flare, and a course of steroids is enough to put you in remission. You will then have regular checks to ensure all is well. they may add disease modifying meds specific to bowel disease like mesalazine, or even use a biologic as you are already on Lefunomide.

A lot depends on the severity and span of disease and unfortunately you will need to wait until the biopsies are back, as this is where the crypts and granulomas in the tissues associated with inflammatory bowel disease is found.

[valrene in reply to willow24]

Thank you wondered why they took so many biopsy’s that explains it, with the biopsy’s I suppose they can see how far along the colon Colitis has travelled, hopefully it has travelled very far. Thank you again for your help, will let you know what their decision is.

[willow24 Administrator in reply to valrene]

cheers, take care and keep safe x

[watergazer]

Hi Valrene I have ulcerative colitis- They found quite a few ulcers in my colon during a colonoscopy (10 YEARS AGO)- my last colonoscopy before lockdown showed a clear colon so it is in remission . I have only been given messaline granules ( SALOFALK) . I also have asthma/bronchiectasis and suffer from bad joints . My bloods are reviewed annually . x

[valrene in reply to watergazer]

Thank you for replying, just waiting for a proper diagnosis from biopsy’s, after colonoscopy only one ulcer spotted so hopefully with medicine like you I will go into remission, hope you remain well, did you have to cut certain foods from your diet .

[watergazer in reply to valrene]

There are certain foods that trigger pain and bloating that I discovered but I think everyone has different triggers. I don't eat a lot of fruit now only blueberries at breakfast- apples are bad for me . Chinese food can make me ill- it's the oil they use. x

[valrene in reply to watergazer]

Thank you, hopefully if I do have Colitis they will help me with what to eat.

[watergazer in reply to valrene]

Forgot to mention- I know when my bowel is off kilt as I get mouth ulcers and sometimes ulcers on my tongue ☹️ Which can be painful x

[valrene in reply to watergazer]

Have been having a very sore tongue and gums, also keep getting cold sores where as I only got them every few years before, wonder if it’s because of Colitis.

[watergazer in reply to valrene]

Maybe.