Mild Colitis diagnosis after discontinuing medication |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: What would the doctor mean if he gave me a diagnosis of a mild form of colitis? He suggested the cause to be the medication Artheretec(SP?)which I discontinued immediately, as well as the prescribed anti-depressants and reduced the amount of phenytoin from 400 mg daily to 100mg. It is almost 2 years later and the symptoms have not changed. What should I do? Dear Rose: Colitis is a condition in which the Colon becomes inflamed due to different causes. Since your physician already diagnosed you with Colitis and because of certain medications that you are taking, in my opinion I would guess that you probably have a condition called Irritable Bowel Syndrome. This common disorder affects your Colon causing cramping, abdominal pain, bloating gas, diarrhea and constipation. However let me reassure you that IBS doesn't cause permanent damage to your colon. The first recommendation would be to change your diet and lifestyle, increasing fiber in your diet and avoiding gas releasing foods such as carbonated beverages (sodas), raw vegetables like cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. Antidepressants are also part of the treatment to relieve the anxiety and inhibit the activity of neurons that control the intestines. If Constipation predominates your IBS, I would suggest you to consult your physician since there is special treatment for this condition with a medication called Lubiprostone, a complete evaluation of your status should be done first. I wish you a prompt recovery. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 June 2011 ) |
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