Gi issues need advice-complicated and worried

Hi everyone. I am usually down in the Lyme forum as I have chronic Lyme disease for the last 5 months. I am posting in several of the GI forums today.

I visit you today because I am having serious GI issues. I have had chronic diarrhea for at least a year and a half. 98% of bm is diarrhea. I never really bothered to get Checked out for it as I either just thought it was the way I was or got used to it. I did have a Toxoplasmosis infection/exposure last year.

Basically I have a fever every day they are calling it Fever of unknown origins. I have diarrhea all day everyday. They have found a lot of white blood cells and lactoferrin in my fecal samples over the last year. No parasites, no blood, C. Diff etc.  I have had about $8,000 easily in labwork nothing major there. My medical bills are about $100,000 so far (thank goodness for ins).. I also have a PCP/ID doc, GI doc, and Lyme/ID doc (controversial) so I am stressed out.

I have already had upper and lower GI barium studies a few months ago supposedly normal. I saw a GI doc yesterday and he says he knows something has to be going on in my colon due to the fecal tests. I also lost 25 pounds (I am overweight) without trying. I have severe nausea and no appetite. I have joint pains and muscle pains etc. My regular blood work is all normal except C-Reactive Protein is constantly really  high (despite taking a strong NSAID) sed rate is ok.

It is hard for me (and I am sure my docs) to distinguish GI issues from Lyme issues. I am worried about any treatment of an inflammatory colitis issues, as such things as steroids and immunosupressants are contraindicated in Lyme disease.

I am having a colonoscopy in 2 weeks. I am just wondering if anyone has any opinions or suggestions. Does it cause pain all over?  I do not have blood in my stools would that be possible in UC? I also have gas, bloating, urgency and explosive movements (sorry TMI). I know this is a bit premature, as I have no idea what may be going on, but I would like to research as much as possible. The Lyme complicates everything!!!!

I am disabled from Lyme at age 29 for the last 5 months. Just worried! Thanks in advance

Melissa

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Hi Melissa, welcome to the Uc forum. You sure have a lot going on with you right now thats for sure. I really can't offer much insight because to me it may or may not be Uc. Personally it sounds like you have colitis but as to which one is anyone's guess. There are several different types of colitis and only one UC - I'm hoping that for you, if this is the case, that it's colitis because at least that is curable in time. Have you ever been tested for food allergies or gluten sensitivity (Celiac Disease) ? If it is UC, then 9 times out of 10, a c-scope will determine it. I'm sorry you have to go thru this but trust me when I say we can all relate to the problems that diarrhea and pain can cause. Typically Uc is presented with bloody diarrhea but not everyone has bleeding. There has been many on here that were misdiagnosed with IBS for years only to find out that it's either Uc or Crohns. Are you able to take any fiber? Fiber supplements might be able to help bulk up your stool a little, slowing down the D. Please be sure to drink plenty of fluids because repetitive D can cause dehydration very quickly. When you get the scope, please come back and let us know what they find ok?