Does your MS cause colon/stomach problems?

[melo1224]

Another strange thing with me is my colon is whacked up. Colonoscopy biopsy revealed that I have a high level of eosinophils which is a white blood cell that is usually present with Celiac Disease or Parasite. I tested negative for both so again my Gastro Doc is stumped. He just said I have colitis but not ulcerative or Chrone's just inflammation. I have to wonder why I have significantlly elevated eosinophils...appreciate any input...

[Bazar]

I have MS and IBS. I fell like I have a baseball in my rectum. I have bowel movements, but I still feel the same way

[melo1224]

Alex if you don't mind keep in informed on how your visit goes, send me a private note so I'll be in your inbox. I will do the same if I visit my Gastro also.. Very interesting.... I've been trying to stay out of the doctor's office until Jan b/c I just got a new ins plan and I know my high deductible starts over in Jan so I hate to pay out a bunch end of the year and then start all over. I appreciate the information. Have a good one!
Mel

[tingletingle]

Hey Mel,

I just learned from my Neuro via another patient last week that MS and Celiac are related and so did a bit of Googling:
http://celiacdisease.about.com/b/2011/03/29/celiac-disease-prevalence-high-in-multiple-sclerosis-patients-families.htm

My blood test for Celiac and parasites was clean but I am seeing a Gastro man next month regarding continuously elevated liver enzymes since I started with MS in May.

Hope you find some answers

Blessings
Alex

[melo1224]

Thanks,
I have not had any allergy testing. So far my Gastro prescribed Pentasa and Entocort and neither one really helped my symptoms. I have a follow up scheudled and we'll see what he thinks next. He seems like he will keep trying to help so I'm happy with him. He even said that the stool/blood tests for Celiac are sometimes incorrect so thought about repeating them later.
I have not tried an elimination diet yet but i'm thinking it's in my near future. I didn't realize that Celiac could mimic MS I'll have to look into that.

[twopack]

Some people are gluten intolerant even though they are sero-negative for Celiac Disease (meaning the blood test is negative).  Have you considered a trial of eliminating or severely limiting the amount of gluten in your diet?  You might find it helps and it certainly won't hurt anything (except perhaps a pinch in your wallet).

I really don't know if gluten intolerance would cause a rise in eosinophils.  It seems possible if it is considered an allergy but again - I don't KNOW that.  Was the elevated eosinophil level only found in the colon biopsy?  or was that from blood work?

I'm interested if you have ever been on steroids.  They work to decrease inflammation and are sometimes used to treat severe flares of inflammatory bowel disease.  It would be interesting to know if you ever took them (for any reason) and noticed an improved gut.

So did the gastro throw up his hands and dismiss you with no treatment when you stumped him or is he continuing to work at finding a treatment that will help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life?  Just wondering.  I often ask the same question of neurologists!

BTW, the symptoms of Celiac can closely mimic MS.  Is that what brought you here originally?

That's my input.  Seems like there's far more questions than answers from me.  Hope something here can help you or your doc think it through to an answer.

Mary

[rendean]

Eosinophils are types of white blood cells that rise when the body is fighting a parasitic infection or allergies. Celiac disease would be included because the gluten is an allergen to those affected.

People can have food allergies that would increase eosinophils. Have you ever had any allergy testing done?

To my knowledge this is not linked to MS.

Ren