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UC/Chrohns and Erythema Multiforme

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Posted 10/25/2016 4:43 PM (GMT 0)
Was recently diagnosed with Erythema Multiforme (hypersensitive skin reaction) but my dermatologist was unable to determine what caused the outbreak.

After being put on an antibiotic (z pack) and an antiviral, found blood in my stool and also a bit when wiping. Spoke to the PCP and dermatologist who did not think it was caused by the medication so finished both but continued to have multiple loose stools for the next week+ (no more blood) and for the last few days have also had watery diarrhea with some mucus. Went to the PCP today who will be testing a fecal sample but she thinks it is caused by the antibiotic. While I have not been eating as much (stress/anxiety) have lost 6 pounds in 13 days.

Now, I am worried it may be more than antibiotic related as UC/Chrohn's can cause skin rashes (including EM) and I have had dry eyes as well and some minor joint pains but these can also be related only to EM. Have not had any cramping or abdominal pain but have been a lot more gassy than usual.

Guess I am just wondering if there is anyone else with EM and if it manifested because of UC/Chrohn's. Thanks all.
Posted 10/25/2016 6:46 PM (GMT 0)
Are you thinking you possibly have either CD or UC from the fact that you have EM?

UCor CD doesn't cause EM, but it can be an extraintestinal disease in conjuction with, since one autoimmune parties with another and another and another.

You don't have a cause yet such as viral or vacterial for the EM as of yet.....or did blood tests reveal you have one or both?

Its good you had stool samples done..hope the results are antibiotic related, as it's hopefully fully treatable with no further issues. If it isn't antibiotic related, then you will need other testing for viral, parasitic as well as a colonoscopy with biopsies.

Have you had complete blood testing, etc for other possibilities for EM?

Welcome to the forum. Hope your doc can get the needed answers for the why and treatment. Please keep us updated on results.

q
Posted 10/25/2016 6:56 PM (GMT 0)
The dermatologist did a biopsy of the EM which really only stated that it was a hypersensitivity reaction and wasn't fungal. No determination of cause.

My PCP ran some blood work including CBC and the only abnormality was Eos, Abs which came back as .6 (normal range is 0.0 - 0.5). Had a blood test done years ago checking for HSV that came back negative.

Am worried about CD/UC because of the EM and the accompanying digestive issues (blood in stool, usually 3-5 bowel movements a day with the worst being in the morning, weight loss, and now watery diarrhea with some mucus).

To be honest, am a worse case scenario thinker so trying to get the fecal sample submitted, wait for the results, and go from there.
Posted 10/26/2016 4:19 PM (GMT 0)
That's pretty much all you can do. However....if the stool sample comes back negative, still ask for a colonoscopy.

My worst case scenario would be cancer....been there before my diagnosis.

Please let us know the results of the samples and the plan from there.

Hang tough, the waiting and worry is pretty much a given for most of us.

q
Posted 10/26/2016 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, Heather.

Dropped the sample off a little while ago and was told to expect it to take a few days. All I can do in the meantime is try to relax...
Posted 10/26/2016 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
sorry, doesn't sound like a fun time sad

as hard as it may be, try to give things time to play out - i certainly wouldn't jump the gun on anything right now, a colonoscopy being one - unless you are age worthy or have a family history of colon C -

unfortunately, antibiotics cause a myriad of unpleasant side effects -

have you seen any improvement with your EM ?

hang in there -
Posted 10/26/2016 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, my EM is almost entirely gone except for some peeling skin and darkened spots on my hands and arms from where I had the rash. Have a follow up appointment tomorrow with the dermatologist as well so he can provide feedback too.

I do tend to have issues with antibiotics but have never had this severe of a problem before, but, am also under a lot of stress (breakup leaving me to support a house, dogs, etc. alone, some financial strains, and then of course the EM episode) so maybe that just made my reaction worse.
Posted 10/27/2016 6:03 PM (GMT 0)
Just got a call from my PCP and my stool did test positive for c-diff so have to try another antibiotic to hopefully get it under control. Fingers crossed this is it smilewinkgrin
Posted 10/27/2016 6:08 PM (GMT 0)
Cdiff can certainly cause the blood and diarrhea that you're experiencing, good new that it isn't UC or Crohn's. Cdiff is an infection that should clear up (where as IBD is a chronic, lifelong disease).

Just know that cdiff can be stubborn and come back multiple times in some.
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