Dual diagnosis- microscopic colitis

Long story short, even in remission with my UC I have struggled with diarrhea. My GI attributed it to IBS-D (which means nothing) and really didn’t do anything for it. I learned to deal with good days of 3-4 semi-solid poos and bad days of 10-15 total yellow liquid ones. Stool tests were always negative. I did do a round of Xifaxan in January and it was the only thing that really ever helped, but then was back to my old tricks within 6 weeks.

I got tired of all of this and on a whim, decided to get a second opinion as this dr was not really blowing me away and I was desperate for help. Got in to see an IBD specialist and was told that from my last colonoscopy, the biopsies showed inflammation at the microscopic level- which is likely the cause of my persistent issues as I have microscopic colitis that has gone completely untreated for at least 2 years. Wow- thanks GI#1. At least I have an answer.

On budesonide (oral) and have solid poo for the first time in years- I am still having some rectal symptoms, so have a message out to see if I can get on The budesonide foam.

Anyone else deal with this in addition to UC? Would love to hear any suggestions or tricks- thankful that I have a better answer than IBS.

Wow, hope that solves all of your issues then. Heard of microscopic colitis lingering, not common though! Having a true deep/quiescent remission means we have the best quality of life.

Quincy- I do not know which one, and I am not sure I received a copy of the biopsy report. My new doctor definitely did- I am seeing him again next week and will ask. Whatever it is has been driving me crazy! Literally.

He may look at scoping me to see how things are now since it’s been a couple of years.

Thanks, Quincy- that’s a good call. From what I have researched, the symptoms and treatment are very similar with collagenous being a little more stubborn.

And since you always have the scoop on rectal meds- since I’m responding to budesonide so well, I asked for the rectal foam version as I’m still having symptoms from that end (mucus, pain). I’m hoping it helps- I have been on canasa forever but haven’t felt like it helped me much unless I was having more UC-like symptoms. Since mesalamine doesn’t treat MC very well, this all makes so much sense. Wish I had put this together longer ago!