One step forward, two steps back ...

I posted a month or so ago that for the first time in 7 years with UC, my gastro told me I'm in remission. Which is great! But now, a problem I've had for some time, and thought was just part of my UC, remains, and has me quite concerned.

Over the last - I don't know, couple maybe - years, I've had intermittent soreness in my upper abdomen, just below the sternum. It often felt like sore muscles, like you'd been doing too many ab crunches or something. I always assumed it was inflammation in my transverse colon, and never paid it much attention. But now that my colon looks good, I've realized that's not actually where my colon is, it's more in the area of where my stomach is, or possible liver.

The doc put me on a PPI for two weeks to stop stomach acid but that didn't do much if anything. I'm now waiting on an appt with him to investigate further.

I should also mention, I have multiple autoimmune conditions, including something called Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, which can cause soreness in the ribs, but this feels more like its in that stomach/diaphram area.

Of course, I worry about cancer, as my Mom died of pancreatic cancer. But if I look at symptoms, other than the dull soreness in this area, they don't seem to indicate cancer. No bleeding, weight loss, jaundice, pain in the back, fever, vomiting, etc. Appetite is good, and no nausea or problems eating. My CBC blood work has been normal. I was thinking/hoping it was simple gastritis, but as the PPIs didn't do anything, I'm at a loss.

Has anyone had any issues with general mild soreness in this region, and if so, did you determine what the source was?

Thanks,

Actually, at my colonoscopy before this last one, when the biopsies came back, my gastro (who is not my original gastro) asked, "Have you ever been diagnosed with Crohn's?" He said a couple of the biopsies had some trait that I can't remember that he said is usually seen in Crohn's inflammation.

I believe he said "granulomas present" ...

Ok granulomas are in the same sphere as cobblestoning....how far up yuor colon has your UC extended...did you have pancolitis?

CD is possibility....A UC diagnosis can change to CD with a 20-30% possibility for more extensive disease in the colon...it would not be unheard of that your colon is now perfect and that the inflammation is now registering in the small intestine somewhere and hence your stomach issues

do you have joint issues separate from your MTCD?

im going thru something similar as u at the moment...c-scope is fine, bloods are totally normal....however i have unexplained abdominal issues and bloating and some joint issues....nothing adds up....docs dont take you serious unless blood marker are way out.....it is frustrating