could there have been an underlying cause for my colitis?

[chronicsymptoms]

20+ years ago I was an energetic, vibrant career woman.  I gave birth to a child in 1988 and soon after began feeling just not up to par.  I was having increased fatigue and also an increase in my appetite w/o weight gain but did notice paler more frequent, voluminous stools.  My GP referred me to a gastroenterologist who found no conclusive causes for my symptoms after checking blood work and a stool culture.  Continued to trudge through my daily routines assuming the added responsibility of motherhood was the cause of my sub-par feeling.  Fast forward a few years after my GP finding no reasons for my lack of fatigue just tried to make do... in trying to keep up w/my usual routines I found that I was getting sick more easily and frequently with recurrent sinus and vaginal infections.  One sinus infection just wouldn't budge after a few rounds of antibiotics so my GP sent me to an ENT and after xRays suggested surgery or trying a round of steroids.  I opted for the later, less invasive procedure and almost immediately after beginning the Rx started noticing blood with my stools.  My GP referred me to a proctologist who, after examination diagnosed me with acute proctitis and prescribed steroid enemas.  These enemas exacerbated my bleeding immediately and the doctor told me that was impossible but should go back to my gastroenterologist.  Upon doing so and having an exam was prescribed Asacol and have been on it ever since.  There have been other drugs attempted but my 'disease' has now spread to my left side and up to 9 asacol/day to keep the colitis in remission.
So, is it at all possible that there is an underlying infection/parasite that resulted in either a misdiagnosis or development of my colitis due to my reaction to steroids???  Is it at all possible that the stool culture missed something???

[blue_eyed_mama]

Hi there,
I noticed some simularities in our stories.  I too experienced fatigue after my daughter was born.  After a year of trying exercise, vitamins, getting out in the fresh air and what not, I decided to see an Internist.  I was run through several standard thyroid and anemic tests and even some type of auto-immune test, which of course were all within standard means.  Then I finally got fed up with my Internist suggesting several times that I was depressed, and tried to suck it up and go on about my life.  
Until about another year passed, and I all of the sudden suffered extreme abdominal cramps, along with blood and mucus.  I really feel lucky that I only had to endure 2 flare ups, before being diagnosed with UC.  

I have been curious if my earlier bout of fatigue was somehow related to the colitis.  I am currently controling symptoms with 2400mg of Asacol (no less or symptoms return).  I have only been taking it for about 2 months now. I found myself here, searching to see if dry eyes and muscle cramps are common side effects.

Best Regards.

[TrudieC]

It seems really odd that the steroids didn't help.  They really help UC and can help to get a flare under conrol very quickly.  That would lead me to believe you may not have it.  Your symptoms before the blood would also not indicate to me (as an untrained person and someone who has had UC as well as hypothyroid, fibromyalgia and Lupus) UC and could be some kind of other auto-immune.  You should ask to see a rheumatologist who can get down to the bottom of your issues.  Also, have you ever had a transvgaginal ultrasound to check your ovaries?  They can affect your bowels if there are any cysts or masses in there.  Take care and I hope you get some answers.