Hi, my name is Eden. This is my first post.
I had a colonoscopy in November (three months ago), due to some gastro issues I was having. There were no visible lesions found, and the report said I had IBS. I thought I was in the clear (no major issues).
Three weeks later, the pathology reports came back, and one of the random biopsies that was taken, showed a sessile serrated adenoma (pre-cancerous polyp). Because the SSA was flat and not visible at all during the scope, my GI said I should go for a follow up colonoscopy that focused more on the tissue of the colon. I was very lucky to get in after a very short wait, and had another colonoscopy last week. The type of colonoscopy I had last week was a chromoendoscopy, which uses dyes to look closer at the tissue.
The initial report I was given right after the scope last week, said the findings were indicative of microscopic colitis. I had never heard of this, so I've been googling the terms, and that's how I found these boards.
I don't really feel confident in that diagnosis though, and I'm hoping to reach out to this community to learn a bit more about the different ways MC can manifest itself in people's bodies.
My gastro issues are strange, and I have yet to meet anyone online who shares these symptoms. Basically my main issue is rectal mucus. It's not every day, so it comes and goes. During the days before and after my period, it reaches its peak and I have to wear a maxi pad for when I pass gas. During my period, the mucus is mixed with blood (yes I have double, triple, quadruple confirmed which exit it is coming from). So it all seems very connected with my menstrual cycle.
Aside from my bouts of mucus, I deal mostly with constipation. I never have diarrhea, which does not match the typical MC list of symptoms. Does anyone else share my symptoms?
A little background info - I am a 34 year old woman, who has been trying to have my second child now for the past three years. I am with a fertility clinic, and started taking a drug called Clomid on and off again about two years ago. I was on another Clomid cycle when the rectal bleeding/mucus started happening. I wonder if there is a connection there.
I also took a drug called methotrexate, to deal with an ectopic pregnancy last year. I also wonder if this could have affected my intestinal tract.
So that is my story. I am still in waiting mode right now, as I wait for the pathology reports to come back for my latest colonoscopy. I assume this is how I will find out if I truly do have MC?
Thanks for letting me get this off my chest. I have been so stressed lately, and my husband just doesn't understand. He asks me every day how I'm doing, but seems to also forget every day that I'm still dealing with the same mental stresses from the day before.
Thank you for reading. :)
New here. Looking for support.
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Welcome to this site. I am no help as far as your problems, but I know that Tex or some of the other wise people will post info to you. I can relate to the rectal mucus, but I have the D not C. These intestinal problems raise havoc with our serenity which only aggravates the issue....that I do know from experience. I was miserable in the fall and around Christmas. Everything has settled down now and I am watching my diet carefully. Good luck to you and keep checking in with the board for tips back to healthy days. There is hope and the people here are kind, patient and wise.
Jean
Jean
Everything will be ok in the end, if it's not ok, it's not the end.
Hi Eden,
Welcome to our internet family. We consider ourselves a family, because no one (including doctors and other family members), truly understands this disease unless they have it.
Most of the symptoms that you mentioned are certainly associated with MC. The massive inflammation associated with MC causes the mucosal lining of the intestines to produce copious amounts of mucus, in an effort to protect the surface from anything in the fecal stream that might be causing or contributing to the inflammation. Many GI specialists are only familiar with the diarrhea phase of the disease, but for many patients, constipation is a primary symptom. Many of us (including myself) have alternating diarrhea and constipation when our MC is active. We even have a few members who have entirely normal bowel movements, but they have other symptoms of MC (cramps, aches, pains, etc.)
Blood in the stool is one marker that is not associated with MC. However, since MC is very sensitive to hormonal changes, I have a hunch that the Clomid you are taking may well be responsible for that symptom, especially if it is cyclic with your period, as you mentioned.
"IBS" does not actually exist. There are no truly unique diagnostic criteria for "IBS", as there are for other diseases. It's a default diagnosis that GI specialists invented so that they wouldn't have to continue telling patients that they can't figure out what's wrong with them. It sounds so much more professional to say, "You have IBS!", than to say, "I don't have the foggiest idea what's wrong with you, but try this drug first, and if that doesn't help, come back and we'll try something else".
IOW, IBS is either a misdiagnosis, or a missed diagnosis.
MC can affect every organ in the body, and symptoms vary widely. Many of us have migraines, arthritic joint aches and pains (similar to what happens with Crohn's disease), and countless other symptoms, but the symptoms all fade away as our gut heals in response to eliminating from our diet, the foods, and/or drugs, that are causing us to produce inflammatory antibodies.
Did you have any MC symptoms before you started taking Clomid? From your description, if I had to make a wild guess as to the cause of your MC, I would say that the Clomid is a prime suspect. If so, discontinuing it's use might put your MC into remission.
Again, welcome to the board, and please feel free to ask anything.
Tex
Welcome to our internet family. We consider ourselves a family, because no one (including doctors and other family members), truly understands this disease unless they have it.
Most of the symptoms that you mentioned are certainly associated with MC. The massive inflammation associated with MC causes the mucosal lining of the intestines to produce copious amounts of mucus, in an effort to protect the surface from anything in the fecal stream that might be causing or contributing to the inflammation. Many GI specialists are only familiar with the diarrhea phase of the disease, but for many patients, constipation is a primary symptom. Many of us (including myself) have alternating diarrhea and constipation when our MC is active. We even have a few members who have entirely normal bowel movements, but they have other symptoms of MC (cramps, aches, pains, etc.)
Blood in the stool is one marker that is not associated with MC. However, since MC is very sensitive to hormonal changes, I have a hunch that the Clomid you are taking may well be responsible for that symptom, especially if it is cyclic with your period, as you mentioned.
"IBS" does not actually exist. There are no truly unique diagnostic criteria for "IBS", as there are for other diseases. It's a default diagnosis that GI specialists invented so that they wouldn't have to continue telling patients that they can't figure out what's wrong with them. It sounds so much more professional to say, "You have IBS!", than to say, "I don't have the foggiest idea what's wrong with you, but try this drug first, and if that doesn't help, come back and we'll try something else".
IOW, IBS is either a misdiagnosis, or a missed diagnosis.MC can affect every organ in the body, and symptoms vary widely. Many of us have migraines, arthritic joint aches and pains (similar to what happens with Crohn's disease), and countless other symptoms, but the symptoms all fade away as our gut heals in response to eliminating from our diet, the foods, and/or drugs, that are causing us to produce inflammatory antibodies.
Did you have any MC symptoms before you started taking Clomid? From your description, if I had to make a wild guess as to the cause of your MC, I would say that the Clomid is a prime suspect. If so, discontinuing it's use might put your MC into remission.
Again, welcome to the board, and please feel free to ask anything.
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.
Welcome Eden. Tex is our expert and his guess is a good as anyone. Yes, your pathology report should give you the answers you seek. Hormones also seem to make my symptoms worse… but I am in peri-menopause.
Diet is a huge factor and once you have your dx, you will want to get serious about changing your diet. There is a lot of info on this site and Tex has written a book that is very helpful. It's pictured in the upper right corner of this page. Click on it to get right to Amazon.
Know that stress makes our symptoms worse, so try to stay calm and be proactive. This disease does change your life, but you can heal and feel better. It's been two years now for me and even though I can't eat some of the things I use to, I do have my life back :)
Leah
Diet is a huge factor and once you have your dx, you will want to get serious about changing your diet. There is a lot of info on this site and Tex has written a book that is very helpful. It's pictured in the upper right corner of this page. Click on it to get right to Amazon.
Know that stress makes our symptoms worse, so try to stay calm and be proactive. This disease does change your life, but you can heal and feel better. It's been two years now for me and even though I can't eat some of the things I use to, I do have my life back :)
Leah
Thank you so much everyone, for the warm welcome. :)
Jeanemcl, thank you for your reply. I am just beginning to learn about MC and the challenges associated with it, but you are right; it does have a strong effect on our emotional well being. I am trying to keep things in perspective (especially after having spent a lot of time reading bowel cancer forums), but I'm still a bit in shock and feeling sorry for myself. I still feel like food intolerances don't happen to people in my family. It's such a strange feeling to think I am now one of "those people." I don't mean any disrespect to people who struggle with these types of issues, but it is all so foreign to me and it really is a whole new world to me.
tex, thank you for taking the time to explain the mucus issue. It is so strange to me it is being caused by inflammation, because I do not feel pain (I realize I am very lucky for that!). Re the Clomid: I actually stopped taking the Clomid back in July of '13, when the rectal bleeding got really bad. Since then it doesn't happen as badly, and only for one or two days per my cycle. I have heard that about "IBS"; that it is just a term used for people when their doctors can't find a reason for their gastro issues. Would MC be considered IBD, then? It is so hard to remember clearly, but I do recall having some gastro issues prior to taking the Clomid (urgency for bowel movements, urge to have a BM, but only having mucus - that sort of thing), but I have a feeling the Clomid might have aggravated things. Anyways, thank you so much for your reply. I am interested in hearing what my GI has to say about my diet and what changes he recommends. I am very interested in your book as well.
Leah, thank you for your reply. Yes, I definitely think my hormones have a strong affect on my symptoms. I almost wonder if going on the birth control pill might be better for me (a low dose). I had such lighter periods when I was on the pill during my twenties, and now that time of the month has become such a debilitating time for me. It's very encouraging to hear that you feel you have your life back now. That is great. :)
Thank you for the welcome, Martha.
Again, thank you for the replies. I am going to take some time and look through the topics and posts on this message board. What a great resource.
Jeanemcl, thank you for your reply. I am just beginning to learn about MC and the challenges associated with it, but you are right; it does have a strong effect on our emotional well being. I am trying to keep things in perspective (especially after having spent a lot of time reading bowel cancer forums), but I'm still a bit in shock and feeling sorry for myself. I still feel like food intolerances don't happen to people in my family. It's such a strange feeling to think I am now one of "those people." I don't mean any disrespect to people who struggle with these types of issues, but it is all so foreign to me and it really is a whole new world to me.
tex, thank you for taking the time to explain the mucus issue. It is so strange to me it is being caused by inflammation, because I do not feel pain (I realize I am very lucky for that!). Re the Clomid: I actually stopped taking the Clomid back in July of '13, when the rectal bleeding got really bad. Since then it doesn't happen as badly, and only for one or two days per my cycle. I have heard that about "IBS"; that it is just a term used for people when their doctors can't find a reason for their gastro issues. Would MC be considered IBD, then? It is so hard to remember clearly, but I do recall having some gastro issues prior to taking the Clomid (urgency for bowel movements, urge to have a BM, but only having mucus - that sort of thing), but I have a feeling the Clomid might have aggravated things. Anyways, thank you so much for your reply. I am interested in hearing what my GI has to say about my diet and what changes he recommends. I am very interested in your book as well.
Leah, thank you for your reply. Yes, I definitely think my hormones have a strong affect on my symptoms. I almost wonder if going on the birth control pill might be better for me (a low dose). I had such lighter periods when I was on the pill during my twenties, and now that time of the month has become such a debilitating time for me. It's very encouraging to hear that you feel you have your life back now. That is great. :)
Thank you for the welcome, Martha.
Again, thank you for the replies. I am going to take some time and look through the topics and posts on this message board. What a great resource.
Yes, MC is definitely an IBD. So is celiac disease, for that matter, even though many/most doctors don't seem to think of them that way. Even the huge international support organization for Crohn's and Colitis refused to acknowledge that MC was an IBD until one of our members "educated" one of their executives. 
Based on your additional remarks, I agree that your digestive issues apparently began earlier, because significant amounts of mucus are virtually always associated with intestinal inflammation, and Clomid just happened to make the situation worse.
Your feelings regarding possible food sensitivities are typical. Convincing many new members here that they might now be sensitive to foods that they have happily eaten all their lives, often seems like an impossible chore. But unfortunately those sensitivities are typically the primary reason why MC reactions are usually not self-limiting — the food sensitivities perpetuate the inflammation process.
You are very welcome,
Tex
Based on your additional remarks, I agree that your digestive issues apparently began earlier, because significant amounts of mucus are virtually always associated with intestinal inflammation, and Clomid just happened to make the situation worse.
Your feelings regarding possible food sensitivities are typical. Convincing many new members here that they might now be sensitive to foods that they have happily eaten all their lives, often seems like an impossible chore. But unfortunately those sensitivities are typically the primary reason why MC reactions are usually not self-limiting — the food sensitivities perpetuate the inflammation process.
You are very welcome,
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.
Welcome Eden!
I know many people who take methotrexate for autoimmune diseases, and it sure causes a lot of GI trouble. Most people take a dose once a week, and often report diarrhea, nausea and other forms of GI upset. I'm not sure if it can cause lasting damage once you get off it though.
I know many people who take methotrexate for autoimmune diseases, and it sure causes a lot of GI trouble. Most people take a dose once a week, and often report diarrhea, nausea and other forms of GI upset. I'm not sure if it can cause lasting damage once you get off it though.
1987 Mononucleosis (EBV)
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
2004 Hypomyopathic Dermatomyositis
2009 Lymphocytic Colitis
2010 GF/DF/SF Diet
2014 Low Dose Naltrexone
Welcome Eden!
I have C based MC. It started with WD that went on 24/7 with constant mucous for 4 months. I had always had bowel issues with constant C problems. The MC was triggered by an illness requiring IV antibiotics. Once I got my diet going I went back to severe C, which I need to manage using still softeners, mineral oil and whatever works. When I manage to get it moving there is always a lot of mucous, and that tells me I still have inflammation. For me this is an ongoing issue, so I sympathize wholeheartedly.
I also had bloody stool, which I think, was probably caused by internal hemorrhoids. I am almost 69, so no periods, but I had some of the symptoms.
Start with watching your diet. Eliminate and see what works for you. And ASK whatever you want. This forum is for discussion poop, farts and anything related.
I have C based MC. It started with WD that went on 24/7 with constant mucous for 4 months. I had always had bowel issues with constant C problems. The MC was triggered by an illness requiring IV antibiotics. Once I got my diet going I went back to severe C, which I need to manage using still softeners, mineral oil and whatever works. When I manage to get it moving there is always a lot of mucous, and that tells me I still have inflammation. For me this is an ongoing issue, so I sympathize wholeheartedly.
I also had bloody stool, which I think, was probably caused by internal hemorrhoids. I am almost 69, so no periods, but I had some of the symptoms.
Start with watching your diet. Eliminate and see what works for you. And ASK whatever you want. This forum is for discussion poop, farts and anything related.