LC or IBS?

[Jec215]

I have had chronic constipation for several years. Then suddenly I developed diarrhea, severe pain and nausea. It lasted for 6 weeks, then stopped and the constipation returned. A colonoscopy revealed lymphocytic colitis. But I have all the symptoms of IBS C. Doctors just give me a blank look when I ask them. I have read that some MC sufferers have constipation. So which condition do I have, has anyone else experienced this?

[PattyD]

They both go hand in hand I believe. IBS is an umbrella term describing that your bowels are irritated. It's an easy out for the medical community. LC is the diagnosis that you have inflammation of the colon; hence the 'itis ending and it is microscopic so it can only be seen under a microscope vs by seeing that it's irritated/inflamed with the naked eye.

[Gabes-Apg]

Despite most of the medical fraternity stating that constipation is NOT part of LC - based on discussions here we have proof otherwise.

Regardless if the doctor classes things as IBS, LC, Crohns - the approach to long term wellness is the same

avoid major inflammation triggers
take the right nutrients to calm inflammation and help body heal

[tex]

Back when I was initially reacting, my symptoms alternated between watery diarrhea and constipation. Most gastroenterologists associate microscopic colitis with diarrhea, and they don't even realize that some MC patients have constipation, and a few even have normal bowel movements. As Gabe's and Patty pointed out, "IBS" is a disease that doesn't actually exist. when a patient has digestive problems, and the gastroenterologist can't figure out what's wrong with them, they "diagnose" the patient with IBS (to prevent having to admit that they don't have the slightest idea what's wrong).

Tex

[Jec215]

Thank you for the replies, this is very helpful.