Re: Ulcerative Colitis

Posted By HFHSM.D.-ym on September 22, 1998 at 22:03:54:

In Reply to: Ulcerative Colitis posted by Concerned on September 21, 1998 at 01:11:32:






Hello Doctor,
      My 55 year old brother is in the hospital with a very bad case of Ulcerative Colitis. Upon entering the hospital, he was very ill, with yellowing of the skin around the eyes and face area, bloody diahrea, etc.. I have seen the Colonoscopy pictures-and they showed total coverage of ulcers in the large colon, with a pencil size opening in a 6 to 8 inch area. It has been 3 weeks, of being on Predizone, weight loss of 49 lbs., and now a feeding tube to keep anything from the intestines. They just started him on Kerafate. The stomach area was not checked out-but he has terrible bloating-looks like a pregnant woman and is very uncomfortable. He also has had over 40 IV's. He is allowed some ice chips a day-but nothing else by mouth. Biopsies were taken of different areas of the colon, and showed no cancer. I am worried about the stomach and his chances of improving and leading a normal healthy life again. He is very weak and worn out-but is on a walking schedule everyday in the hall corridors to help keep up his strength. He does appear to be improving slowly-but will remain in the hospital for some time yet. Is there something more to be done for him, and anything to insure that this will not return when he is well enough to leave the hospital.
Should the stomach have been checked out to make sure what is going on there? Sorry this is long-but have one more question.
About 1 year ago, he wasn't feeling good, and the Dr. put him on
40 MG of Prozac a day-could this have caused the problems he now has? He is off of it since this happened. Thank you very much for any answers.
Dear Concerned,
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory condition that only affects the large intestine. If the large intestine is completed removed surgically the risk of colon cancer is obliterated. It sounds like your brother's colon is narrowed (strictured) in some areas. It is sometimes difficult to rule out cancer in these areas. If it becomes impossible to adequately survey his colon (with colonoscopy) and he is refractory to medical therapy surgery is an option. The bloating may be secondary to colonic inflammation or a secondary process in the stomach. The inflammation of ulcerative colitis does not involve the stomach. On the other hand, Crohn's disease of the stomach has been described. If your brother is truly jaundiced it may be necessary to rule out a condition called primary sclerosing cholangitis (disease of the bile ducts characterized by scarring and inflammation) which is an extraintestinal manifestation associated with ulcerative colitis. It would be extremely unlikely that Prozac had anything to do with the development of ulcerative colitis. I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call  1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians' Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: ulcerative colitis