Atypical for ulcerative colitis

From what I understand, it's rare, if not unheard of, for UC to present on the right side in isolation. I'm wondering if I've been misdiagnosed. Anyone here have a similar experience?

I definetley had pain on my right side when first diagnosed.  It hurt so much that when I laid on my right side and tried to turn I had to position myself right.  I don't believe it only pertains to left sided pain.  Hope this helps.

Stacy

ucRick said...

Hello,

My UC has recently only been active on the right (ascending) side of my colon.  When I was initially diagnosed with UC the rectum and sigmoid colon were involved but in my last scope the rectum and sigmoid colon looked clear and the biopsies from that part of my colon appeared normal.  I would recommend that a colonoscopy be done with biopsies so a GI doc can check the ascending part of the colon to see what's going on for sure.

In my last scope high-grade dysplasia was found in one biopsy from my ascending colon so I'm scheduled for surgery on Sept. 5 for a total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, where they re-attach the ileum to the top of the rectum.  I had blood blood in my stool for a couple of days about 1-2 weeks before the colonoscopy, but was feeling ok otherwise.  Also, my GI doc said that the area on the right side of my colon where the biopsies were taken from was a little red, but looked unremarkabe otherwise.  The biopsy that showed the dysplasia was taken as a random biopsy. 

I'm not trying to scare you, but it would be good for you to rule out any problems by having a colonoscopy.

Rick

ucRick said...

In my last scope high-grade dysplasia was found in one biopsy from my ascending colon so I'm scheduled for surgery on Sept. 5 for a total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, where they re-attach the ileum to the top of the rectum.  I had blood blood in my stool for a couple of days about 1-2 weeks before the colonoscopy, but was feeling ok otherwise.  Also, my GI doc said that the area on the right side of my colon where the biopsies were taken from was a little red, but looked unremarkabe otherwise.  The biopsy that showed the dysplasia was taken as a random biopsy. 

I'm not trying to scare you, but it would be good for you to rule out any problems by having a colonoscopy.

Dysplasia? Are you saying they found precancerous cells?

quincy said...

princesa, where exactly is your UC...limited or throughout? Are you saying that you are clear in the rectum as well except with pain/etc on the right side where there's thickening?

What meds are you on at this time?

A little history: I've struggled with digestive issues all my life. As a child, I frequently complained of "stomach aches" and was often constipated. An upper and lower GI done when I was about nine years old showed nothing.

In college, I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. I was a stressed out Type A going to a tough university, determined to graduate with honors. My diet was high carb, high sugar crap. I had the usual alternating constipation and diarrhea. I was sick alot and was given multiple rounds of broad spectrum antibiotics. I suffered off and on and was given antispasmodics and anti-anxiety meds for several years.

In 1999, I came down with a bad case of flu. Again, I was given a powerful antibiotic and immediately became very ill with constant cramping, D, weight loss and bleeding. A flex sig showed bleeding and inflammation in the descending colon - typical of UC. I was extremely ill. A year later, almost to the day, I was back in the ER, bleeding, etc. All very typical.

Since that time, I've worked really hard to educate myself and learn to control my condition. It's been a long road, but I haven't had any major flares - and certainly no bleeding - for years. I'm on a maintenance dose of sulfasalazine (Azulfadine), the older version of Asacol. I also take l-glutamine, probiotics and fish oil caps. I eat a mostly gluten and dairy free diet. You might call it a modified SCD. In general, I feel pretty good most of the time and consider myself to be "in remission."

This latest episode started suddenly after a splurge meal that included several things I don't normally eat and know are triggers for me. The pain was localized and pretty constant for four days. The position indicated appendicitis, but a CT in the ER showed otherwise. The following day, an endoscope and flex sig were performed and nothing was seen since neither addressed the problem area.

ucRick said...
Hi Princesa,

Yes, the high-grade dysplasia was described to me as precancerous cells.

Even though it only showed up in one of the biopsies, my GI doc, the 2nd opinion GI doc, and 3 surgeons told me I needed surgery.

Rick

at wit's end said...
I have what I call slight stinging sensations in my upper left part of my abdomen but it is either nerve sensations I've been told and believe it or not, gas feels that way inside me. There definitely is gas present when I have those sensations.

I can relate...and for me, mostly, it's from food intake.  gassss..