colitis vs chrone's

[mamasaurus]

Ten years ago I was diagnosed with colitis. I moved to italy shortly after and the doctors misunderstood my bad Italian and thought I had Chrone's. Later, an Italian doctor ran some blood tests that showed I was ANCA and HLA B27 positive, which he said meant I must have colitis. Two weeks ago I had another colonoscopy here in the UK..The doctors said they have found 2 types of ulcers in my small intestines. From my knowledge, that means I have chrone's. Is it possible to have both and what does it mean for me?

[sqad617]

Chrone's Disease can affect ANY part of the GI tract, but colitis can only affect the colon, so yes you cxan have both diseases in the colon as suggested by your colonoscopy.

Biopsies would have been taken and your treatment would depend upon the biopsy results.

[bednobs]

yes. BTW it's spelt chron's disease if you are researching it you will get more info that way

[sqad617]

Thanks bednobs, it didn't look right somehow, but I am not at my brightest in the early hours of the morning.

[Pentalpha8]

Crohn's disease is the correct spelling .

[mamasaurus]

Thanks all...not bothered about the spelling more about the treatment and consequences on my body.

[Eve]

You can have both and, as sqad says, crohns can affect any part of the digestive tract whereas ulcerative colitis is restricted.

Have your doctors said anything about the ulcers, did they biopsy them to see if they show any sign of crohns or whether they are general ulcers.

I really feel for you if you have both, one is bad enough. I've been going through a load of tests and, thank goodness, my colon seems ok which rules out ulcerative colitis but they think it might be hiding in my small bowel so got to go for some more tests.

[mamasaurus]

Hi Jenna,

Thanks for your answer. I know that you can have both, and what Crohn's affects, but I still don't know how it will affect me in general. I'm a bit concerned for my baby. She's only 5 months old and I'm still breastfeeding. If I need to go back to the diet I had when my colitis was really bad, I won't have the right nutrients for her...I think. Just the idea of being sick again with 2 small children is enough to make me cry. (my oldest is about to turn 3).

The doctors have done biopsies. The secretary of my gastro doctor slipped me some info about the results. She said, "well, I can give you some good news....they found no cancer, but they are sending your results out again to be retested." I don't know what for.

Since the colonoscopy, I've felt pretty bad. I've had a lot of pain and the runs. No doctor here seems to be either able or willing to sit down with me and give me the time to explain it all out to me and what it will mean for my future.

Any ifo that people have from personal experience would be helpful. I find a lot of websites use too manymedical terms that confuse me on a good day.

[sqad617]

I can understand your concern, but if this thread can answer any of the confusing medical questions, then please ask.

I notice that you have contributed to a thread on RA and as you know, RA is associated with Chron's Disease.

It is difficult to prognosticate for the future, as both conditions are associates with exacerbations and remissions, but it will be mainly associated with the diarhoea and colicky abdominal pain.

I presume that you intend to breast feed as long as possible, in which case, you may need supplements in order to ensure that the baby doesn't suffer.
You will need the help of a dietician.

Sorry that I cannot help further, as I can't predict your future.

[reefgal]

Hi mamamsaurus

I would imagine that your doctor will prescribe you prednisolone (steroid) it will help the crohns and make you feel better in yourself. Not to sure but i think steroids pass into breast milk, your doctor will advise you on this.

People on this link may be able to answer your questions.
http://www.crohnsforum.com/

[sqad617]

reefgaleast milk.........prednisone does pass into breast milk, but only in very small amounts.

Prednisone can also be given rectally......by enema which would not affect the br