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Chances of sister having UC

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 11/1/2022 4:35 PM (GMT -8)
My 59-year-old sister is discussing symptoms with me that could be a sign of ulcerative colitis. I've had them. It started with constipation. Now, tsemesnus, ribbon stools, feeling like she has to go but can't, pain at the tail bone area.

What are the chances that my sibling can develop ulcerative colitis? And would that be a sign of it?

What's her next step in your opinion?

Quincy, always appreciate you chiming in.

Ellen
Posted 11/1/2022 5:32 PM (GMT -8)
Your direct sibling has about 20 percent lifetime odds of having an IBD. There's a genetic component to this, but it's only part of the story as it seems epigenetic triggers (i.e.,. excessive antibiotic use, prolonged extreme depression, among others hypothesised) are needed as well.

I'd have your sister see her general practitioner doctor, and ask for an Inflammation test like Calprotectin stool test or C-Reactive Protein blood test, and a stool test to check for common intestinal infections like CDIFF. Inflammatory Bowel Disease is inflammation lacking infection. If after those tests it still sound like an IBD, then expect a referral to a gasteroenterologist specialist who will order a colonoscopy.
Posted 11/1/2022 5:44 PM (GMT -8)
Giving you a sample size of one...

I have UC.

I have 2 siblings with crohns disease. We grew up in different households in different cities so we likely do not have a shared environmental trigger.

I also have 2 siblings without an IBD diagnosis - yet - but obviously this can change at any time....
Posted 11/1/2022 5:52 PM (GMT -8)
She definitely should see her GP and get set up for a colonoscopy... NOT sig-scope, with biopsies. At least that would be the best option since blood and stool sample tests might not pick mild inflammationnor rectal inflammation. Plus, I wouldnt say IBD is an only possibility.

Those symptoms sound suspiciously like low in rectum inflammation flaring for me. Stats aren't subjective, so the sooner she sees her doctor, the better, especially given her age and if she's never had a c-scope as of yet.

Keep us updated,
q
Posted 11/1/2022 9:41 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks all for your quick input. I'm going to have to agree with Quincy on this one. My sister started with constipation as I did, then it proceeded to tenesmus/rectal inflammation, thenfor me it was intractable diarrhea, getting so bad there were 7 ER visits and two hospital stays. Only after then, did my GP move out of the way, and a GI on staff at the hospital ordered a colonoscopy. And, here we are with a U.C. diagnosis.

I hope my sister doesn't have it. But things don't look so good.
Posted 11/2/2022 8:48 PM (GMT -8)
7 ER visits and 2 hospitals stays before they scoped her? That's insane. Did they rule out infections then? What DID they do during all those visits and stays? Wow.
Posted 11/2/2022 11:41 PM (GMT -8)
Sara...I believe that's journey's experience.
q
Posted 11/3/2022 12:12 PM (GMT -8)
Oh! I see. I mis-read. Thanks! Still, that's crazy.
Posted 11/3/2022 1:38 PM (GMT -8)
Yes...medical doctor denial, aka idiots.

q
Posted 11/3/2022 8:24 PM (GMT -8)
A text from my sister, it's getting worse:

Hi. It’s really bad. I feel these spasms - burning and incessant- when I breath and am calm it lets up, but even when I’m still. Thanks for all the info - I’ll talk to my GP tomorrow.--

I texted her back:

Whatever you have it will get resolved. Anxiety and fear actually make it worse. You will get better. Know this.
They will probably put her on pred, but if it's UC, she'll need back up mesalamines so she can taper. What do you think? It's a shame she has to go through this with no diagnosis. So familiar.
Posted 11/3/2022 10:25 PM (GMT -8)
As suggested above, she needs blood tests (including CRP and ESR), and stool tests for infectious agents and for fecal calprotectin. A primary care doc can probably order these.

Then she needs to see a gastroenterologist. A full colonoscopy should be done, or a sigmoidoscopy if she can get that done sooner.

No pred should be given without an assessment and diagnosis.
Posted 11/3/2022 10:34 PM (GMT -8)
That's good advice. Thank you, Beave. I'd just hate for her to wait for test results when she's in so much pain. Would want colonoscopy as soon as possible.
Posted 11/3/2022 11:13 PM (GMT -8)
Understood. That's why I mentioned a sigmoidoscopy. It might take a while to get a colonoscopy scheduled. Sigmoidoscopies can often be done sooner.

But always start with the blood tests and stool tests. They should be done immediately with results in a few days.
Posted 11/4/2022 12:15 AM (GMT -8)
I'll let my sister know.
Posted 11/12/2022 2:18 PM (GMT -8)

quincy said...
Yes...medical doctor denial, aka idiots.

q

Yes. I've encountered many.
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