Microscopic colitis associated with RA

[Jackie1947]

Well the colonoscopy didn't happen two weeks ago due to having to give up a non RA medication I was too ill to go. Update it's next week and I can stay on the medication until the day of the colonoscopy. A biopsy is needed to confirm MC and then the treatment of steroids. You may wonder why I'm telling you this but there are surely some of you with RA associated MC or going through various tests if you are having bowel problems. It's not uncommon and instead of being passed off as IBS which is the normal response.

[AnnieJ123]

Thank you Jackie. I hope they find what is causing your bowel problems.I too have bowel problems which bother me as much as my RA. I had biopsies for MC but they said it was negative.I had what they thought was SIBO years ago and it flares up regularly. All the gas, bloating etc has left my bowel long and loopy causing trapped gas , d and c. In my experience trying to get tested is a nightmare as one test is done at a time and if nothing shows up in the test they are reluctant and slow to probe further. Good luck.

[Jackie1947 in reply to AnnieJ123]

It's my Gastrologist wanting this test so who knows !

[AnnieJ123 in reply to Jackie1947]

Good luck with the tests and treatment. A gastrologist arranged my tests years ago and I am on the waiting list for more.I do find gastrologists and rheumatologists give slightly different advice. I respect them both, so difficult. The gastrologist recommended probiotics but I read here that rheumatologists recommmend avoiding them if on anti tnf. The rheumatologist thinks my low neutrophils are due to a virus or infection , the anti tnf leaflet indicates it could be due to anti tnf. Despite this, when my bowel is inflammed probiotics help as does putting a tiny pinch of bicarb in my drinking water bottle -advice from a GP years ago. I suppose we are all different, trial and error and nothing in excess. The difficulty is we all have co mobidities where treatment conflicts . A wise GP once said to me, a patient needs to be comfortable with the treatment and the dose. Good luck.

[Jackie1947 in reply to AnnieJ123]

Life 🤦 thank you and I wish you well

[Gigi71]

I think I replied to one of your posts, I have my first appointment with a gastro doctor next Friday. I had a CT colonoscopy scan which confirmed I didn’t have cancer, so my GP referred me to a specialist, I have high inflammation of the bowel, I also have a large amount of my stomach and bowel protruding into my chest, I have a reflux cough amongst other problems, but I suddenly get a burst of diarrhoea and in most cased feel awful with it, despite being fine minutes before this happens, at least once a week, making life hard to plan. I have had RA and thyroid problems for many years. I am on Humira and Metoject pen, plus many other meds gathered over the years. I just hope I get some answers. Let me know how you get on

[Jackie1947 in reply to Gigi71]

I hope your appointment goes well and you get some answers. I have DD and Pancreatitis confirmed by a CT scan but unfortunately I have to have the camera😬 RA has a lot to answer to. Good luck 🍀

[Gigi71]

it certainly does, thank you for your good wishes and good luck to you too. X

[Barrister]

When I was diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis, my rheumatologist said that it confirmed to him that I had PsA as they often go hand in hand. Fortunately, my LC doesn’t flare often and I rarely have to take steroids to control it. I do, however have Addisons which means I take hydrocortisone in order to stay alive anyway.

Clemmie