MICROSCOPIC COLITIS SUPPORT

Hi All,
My gastroenterologist called to report that my stool tests showed no infection or parasites or blood.
She said blood work showed possible Pancreatic insuffiency and is recommending a cat scan to check my pancreas, (one of the few organs I have that haven't been scanned or ultra sounded or MRI'd in the last year). Also some medicine, but as yet I haven't picked up the prescription so don't know name. She's fine w\elimination diet but has suggested adding a little fat, maybe by not eating just white meat chicken. So maybe I have 2 likely causes for diarrhea. I'm a little apprehensive about this new development.



Kay

Hi Kay,

Actually, pancreatic insufficiency and even pancreatitits have been reported by quite a few members (whose doctors ordered the corresponding tests), so it seems pretty clear to me that pancreas issues are associated with MC. IOW, the same inflammation problem that affects the intestines (and results in a diagnosis of MC), in many cases also affects the stomach, esophagus, mouth, gallbladder, etc., and also often results in altered pancreatic function. We have found that, like Crohn's disease, MC can affect any part of the digestive system, and even certain organs outside of the digestive system (such as the skin).

The CAT scan is relatively safe (except for the fact that it is another dose of radiation), but at least one of the tests for pancreatic function is highly invasive and somewhat risky, so please don't let your doctor talk you into something that you might later regret, because to date, to the best of my knowledge, every member here who has been able to successfully control their MC symptoms, have also eliminated their pancreas issues, in the process. That affirms that there is a definite connection.

The reason why I mentioned the radiation issue is because most people are not aware that those scans involve approximately 100 to 500 times the radiation dosage associated with an ordinary X-ray

Medical Radiation Soars, With Risks Often Overlooked

Tex

Thanks, Tex !
I don't like the Idea of cat scan radiation but am glad that it is non-invasive. I"m hopeful this will not be the start of further testing. I agree that there is good cause to think that inflammation is the cause of malfunction in both body parts,
Kay

I am a Type 1 Diabetic. Type 1 is an autoimmune response. Pancreatic insufficiency is one too. I've been tested for the disease by the 72 hour fecal exam at the Mayo Clinic and they say I don't have the disease. My father was a Type 1 diabetic and had pancreatic insufficiency. He was skin and bones and SICK! I was misdiagnosed in Austin, TX, but the CREON helped put on weight and my hair grew back! For a true test - it's the 72 hour fecal exam. Not fun, but you need to know. If your stool is sticky and floats, you could have the disease. Dr. Fine is going to produce his own enzymes for the disease. It will be better. You'll absorb your nutrients and I hope I'll feel better. MC has made me severely depressed. It's bad enough having brittle diabetes but I think I am not absorbing my nutrients and the stuff floats and is greasy.