Undiagnosed and Nervous of what is to come

I am a 55 year old male. about a month ago, I suffered what I believe to be my third flare-up of colitis in the last 3 years. After the first two, I recovered so quickly that I didn't think I needed to see the doctor. I looked up the symptoms of others suffering UC and they seem identical to mine: Random attacks of lower abdominal cramps, lower-left side sometimes, worsening and gradually turning to bloody diarrhea, then chills and even slight fever. For me, this clears up after a couple of days and back to normal bowel movements after about 5 days. I have had some minor IBS symptoms in between, but those have been normal for me all of my life. After this third bout, I finally went to a doctor who scheduled a colonoscopy. My CRP marker was high which is consistent with IBD inflammation or colitis, but can't be sure until the colonoscopy. Due to insurance complications, my colonoscopy is still another month away!

Meanwhile, I worry and wait.
Unlike the past two episodes I've had in the last couple of years, this time I don't seem to be unable to produce solid formed stools anymore. Actually, I feel completely well other than that. Have not had any stomach pains or cramps, but I pass either small amounts of loose, very small stools, or diarrhea. Also, I feel a slight burning sensation in the rectum when passing stools or gas. This makes me think there is still some inflammation going on. Other than that, I feel completely normal, but very nervous about what the colonoscopy might find. Is it normal to have abnormal stools for so long after a bout of UC?

Post Edited (RobDel) : 9/16/2016 9:02:06 PM (GMT-6)

It actually does not sound like UC. The scope will tell, but the flares rather short and kind of far apart considering you weren't on any maintenance therapy. more likely infectious colitis.

Some of the anti-inflammatory meds are the same for colitis and UC, so if you do start an oral med it could help. If the infection is c.diff, you will need to get rid of that in some way.

good luck

Post Edited (DBwithUC) : 9/18/2016 8:10:14 PM (GMT-6)

Thank you for the replies. I did not know there was a difference between Ulcerative Colitis and Infectious Colitis. My doctor didn't do any other tests, and did not make any diagnosis. He said he didn't believe it be some type of infectious thing due to the randomness and length of time in between attacks. His only course of action was the blood tests and insist on a colonoscopy, particularly because I am over age 50 and of course you always have to rule out cancer. To be honest, that is the main concern. I cannot wait to get this ruled out, God willing.

My first flare was almost two years ago. It was the first time I ever had noticeable blood in my stools (Scared the heck out of me) and it cleared right up after a few days. The 2nd one was about 14 months later and lasted a little longer, but still had some chills, and a slight fever according to my wife's observation. With this last one, the severe symptoms cleared up after a few days, but mild effects of burning sensation passing stools and gas remained, and to this day stools are still not quite back to normal after 5 weeks. I've lost some weight, but I would attribute that to a major change in diet. I have cut out grains, gluten, and alcohol as I've read much evidence that those are culprits to auto immune type diseases. For the most part, I feel fine otherwise and the burning sensations have dissipated.

Thanks for all your input.