theory question!!

My understanding is that to have UC you must present ulcers in the colon. The other forms have a different presentation.

Sue

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dx proctitis in 1987

dx UC in 1991, was stable until 1998

1998 started prednisone, asacol, pentasa, nortriptylene, ativan, 6MP, rowasa enemas and suppositories, hydrocortisone enemas, tried the SCD diet, being a vegetarian, omega 3s, flax, pranic healing, yoga, acupuncture, probiotics

2000 lost all my B-12 stores and became anemic

2001 opted for j-pouch surgery- now living life med-free

There are many things that can mimic UC's pattern of inflammation, ulcerations and symptoms.

Ulcers aren't always present in every UC patient because there are varying degrees of inflammation and symptoms, but for some, ulcerations are in other bowel afflictions as well.  So, it's not always the only determining factor.

It's definitely a process of elimination...which my GI did during diagnosis.  UC was the first assumption and the last on the cross-off list.

I found this site...might be helpful.

http://www.emedmag.com/html/pre/gic/consults/061502.asp

q

 

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*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)

~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)

~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)

~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed

~vitamins/minerals 

~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime

~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper

~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg;  Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)

~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)

My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS"  worth it !!!

Interesting query Damo. I personally think there's a less likelihood of being misdiagnosed today as compared to many eons ago. Although, one is always at the mercy of the doctor (be them good or not) who initially does the diagnosis.

I think some may have UC as well as another disorder/bacteria bug/parasite/allergies at the same time if UC is the most obvious.
What I wonder is how many of us have leaky gut syndrome?

What I'm thinking is that if "we" saw a doctor at the initial onset of symptoms, it could possibly be dealt with if it is bacteria/parasite/allergy...before the body has a chance to overreat and set up the process of UC. My theory....but who sees a GI firstly? and how long after the initial onset do we have UC symptoms?
I know I didn't start out bleeding until 3 years later after the 3 weeks of solid diarrhea. My "then" doc didn't do stool samples...but I'm sure I had food poisoning of some sort. I lost 17 pounds in those 3 weeks.

I know there have been a few whose dignosis was changed from UC to CD once it started to act like CD.

quincy

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*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)

~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)

~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)

~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed

~vitamins/minerals 

~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime

~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper

~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg;  Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)

~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)

My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS"  worth it !!!