in 1996, i was diagnosed as having ulcerative proctitis/ulcerative colitis. the doctor tooks several samples of the large intestine, and sent it on for testing. aside from inflammation (gas, muscus discharge during a bowel movement, light red blood on the bowel), it seemed like a pretty straightforward case.
i was treated, and the symptoms went away. in 1998, i had the same symptoms and knew immediately what was going on. i went for treatment to a naval facility and had a full-blown colonoscopy, which revealed what looked like blisters on the lining of the large intestine. i was treated with pretty much the same course of medicine (sulfasalazine, and some other stuff), and again, the symptoms went away.
in february, 2000, the third bout came back. i think i may have been a little preemptive, given my past history, and i went to the doctor before full-fledged symptoms came about. i did see the blood, and a little mucus, so it seemed natural to conclude that what i had was a recurrence of uclerative colitis. this treatment, however, differed from the others. the gi doctor, without ordering a flexsig or colonoscopy, simply gave me medication and told me to be on my way. the symptoms subsided and went away, but now, two months later, i have a dilemma:
i have excessive gas and my stool does not seem to be "normal" as it was before. it is much darker in texture. the gas i am experiencing has been consistent for almost the last two weeks, sometimes causing me discomfort. i don't think this is diet-related, as i've pretty much been eating the same things for some time now. i'm trying to avoid caffeine and carbonated products.
i'd like to know what a reasonable course of action is given these facts. i'm 28 years old, i keep in shape, but i've been unable to contain these bouts of ulcerative colitis.
thanks for the advice.