Microscopic Colitis

[SamB]

I have been having frequent loose stools (not watery diarrhea)the day my father died a few months ago.  I am on Xanax (3 l/2 mgs)for a generalized anxiety disorder and the Climera estrogen patches l.5 mgs.  I recently started taking acidophilus (5 billion) and Nature's Way Lactase Enzyme, since I thought these might help with this problem.  They have helped a little. Incidentally, I have also lost a fair amount of weight (18 pounds - started at 133 and now weigh about 115) in about the last year and a half, which makes me suspect a maladsorption problem.  However, my husband thinks it is from the Xanax.  

My gastroenterologist who I saw about 3 weeks ago thinks I might have Microscopic Colitis and has schduled me for a colonscopy with biopsies to rule in/rule out the MC diagnosis.

What is the current treatment if one has this condition. I know that diet may play a role in this and have had an increasing lactose intolerence the past eight years and have recently noticed an egg senstivity when eating too many eggs or too many things with eggs in them to many days close together.  I don't think I have a gluten sensitivity, however.

Until I have my test, I am taking Pepto Bismol as needed, since the loose stools often make me feel ill.

Any help you could give me would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,

SamB

[chrisgeus]

Sam, I would suggest you get this checked out. Colitis would be a possibility as it usually comes out during periods of great emotional stress. However you did not describe your symptoms, any bleeding or mucus? I think it would not hurt to have this checked but doubt if colitis is the problem. The medication you are taking could have some side effects on your colon also!

If you still feel bad, try looking at this website: http://www.scdiet.org/ which might work for you.

Good luck!

Chris

[SamB]

In response to your comment about my symptoms.  No bleeding, mucous, or watery diarrhea. Just loose stools that make me feel ill like diarrhea does.

Thank you for your comments.

[SamB]

Chris -

Could you please have one of the doctors look at and answer this question also, since Pepto Bismol has been a treatment in the past for microscopic colitis.  

Thank you.

[chrisgeus]

Sam, I found a good website for more information about microscopic colitis: http://www.malinowski.com/faq.htm
Fact is you will only know for sure if this is it after
you've had the colonoscopy.

I would be carefull about anything that is not clearly proven.
I have ulcerative colitis and I've heard (and tried) the strangest things:  tumeric 10x day, Boswellia tablets etc. etc. Some things might help your colon but do damage to other parts of your body in the long run.

You have to figure out what works for you, but you can only do that once you know what's wrong for sure.

Good luck!

Chris