Hello.
I believe the title of my post relays my concern. I am hoping to have some input from some of you. Of course I am scheduled for a colonoscopy for in a week’s time. I am distressed of course. Here’s the thing though. Everyone keeps telling the tale that MC never has blood in the stool, and inflammation is not seen with a colonoscopy. Well, 17 years ago, I first went to the doctor about my chronic diarrhea because I had seen blood in my stool. Also, inflammation was seen on my colonoscopy, but I was diagnosed with Collagenous Colitis based on the biopsies. My condition has ‘improved’ sort of in the last few years, and I have had reasonable periods of remission, but always regular flare ups as well. Now my fecal test shows blood in the stool. I am currently in the middle of a big flare up. How worried should I be? Can this occult blood be due to inflammation related to my CC? Is it true that CC doesn’t lead to cancer? In my case, I have had visible inflammation; does this mean the usual scenario that “CC doesn’t lead to cancer” would not apply in my case?
And most importantly, have any of you ever had blood in your stool?
Thank you in advance for any input. I’m worried. I don’t really have anyone I can talk to about this, and my online searches just keep coming up with the usual on MC ( CC).
Blood in fecal test
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Hi Mia,
There are various possibilities, but the most common among MC patients seems to be hemorrhoids. I had blood in my stool many times back when I was reacting. When the intestines become inflamed, all tissue associated with them becomes inflamed, including blood vessels. And severe diarrhea can cause those blood vessels to bleed. I just did a search of the archives for the words "blood in stool", and I received 843 "hits". But to the best of my memory, none of those cases actually involved cancer.
I notice that you mentioned having inflammation that was visible through a colonoscope. That may mean nothing (I could see the inflammation due to my MC on the screen during my own colonoscopy), or it might mean that you have developed UC or Crohn's disease (we have about the same risk of developing UC or Crohn's disease as anyone in the general population). And I can remember a few cases in which the cause was never found. It's not impossible that cancer could be involved, but based on our accumulated experiences, that would be a rare possibility. As far as I'm aware, having CC (or LC), does not increase the odds of developing cancer unless no attempts are made to control the inflammation.
I hope this helps.
Tex
There are various possibilities, but the most common among MC patients seems to be hemorrhoids. I had blood in my stool many times back when I was reacting. When the intestines become inflamed, all tissue associated with them becomes inflamed, including blood vessels. And severe diarrhea can cause those blood vessels to bleed. I just did a search of the archives for the words "blood in stool", and I received 843 "hits". But to the best of my memory, none of those cases actually involved cancer.
I notice that you mentioned having inflammation that was visible through a colonoscope. That may mean nothing (I could see the inflammation due to my MC on the screen during my own colonoscopy), or it might mean that you have developed UC or Crohn's disease (we have about the same risk of developing UC or Crohn's disease as anyone in the general population). And I can remember a few cases in which the cause was never found. It's not impossible that cancer could be involved, but based on our accumulated experiences, that would be a rare possibility. As far as I'm aware, having CC (or LC), does not increase the odds of developing cancer unless no attempts are made to control the inflammation.
I hope this helps.
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.
The diagnostic markers of Crohn's disease and collagenous colitis are quite different. There shouldn't be any significant risk of misdiagnosis for an experienced pathologist.
Tex
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.
Occult blood ?
Tex. Is it possible that I have had occult blood in my stool frequently over these years of having CC, but, of course, just never see it, as it is only visible if tested? This stool test has me shaken.
I have nice remissions and often a relatively ‘mild’ course of this disease, but regular bouts of aggressive flares too. I don’t take steroids, and usually modify my diet to bring things back under reasonable control. (The big flares are usually a result of ingesting too much roughage; and oddly, when eating a bit too much at a meal). I was on the SCD diet for years, ( gluten free, and all grain free as well, dairy free, and more). Sadly, the diet only improved the condition somewhat, but regular flares continued. So now I eat lightly, and try to avoid roughage, and that really helps. My remissions were first initiated by the Pepto Bismo routine. No D at all for 4 months after that. But then the D returned, but with careful eating it was more controllable, though never gone, and always big flares intermittently, but regular remissions too.
My last colonoscopy was almost 10 years ago now. It showed a normal colon, and no collagen band. I was in the middle of a remission then, but of course, the condition returned, and I continue with the waxing and waning progress. Would you believe, 17 years now!
I’m quite anxious about this upcoming colonoscopy. Where to now?
Sorry for rambling. As I said, I’m anxious, and this isn’t a topic anyone I know would welcome.
I have nice remissions and often a relatively ‘mild’ course of this disease, but regular bouts of aggressive flares too. I don’t take steroids, and usually modify my diet to bring things back under reasonable control. (The big flares are usually a result of ingesting too much roughage; and oddly, when eating a bit too much at a meal). I was on the SCD diet for years, ( gluten free, and all grain free as well, dairy free, and more). Sadly, the diet only improved the condition somewhat, but regular flares continued. So now I eat lightly, and try to avoid roughage, and that really helps. My remissions were first initiated by the Pepto Bismo routine. No D at all for 4 months after that. But then the D returned, but with careful eating it was more controllable, though never gone, and always big flares intermittently, but regular remissions too.
My last colonoscopy was almost 10 years ago now. It showed a normal colon, and no collagen band. I was in the middle of a remission then, but of course, the condition returned, and I continue with the waxing and waning progress. Would you believe, 17 years now!
I’m quite anxious about this upcoming colonoscopy. Where to now?
Sorry for rambling. As I said, I’m anxious, and this isn’t a topic anyone I know would welcome.
Sure, it's possible that occult blood in your stool is usually present, especially if you have a history of using NSAIDs at some time in the past. They're notorious for causing stomach and small intestinal erosion that can cause bleeding. You aren't the only one here who "loosens" their diet when they're in remission. We have a few other members who tend to do that.
The reason why the SCD doesn't work to control MC is because it allows casein, and most of us are sensitive to casein. For that matter, the reason why the GF diet doesn't always work is because published research shows that a high percentage of GF diets are cross-contaminated, despite people believing that they are GF. But with MC, there are many foods that can cause us to react.
Tex
The reason why the SCD doesn't work to control MC is because it allows casein, and most of us are sensitive to casein. For that matter, the reason why the GF diet doesn't always work is because published research shows that a high percentage of GF diets are cross-contaminated, despite people believing that they are GF. But with MC, there are many foods that can cause us to react.
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.
Well, for anyone interested in my colonoscopy results: a normal colon with only a few “ minor” internal hemorrhoids. That usual scenario for Collagenous Colitis. She did take biopsies though regarding the collagen layer in CC, for analysis. So. 17 years with CC. Regular flares with intermittent periods of remission ( consisting of a month or two at a time); basically active disease for 17 years. No steroids ever. The Pepto regime about 5 years ago gave me a nice remission that lasted maybe 4 months. This disease is hard to live with sometimes, but I gotta say: it seems that the benign course of it is a big plus. Today was my colonoscopy, and I feel grateful that my results were reassuring. It made me feel like I can keep on trying to figure it out, and make my way through; and I won’t complain too much. Really. It could be a lot worse.
Thank you Tex For your kind support.
Thank you Tex For your kind support.
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tommyboywalker
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I can understand each and every concern Mia. But I would also agree with you that the results of your colonoscopy are very reassuring and encouraging!!Mia lee wrote:Well, for anyone interested in my colonoscopy results: a normal colon with only a few “ minor” internal hemorrhoids. That usual scenario for Collagenous Colitis. She did take biopsies though regarding the collagen layer in CC, for analysis. So. 17 years with CC. Regular flares with intermittent periods of remission ( consisting of a month or two at a time); basically active disease for 17 years. No steroids ever. The Pepto regime about 5 years ago gave me a nice remission that lasted maybe 4 months. This disease is hard to live with sometimes, but I gotta say: it seems that the benign course of it is a big plus. Today was my colonoscopy, and I feel grateful that my results were reassuring. It made me feel like I can keep on trying to figure it out, and make my way through; and I won’t complain too much. Really. It could be a lot worse.
Thank you Tex For your kind support.
This disease can for sure be an adventure, not always pleasant one. But I can truly feel your positive attitude shining through. The relationship of the mind/body condition cannot be overstated.
I hope for a good trend for you with your Colitis. Would you consider taking the corticosteroid Budesonide, or having Enterolab perform food sensitivity stool testing for you?
I do understand why folks shy away from Budesonide as it is a steroid, but it has proven to be quite effective for many of us; sure has done wonders for me. I tried the Pepto Bismol therapy first, but it didn't help me at all. I am thankfully in remission after an extended course of Budesonide and eliminating both gluten and dairy as per Enterolab food sensitivity test recommendations. And one more thing, I find that Imodium works much better for me than Pepto Bismol when I was having a shaky day......
Keep us updated!
Hi tommyboywalker.
Thank you for you response.
I have chosen not to go the steroid route, even the Budesonide, because I am a high risk for osteoporosis.
Enterolab is expensive, but I am thinking of starting the elimination diet to try to find my food sensitivities. I do already know many that give me no trouble ( after all these years), and I have suspects, but will need the elimination diet to confirm.
Thank you for you response.
I have chosen not to go the steroid route, even the Budesonide, because I am a high risk for osteoporosis.
Enterolab is expensive, but I am thinking of starting the elimination diet to try to find my food sensitivities. I do already know many that give me no trouble ( after all these years), and I have suspects, but will need the elimination diet to confirm.