Microscopic Colitis, Ibs, Anyone?

[Calikat4]

I've been suffering for some time now and was wondering if anyone else has any insights/advice on my newest diagnosis...

I was diagnosed celiac about 4 years ago and have been extremely careful about my gluten free diet. In addition to celiac, I was diagnosed with IBS 13 years ago. About 2 months ago, I began experiencing severe diahrrea, which lead to rapid weight loss, which lead to fatigue, weakness, dizziness, etc. I finally had a sigmoidoscopy which revealed that I had microscopic colitis (which I now know is related to celiac). Within days I was put on a medication called Asacol, though this med caused SEVERE cramping and triggered the constipation side of my IBS (or so I was told) within days. I am now off of this med and wondering if my colitis will return. The pain became so severe that I had to take fiber supplements, which may lead me back to square one. I can't seem to balance out all of these disorders and symptoms and was wondering if anyone else out there has had anything like this happen to them???

[corinne]

I have microscopic colitis (the collagenous variation). I was diagnosed 2.5 years ago. I don't have celiac disease, but my mother does. I manage the colitis with a very strict diet (a variation of the SCD -no gluten, no grains including corn and rice, no soy, no dairy, no nuts, no legumes, no raw fruit or veggies etc.). It's a tough diet to stick with and may not work for everyone, but I'd rather have a strict diet than take some of the meds. I do take Lomotil as needed. Currently, I'm getting over a bout of Norwalk virus (arrghh - I teach and 3 students showed up sick) so I'm taking 4 Lomotil per day. So far, I haven't tried Asacol, Entocort, etc. Peptobismol did work for me for 1 year. PM if you have any questions.

[Calikat4]

I know what you mean -- up until a couple of weeks ago, I was literally living on Lomotil. Thanks for the diet tips. Just yesterday my gastroenterologist also informed me to cut out all fruits and veggies for a little while. I had never even considered that! Also good to know about the Pepto if my previous symptoms return. Thanks again.