Shy Drager and Colitis

My mother has Shy Drager's.  Is Colits part of Shy Drager's?  I know constipation, and incontinence are part of it.  She had an episode of colits, with ulcerative colon for over 3 weeks.  She had outpatient and in patient treatment for the coloits.  Colon is not getting better, according to the colonscopy, suggesting a colostomy to let the colon heal.  I'd like to know, is there a relationship of Shy Dragers with Colits.  

[Neuro Forum]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with your doctor.

Colitis means inflammation of the colon, and ulcerative changes in the colon imply severe inflammation (on biopsy). While Shy Drager can cause intestinal dysfunction (because it affects the part of the nervous system called the autonomic nervous system), and can cause diarrhea, it would not to my knowledge directly cause inflammation of the colon. However, if the blood pressure is dropping low enough (which does occur in Shy Drager) to cause poor blood flow to the colon, this could cause it to become ischemic, possibly leading to inflammation and necrosis. Other causes of ulcerative colon would be due to things such as infection or an autoimmune or inflammatory problem. If there have been blood pressure fluctuations, one consideration would therefore be ischemic colon, the treatment of which often includes resection of that part of the colon. Sometimes, a colostomy is needed.

Continued follow-up for your mother with her gastro-enterologist or surgeon is recommended.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.