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Anyone every have CMV infection in their bowel?

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Posted 7/12/2010 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hello all, i am home from the hospital. Again, all results were normal. They got back some bloodwork that showed a current infection of CMV, so they are waiting for the pathology of my colonoscopy/endoscopy to see if there is CMV there.  If so, then im looking at antiviral meds.   Has anyone ever heard of this?
Posted 7/13/2010 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
There have been a few topics lately about CMV. You should use the search function at the top of the page, you can probably find some good info.
Posted 7/13/2010 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
I have a scope scheduled on Tuesday, I'm having them check for CMV. I didn't know they could do it by blood, I thought it was a biopsy only. Good to know. Hope you doing better on the antivials, let me know.

Linda

Posted 7/13/2010 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you notsosicklygirl!!!

Linda, i am not on antivirals yet, i showed positive for current infection thru blood work, and am waiting the pathology results of the colonoscopy (where they check for cmv in the bowel).

For me, it makes PERFECT sense. I am begining to think that i do NOT have UC. I think all my issues are CMV related. I am immune deficient so i am at greater risk, and i believe that all my direhea (where the docs kept telling me "it's not a flare") is cause by CMV. Guess only time will tell.

I really would like to talk to someone who has had this and what they antivirals were like and how they affect u....
Posted 7/13/2010 3:13 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know what it is with Valtrex and me but they always make me feel better, better mood, and more energy. They have helped in the past with my stool, but not this last round I tried for a few days. I'm just starting a letter to my doctor to hand to her before I go under so she remember to check for cmv I may just write it on my but cheek.
Posted 7/13/2010 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
I just recently had CMV and I am still on meds for it. Did you have any specific questions?
Posted 7/13/2010 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Did you have a biopsy to tell you and what meds are you taking and are they helping your UC?
Posted 7/13/2010 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I had a biopsy that detected the CMV. I had about four weeks of IV Cytovene and then switched to oral Valcyte. I am still taking oral Valcyte. On top of CMV I have C-Diff and UC. My symptoms improved.

 

Posted 7/13/2010 9:14 PM (GMT 0)
OMG BarcaFan!!! What made them look for it on top of ur UC?

For me, i have been admitted alot over the last few yrs w/ severe direhea, but every time, the GI says it's not a UC flare (based on CT and stool/blood samples). I have been off my UC meds for 3 yrs now and won't go back on unless they prove that it's a UC problem. So, this last time, they decided to look for CMV.
My blood work shows positive , and im awaiting the biopsy results.

Where did u get ur IV meds at? How long does it take and do u notice any side effects from it? Do u ever wonder if the UC was misdiagnosed???
Posted 7/13/2010 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
In my case, if UC was misdiagnosed then I am almost positive it was C-Diff and not CMV. CMV flare was a result of my immune system being suppressed by prednisone. CMV is very common, it is just dormant and only flares in mostly HIV or otherwise immunosuppressed patients. Is your immune system suppressed as a result of taking prednisone? If yes, then CMV is probably secondary. But since I am not a doctor I am just judging from what I have read and been told by doctors.
Posted 7/13/2010 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
sorry for the double postings, not sure why that is happening.

BarcaFan,

I am immune deficient (selective IGA deficiency). I have tested positive for CMV for past infections and current infections during my pregnancies. But since it was not a "first infection" they were not worried. So, as it seems i have tested positive for a "current" infection a few times. I have not been on pred. for almost 3 yrs now. Or my 6mp for that matter.

Im not sure where i go from here. I know i must wait for the scope results to start with.

Who did ur IV infusions? Did u have to do it in the hospital?
Posted 7/13/2010 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hospital first few days, infusion center couple weeks, last 10 days at home through PICC line. Your treatment could be different from mine as our immune deficiencies are caused by different things. My treatment will last for as long as I am on prednisone. Yours may be a lot less aggressive dosage/choice of medicine wise but longer in duration. You should wait for your scope/biopsy results. Your CMV may be in blood but not in colon. From what I read it rarely affects colon.
Posted 7/14/2010 1:48 PM (GMT 0)
BarcaFan, thanks soooo much for all your imput. I am about to call the GI' s office now to see if they have my results (it's been 5 days now). Wish me luck!!!
Posted 7/14/2010 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
I hope everything goes well. Good luck.
Posted 7/14/2010 9:32 PM (GMT 0)
Got in touch w/ the nurse at the GI office, she stated that she did not "see" any word of CMV, but there was mild enteritis in the small bowel, what ever that should mean....they moved my appt. up to tomarrow, from next week, as the note on the report said the doc wanted to go over my results.

I have a feeling im back at square ONE with no one knowing what the hell is going on w/ me. Once again, totally confused! Not my UC, not CMV, so what is the deal with 25x a day that lands me in the hosital numerous times a year!!!!!!!!!! So fustrated!
Posted 7/14/2010 11:24 PM (GMT 0)
Try to relax. At least until tomorrow. See what they tell you. May be you will hear good news. Good luck again. Let us know what they say.
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