Posted 7/24/2012 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Does anyone know of, or have info related to a connection between UC and DVTs (deep vein thrombosis). I've read some stuff suggesting a link, though more generally around auto-immunity as a whole. More curious if anyone has had or heard of a similar episode to mine.
I had my first DVT (left leg) and a PE in 2006. Shortly after ~3-6months I started getting IBS symptoms (bloody stools, severe discomfort, spontaneous bathroom trips...etc). After a couple years, my gastro Dr finally decided on UC as my diagnosis. After several different treatments/combinations (steroid enemas, prednisone pills, Asacol) I finally was able to control the flares with enemas and the symptoms with Lialda (3 pills a day). After reading some posts on the chat-room, i feel very lucky/thankful that my UC is generally controllable. I felt like my world was coming to an end until the Lialda started working.
Anyway, after a year on coumadin my Dr.s' took me off and about a month later i had another aggressive DVT and PE. At which point they made the determination I would be on coumadin for life. Since 2008 I've had a few flare ups, but generally been pretty good, and I continued to take coumadin. Testing my INR at least once a month.
Just recently (last week), while therapeutic on coumadin, i developed another DVT (same leg). Luckily i caught it in time and so far have avoided a PE. My Dr has put me on Arixtra for the next 3 months and then we're going to reevaluate going back on coumadin.
I've had numerous hyper-coagulate tests (antiphospholipid, Factor V Leiden, Protein C Def), all have been negative.
I firmly believe my UC is somehow connected to my clotting disorder. I guess i'm holding out hope that some treatment could be done for my UC that would enable me to go off of my anti-coagulate drugs. I'm 32 and live a healthy and active lifestyle, I dread the idea of being on an Arixtra or Lovenox for the rest of my life.
Any info/insight would be appreciated.