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Diagnosed with UC-could be be my gallbladder instead?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 2/3/2016 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I was recently diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. After have bouts of diarrhea for more than a year, the most recent being 2 months long, I finally saw a GI and had a upper GI & colonoscopy. Through the scopes they identified that I have UC and that pretty much my entire colon is inflamed. (Of course it is, I've had diarrhea for 2 months!) I have enemas to take for 4 weeks, Prilosec for 8 weeks, and Lialda that they would like me to take the rest of my life! I'm only 36, that's a lot of years of medicine!

My question is with the chronic diarrhea that I've had, upper right side pain, pain in my right shoulder & back, could it be that I have a gallbladder issue which is causing the pain, causing the diarrhea, and not really UC at all? Has anyone experienced this? I had a PIPIDA scan but it said my GB was functioning at 90% and blood work didn't reveal anything either. Could it still be that? Any suggestions on a second opinion? I just feel that something has to be causing my pain & diarrhea, it shouldn't just happen for no good reason. At this point I feel like I just treating symptoms, not the problem. Any advice or experience is appreciated.
Posted 2/3/2016 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Well, it could be adding to your problems. If your scope and biopsies (I assume your GI took them) show UC, then yes, you are just treating symptoms including the inflammation causing the d with the hope that it will keep them controlled. I was 38 when I was diagnosed and the thought of taking meds for the rest of my life is depressing, but I would rather take the meds and feel good than be sick all the time. There are some folks who can control their disease through diet. Sorry you have joined the club, it stinks, but we are a good group of folks here.
Posted 2/3/2016 8:44 PM (GMT 0)
I can't speak to the gallbladder...but I got diagnosed in my 30's and yes taking meds forever completely sucks and is hard to get passed. It is however worse to feel sick. I just want to say that I empathize with you.
B
Posted 2/3/2016 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
i guess i don't quite understand your question mom - you were dx'd with what most would consider pancolitis (full involvement) and given the standard drug treatment, based on your scope - not sure why you think something else would be causing the problems -

UC, among other fun things, causes pain & diarrhea -

wish there were better news - but it's good your GB is fine wink
Posted 2/3/2016 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
Also diagnosed in my 30's. I wish it were something else too but it isn't. I'm pretty sure that if you have the biopsy to prove it, then you have UC. That being said, there's nothing wrong with listening to your body and following up if it will put your mind at ease.

A coworker of mine had/has UC and developed a gall bladder infection well after his diagnosis. He had his GB removed. Funny thing is, once they took it out, the UC disappeared, and to my knowledge, has not reared its ugly head again.

There is some information out there about removal of your gall bladder as a child being a protective factor against IBD so there may be some sort of connection between the two.
Posted 2/4/2016 12:32 AM (GMT 0)
I was diagnosed when I was 30 and shortly after not really sure how long I had to have my gallbladder removed. symptoms were somewhat what you are saying wuthbthe pain in the shoulder going towards back, I actually thought I was having a heart attack the pain was so bad at times I couldn't move at all. The way they found out was an ultrasound so maybe ask for one of your gallbladder. I don't think the Dr thought the two were relegated. Good luck.
Posted 2/4/2016 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Diagnosed with UC-could be be my gallbladder instead? Nope, sorry. You've got uc just like the rest of us noble guys and gals do. Misdiagnosis happens but it's extremely rare.

Hey it's a hard pill to swallow at first, we all go through the initial frustration and doubt, but you'll get used to it, realize life goes on and accept it's what you need to do to stay healthy and have the best quality of life. A few use diets supplements but most of even them resort to prednisone when things get bad. Uc is an autoimmune disorder, where your immune system is constantly attacking you, and unfortunately that means it's necessary to treat those symptoms. I'm not happy about it, it was never my plan to take pills for life, starting in my thirties and I'm sure most would share the same sentiment... It's all about quality of life and maintaining control over uc...

In my 20's I thought club med was about a club of Mediterranean vacation resorts, now I'm chronically ill and club med has quite a difference meaning :-/
Posted 2/5/2016 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
If you had colonoscopy and diagnosed UC then you have UC. Gallbladder can be added issue. It is hard thinking about taking medicine for rest of your life. But if you are taking Lialda, it falls in mesalamine category and it is the safest medicine from all UC medicine. It opens up where your colon starts and works topically. So if it brings you in remission and keeps you there, please take it.

I made mistake of stopping and then could not go back to remission. Took steroid for 1 year and then started 6mp. Still I am afraid that if I reduce the dose, I might go back to flare.

Wish you long remission.
Posted 2/5/2016 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah....it sucks, but if you can stay on the first tier meds...that is a good thing. I was diagnosed at 34... 27 years ago...and have only used 5ASA oral and rectal (except for a 2 week stint of steroid enemas the first year)

Get in rectal meds as well. Learn to use your meds effectively and leave the denial behind. It changes nothing because your disease remains the same.

You might have has a small gallstone or too much fat that caused your gallbladder to throw a hissy fit (which i can relate)...but that's a separate issue.

Welcome to the forum....it's a wealth of info, different perspectives and support.

q
Posted 2/6/2016 1:59 PM (GMT 0)
I completely understand how you feel. When i was first diagnosed I refused to accept uc. Even my GI mentioned misdiagnosis after I went into remission so quickly the first time. I kept telling myself, "it's my endometriosis, once I remove my ovaries I'll be fine" or "its NSAIDs, once I stop taking them I'll be better" But then flares came on quickly and with a vengeance.

With each new flare, my dr wanted to add new meds and each time I fought him. Finally after a 3 week hospitalization and talk I've surgery I finally let go and accepted it. And emotionally I feel so much better. No more searching for reasons or underlying causes. No more searching for a dr with a different answer.

I hear a lot of bashing of big pharma companies, and taking meds, but for me I'm getting my life back. The side effects are better than becoming a recluse, which is what my flares where causing me.

By all means, get second opinions but I agree with everyone else. If your colon and biopsies show uc, it's uc.

This board is a great place to find alternatives should you choose that route. I personally, have tried other things but found the scientific data and research of meds the most compelling for me. But we each fight our uc whatever way works for us physically and emotionally.

Best of luck!
Posted 2/11/2016 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your thoughts, well wishes and information regarding this disease! You all are right, I don't want to believe that I have this, (especially when it's a forever thing), but if it is, then I am prepared to deal with it. I see a dietitian in couple weeks so hopefully that will help me as well. I hope to post some positive results soon!
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