Confusing lab report

[hudyhuff]

Am 67 year old woman. Have had symptoms for many years, starting with the first time bleeding, fever, diagnosis "non-specific colitis."  After this diagnosis became irritable bowel syndrome.Then several episodes of diverticulitis. Now I'm on Asacol with no IBD diagnosis, and have over the past six months developed pain right side of belly button, especially when taking a deep breath, but also aggravated by sleeping on the other side. After my colonoscopy last week my gastro reported seeing diverticular disease in left colon and "inflammation in right colon." The colonoscopy report I just received showed:  Normal terminal ileum, abnormal mucosa in right colon, normal mucosa left colon. I assume the "abnormal mucosa in right colon" is at the place where I'm having the pain. Biopsies were taken and the biopsy report showed nothing (Ileum: no active or chronic ileitis; Right colon: No active, chronic or microscopioc colitis; Left colon: No active, chronic or microscopic colitis."
Questions: How could the colonoscopy show inflammation and the biopsy show nothing? Where do I go from here?

[6man6]

i have  dull pain in the right quadrant below liver. no fever and blood.
but i have a lot of bloaing, excess gas and  when i pass wind i have mucous. at the right colon, i always hear squishing of air, liquid.

[hudyhuff]

Thank you so much for your reasoned response.  I will certainly continue trying - with my gastroenterologist - to get this condition evaluated.  I also appreciate your advice to go to the ER if things get more severe.

Bests wishes.

hudyhuff

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

‘Abnormal’ mucosa right colon, may not specifically refer to inflammation; though it is rather weird for abnormal/ inflammatory appearing mucosa to be present on gross visualisation by absent on a biopsy section. Also with the symptoms described, other possible causes such as GU infections/ inflammations, growths/ masses etc. would need to be considered. I would suggest getting this evaluated by your treating gastroenterologist or a primary care physician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. If the pain is severe or there is development of other symptoms, a visit to the ER may be considered.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!