Ulcerative Colitis?

[KyleInOregon]

I'm 23 years old.  For about a year now i have had blood and mucus in my stool almost every time I go to the bathroom.  Fissures, internal and external hemrroids have all been ruled out.  I have absolutely no stomach discomfort or pain with bowel movements, no diarrhea on a regular basis, and no weight loss.  To me, everything is completely normal with the exception of the blood and mucus.  I had a colonoscopy done because this was driving me absolutely crazy trying to figure out the problem.  The results came back and the surgeon told me the pathologist said the results were consistent with Ulcerative colitis.  But, they never said that is what I had.  Is their lack of communication safe enough to say that really is what I have?  Since my symptoms are so minor is it possible that it could be something different?  My colon was in great shape, the slight inflamation was in my rectum.  I have heard there is a better outlook for not having a person's colon removed if the disease is in their rectum, is this true and how long (maybe too general of a question) do most people live with this disease with minor symptoms before things start to deteriorate?  I have not heard of that many people living with this disease comfortably for more than 10-15 years.  Is there occurances of this disease where people live their whole lives with no serious issues and very minor symptoms, if any?  Thank you for your advice.

[Jewly]

I was diagnosed with UC about a year ago at the age of 26, I would visit the ER on a regular basis with fever, cramping, blood in stool, vomiting, ect. It took almost 6 mths. before a doctor could tell me I have UC. I was told ther is no cure, you have to control the disease with medication (Asacol) and diet. I was told even though I take the meds and watch my diet I could still have "flare-ups".
UC is a disease that affects you immune system, it makes your body think that food and drinks are bactiera and your body tries to get rid of everything you consume as soon as possible.

[San Antonio Mom]

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in 2000 (at the age of 26) after being sick in the hospital for a week with bloody and mucus-filled stools.  I took a sample of the biopsy to a different GI, he tested it and found no UC.  I remained pretty ill for about two years and also had a laparoscopy(sp?). I was then diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome.  Now it has mostly cleared up.  Learning that I am highly fructose intolerant and intolerant of onions has helped me change my diet.  The doctors now theorize that I had an infection of some kind, not UC.

My point is that UC can be acute and chronic, and sometimes it can clear up.  Also misdiagnosis is possible so you might want to have those biopsies retested.  THe lab always saves some.  I have not had a colonoscopy in five years and will hopefully won't need one until I reach the age that it is generally recommended.

I am not a physician and highly recommend that you work closely with your GI and personal physician.  You may want to discuss with them allergy/intolerance testing.  Good luck

[gofngal]

I have had ulcerative colitis for 30 years, I was diagnosed when I was 35. My symptoms are the same as yours now, but  when I was younger it was pretty bad, with a lot of joint pain. but mostly now just have some blood and mucus occasionally. I had a colonoscopy every other year for 10 years, now I have one every 4 years or so. This disease cannot be cured but you learn to manage it. You and I are the lucky ones, we don't have the severe pain and cramping that others have.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with the workup thus far.  The biopsies from the colonoscopy would help cement the diagnosis, and if there is question, you should ask for these results.

The prognosis and time course of the disease would vary from patient to patient.  However, there are medications that treat mild flareups quite nicely.  Yes, there are instances where the symptoms can be controlled medically, and a normal standard of living can be obtained.

Of course, there are more serious cases that may require more intensive therapy.

These questions can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_