Hmm..... I noticed blood one other time and today it's back. Not a lot... just blood tinged mucous. There is always a lot of mucous. Normal for LC??? I did an occult blood (stool test) just to be sure-Positive.
AmyNicki
Blood?
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Hi AmyNicki,
The colon produces copious amounts of mucus whenever the lining (the mucosa) is inflamed. The mucus is there to help protect the delicate surface from inflammatory agents in the fecal stream. So yes, mucus is quite common during active MC episodes.
When the digestive tract becomes inflamed, this often includes the anus as well, and in combination with frequent caustic diarrhea, this often leads to the development of, and inflammation of, hemorrhoids. If the blood is fresh (bright red, rather than dark red or even black), then it's very likely due to 'roids becoming inflamed.
It's just one more of many somewhat common side effects of MC that our doctors don't usually tell us about.
Tex
The colon produces copious amounts of mucus whenever the lining (the mucosa) is inflamed. The mucus is there to help protect the delicate surface from inflammatory agents in the fecal stream. So yes, mucus is quite common during active MC episodes.
When the digestive tract becomes inflamed, this often includes the anus as well, and in combination with frequent caustic diarrhea, this often leads to the development of, and inflammation of, hemorrhoids. If the blood is fresh (bright red, rather than dark red or even black), then it's very likely due to 'roids becoming inflamed.
It's just one more of many somewhat common side effects of MC that our doctors don't usually tell us about.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
My GI doctor told me after my colonoscopy that I had internal hemorrhoids. I've never had blood with them but who knows as I'm not much of a stool looker, just look at the toilet paper. I just hate looking at it! I know I need to look more but since on Pepto I just figure it's all black and I won't see much else.
Okay, stupid question here....what does mucous look like in the stool? Is it greenish....clear? Is that something that is easily seen? And if I have no mucous, then that's a good thing, right? Means healing is taking place? And if I get a little, that means I may be having an issue?
Terri
Okay, stupid question here....what does mucous look like in the stool? Is it greenish....clear? Is that something that is easily seen? And if I have no mucous, then that's a good thing, right? Means healing is taking place? And if I get a little, that means I may be having an issue?
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Terri,
Mucus is normally clear to off-white and stringy (somewhat similar to saliva). We usually don't notice it unless it's present in significant amounts. Yes, as you mentioned, larger amounts typically correlate with serious inflammation, and smaller amounts mean less inflammation. There are probably individual effects, just as with most symptoms, but as a general rule, yes — less or none is usually a good sign.
There is also another possible cause of copious mucus production. When intestinal cells become severely damaged (for example, when they are torn or otherwise physically damaged by fiber in the diet), they are immediately marked by the immune system for apoptosis (programmed cell death) and replacement. Goblet cells have the job of generating new mucosal cells, and producing mucin (mucin, when mixed with water, is used as a protective coating for the mucosa). When surrounding cells are marked for apoptosis, the goblet cells (crypts) in the mucosa immediately release all the mucin that they have in storage, and when it mixes with water, that produces copious amounts of mucus.
This is the mechanism by which fiber causes "regularity" in bowel movements. Fiber physically tears the cells in the mucosa, and this initiates the cycle, and the extra mucus that is generated acts as a lubricant and increases intestinal motility. This implies that whenever mucosal cells are marked for destruction (for whatever reason), then a flush of mucus will be the result. It may well be possible that the nature of the disease itself, sometimes results in the wholesale apoptosis of mucosal cells, simply because the inflammation reaches a severe level (but that's just a guess).
Tex
Mucus is normally clear to off-white and stringy (somewhat similar to saliva). We usually don't notice it unless it's present in significant amounts. Yes, as you mentioned, larger amounts typically correlate with serious inflammation, and smaller amounts mean less inflammation. There are probably individual effects, just as with most symptoms, but as a general rule, yes — less or none is usually a good sign.
There is also another possible cause of copious mucus production. When intestinal cells become severely damaged (for example, when they are torn or otherwise physically damaged by fiber in the diet), they are immediately marked by the immune system for apoptosis (programmed cell death) and replacement. Goblet cells have the job of generating new mucosal cells, and producing mucin (mucin, when mixed with water, is used as a protective coating for the mucosa). When surrounding cells are marked for apoptosis, the goblet cells (crypts) in the mucosa immediately release all the mucin that they have in storage, and when it mixes with water, that produces copious amounts of mucus.
This is the mechanism by which fiber causes "regularity" in bowel movements. Fiber physically tears the cells in the mucosa, and this initiates the cycle, and the extra mucus that is generated acts as a lubricant and increases intestinal motility. This implies that whenever mucosal cells are marked for destruction (for whatever reason), then a flush of mucus will be the result. It may well be possible that the nature of the disease itself, sometimes results in the wholesale apoptosis of mucosal cells, simply because the inflammation reaches a severe level (but that's just a guess).
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Interesting, Tex. Thanks so much. I suppose I should start examining once I get off the Pepto which will be Friday. That's if I don't get the WD again. I can't look at that without gagging.
You are very helpful as always!
Terri
You are very helpful as always!
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
@Gloria...thanks so much! I'll probably post something over the weekend asking for prayers. Three months of Normans and even skipping a few days have been heaven!
@Zizzle....lol...that has already returned somewhat with the one dose/day. Yes, it was nice while it lasted. That med has just been amazing for me....my wonder drug. It's too bad you can't find a nice healthy supplement that will do the same....dream on right?
Terri
@Zizzle....lol...that has already returned somewhat with the one dose/day. Yes, it was nice while it lasted. That med has just been amazing for me....my wonder drug. It's too bad you can't find a nice healthy supplement that will do the same....dream on right?
Terri
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
Terri,
I weaned off the Pepto until now I'm not taking it at all. Weaned over about 3 weeks I would say after being on it for 8 weeks at the full dose. So far so good! I'm good about avoiding gluten and most dairy (though not yogurt).
I really found the pepto a wonder drug, too. I'm getting ready to leave the country and live in europe for about 5 months. I am taking a big supply of the pepto with me just in case.
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Mary
I weaned off the Pepto until now I'm not taking it at all. Weaned over about 3 weeks I would say after being on it for 8 weeks at the full dose. So far so good! I'm good about avoiding gluten and most dairy (though not yogurt).
I really found the pepto a wonder drug, too. I'm getting ready to leave the country and live in europe for about 5 months. I am taking a big supply of the pepto with me just in case.
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Mary
Zizzle,
Glad to hear that! I will definitely be keeping them here in the house. I realize that flares are inevitable but hoping they will be short-lived like yours. That's if I'm in fact going into remission. I've actually gone to the bathroom less since going down to 2 tablets a day....weird. Like once every other day.
Glad to hear that! I will definitely be keeping them here in the house. I realize that flares are inevitable but hoping they will be short-lived like yours. That's if I'm in fact going into remission. I've actually gone to the bathroom less since going down to 2 tablets a day....weird. Like once every other day.
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis in July, 2012 then with Celiac in November, 2012.
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wonderwoman
- Rockhopper Penguin
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I've been off Entocort since the very end of August when I started taking generic Claritin even though as others here, I never had any allergy symptoms. I did fine at first but after about 6 weeks my stool started to become soft serve and sometime a little D. To keep my stool firmer I take 1/2 a generic Imodium twice a day. Two years ago I had no success with Pepto Bismol and was put on Entocort. My question is, should I continue with the low dose of Imodium or try switching to Pepto Bismol?
Charlotte
The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine, or the slowest form of poison. Ann Wigmore
The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine, or the slowest form of poison. Ann Wigmore
Less-than-perfect BMs probably indicate something in your diet that doesn't agree with you. Pepto Bismol might mask that problem for a while, but whenever you stopped taking it, the status quo would surely return.Charlotte wrote:My question is, should I continue with the low dose of Imodium or try switching to Pepto Bismol?
If the Imodium works, it may be the best choice, because it rarely causes any side effects. That's just my opinion, though.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
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fatbuster205
- Gentoo Penguin
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I always look but a tip is remember that what comes out is what went in! An obvious example is sweetcorn - the cellulose? that surrounds the kernels always out the other end looking exactly like kernels!! If you look with that in mind it might help change how you view it i.e. it might stop you gagging. Personally I find it both fascinating but more importantly reassuring to see what is coming out and my Doctors love me for it because I am able to provide them with accurate info!tlras wrote:That's if I don't get the WD again. I can't look at that without gagging.
Just a thought!
Anne