SurvivingInfidelity.com Forum Archives

AFrayedKnot posted 7/20/2013 07:23 AM

I went to the doctor yesterday and had a CT scan. They diagnosed me with colitis. I think I have had it on and off for a while.

Does anyone have experience with it? Any dietary suggestions? Any other suggestions?

tushnurse posted 7/20/2013 10:08 AM

As a very experienced GI RN here I have a few thoughts. First a CT scan alone cannot diagnose colitis. It can show inflammation but not much more that inflammation can be caused by many things. You need a colonoscopy for a definitive diagnosis. You need a good Gastroenterologist.
That being said most inflammation is treated similarly. Steroids gut rest and hydration.
You should eat a very bland low residue diet Google it. It's anything your body doesnt have to work hard to breakdown. Make sure you are getting plenty of fluids as well.
Depending on the type of colitis you really have will determine how it's treated. If you do have a true Ulcerative Colitis you will need to be on immunosuppressive meds and have to have colonoscopies every 2 years. If it is caused from infection then a round of the appropriate antibiotics can fix you forever. If its a blood flow issue then you may have to have a special procedure similar in nature to a cardiac cath to restore flow.
Stress upset and poor rest will aggravate UC and make it rare it's ugly head. Google the Crohns Colitis foundation tons of good info and support there. Pm me if you have more questions.

jo2love posted 7/20/2013 11:43 AM

(((Chico)))

When I was diagnosed with crohns, it was bad. The dr had me on meds, ensure drinks, lots of water, and baby food. Slowly I introduced regular foods to pinpoint which set it off (besides stress). Rice, red meat, nuts, seeds,etc..were all off limits. Also, having a good sense of humor about it and deep breathing helps.

Sending you mojo and strength.

[This message edited by SI Staff at 11:43 AM, July 20th (Saturday)]

AFrayedKnot posted 7/21/2013 17:18 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. I am still kinda in the dark. I only received a call from the on call Dr at my primary care. I have a follow up this week. They have me on 2 different antibiotics and liquid diet for two days then slowly introducing foods.

I guess I will find out more this week.

jo2love posted 7/21/2013 17:42 PM

Try to take it easy, Chicho. Please let us know how the dr appt goes.

Jrazz posted 7/21/2013 17:54 PM

(((Chicho)))

I went though all that testing too.. I just have low grade IBS. That in and of itself is a pain, so I'm so sorry you have to go through all this. Sending good thoughts.

tushnurse posted 7/22/2013 08:53 AM

Chico, make sure you stick to the low residue diet in the meantime. This will save you belly pain, and cramping.

It sounds like they suspect some sort of infectious process since the antibiotics. If that's the case you will start to feel better in a few days. The one antibiotic that they use to treat that can cause some strange side effects, a bad taste in your mouth, or things having a metalic taste. So know that if you are having that it's the medication. Not you...

NotDefeatedYet posted 7/23/2013 02:09 AM

I had ischemic colitis. Had to get a colonoscopy and then an angiogram from a vascular cardiologist. The doctors said it wasn't seen often in someone my age. They chalked it up to stress. It was only a few weeks after the affair thing came out, so I guess that was the cause. Get a proper diagnosis. The tests are so fun.

AFrayedKnot posted 7/25/2013 15:09 PM

Just got out of my follow up. Official diagnosis was diverticulitis.

jo2love posted 7/25/2013 15:24 PM

(((Chicho)))

I'm sorry. Please take it easy on yourself.

nowiknow23 posted 7/25/2013 15:43 PM

((((chicho))))

Jennifer99 posted 7/25/2013 15:44 PM

:( Sorry Chico. I hope with your diagnosis they can give you some relief.

AFrayedKnot posted 7/25/2013 18:25 PM

Thanks for the hugs. I am actually feeling great except for the damn antibiotics. And they will be done Monday.

tushnurse posted 7/25/2013 18:32 PM

Well that is a way way way better diagnosis than colitis. Seriously. Once you get well make sure you eat lots of fiber. Fiber is the sponge that keeps things from getting stuck in those pits and pockets (diverticuli). Lots of people will only have one episode. If you have another one though make sure that you see a colorectal surgeon, not just a general surgeon.

Glad you are feeling better!