It's not Crohn's; it's Colitis

[Nancye50]

Just heard from dr regarding last weeks colonoscopy. It's not Crohn's, it's colitis. What does this mean? I feel like I need to learn a whole new language!
I was hospitalized in early Feb and he's been treating me as if I have Crohns, two CTs have shown inflammation consistent with Crohns and now this. I don't know what to think!

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Ulcerative Colitis is the sister disease to crohns and is very similar in manifestation and symptoms. That being said there are differences such as the fact that UC is limited to the colon and rectum whereas crohns can hit anywhere from mouth to anus. There are other differences but this is the main point of distinction that matters from a patient perspective.

More info on UC:http://www.ccfa.org/what-are-crohns-and-colitis/what-is-ulcerative-colitis/

 

[Nancye50]

Thanks nogutsnoglory I'm so confused because my colon hasn't shown involvement but my terminal ileum and other areas in small intestine have. I've never had bloody stool either. And I'm confused by her use of "colitis" instead of UC.

 

[Clash]

It could be that she was using the term colitis as it's stand-alone meaning of inflammation or it could be that she was saying you now have Crohns colitis which is crohns located in the colon or like NGNG she was referring to ulcerative colitis. I would just call and verify all of it with the doc. You may also ask if it is UC why has previous inflammation shown in the small bowel.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Hmm well the terminal ileum would usually be crohns and is common in that area. It is very rare for UC to be in the TI but not unheard of. I remember reading about someone on here with this issue way back. I wish I could find the thread for you.

 

[Clash]

I was thinking the same thing NGNG, I remember that thread too. I guess it would depend on how far up the terminal ileum Nancy50 had previous inflammation as to whether or not UC would be possible.

 

[DustyKat]

As far as I am aware true UC does not exist in the distal ileum. It can happen that backwash ileitis can occur but that is a secondary effect of the large bowel issues.

As has been said there could be various scenarios as colitis is a very generalised term so the GI really needs to verify what they are saying. The only stable in the word Colitis is that it is inflammation of the large bowel. Col (Colon or large bowel) and itis (inflammation). Also the other explanation is that it is possible to have a concurrent diagnosis of both UC and Crohn's.

I hope you soon have a solid answer!

Dusty. xxx

 

[Nancye50]

Thanks for your replies. My head is still spinning.
I'm also thinking about the fact that he wasn't able to biopsy anything but my colon because of the inflammation at the terminal ileum; couldn't get past it. I'm definitely calling for clarification tomorrow.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Dusty and Clash are absolutely right that Colitis is a tricky word. I very definitively have crohns but doctors have tossed around the term Colitis for me in discussing parts of intestine that were inflamed.

Your doctor definitively said it's not crohns so it seems your Colitis is ulcerative Colitis.

 

[2thFairy]

I had UC and had my colon removed. At the time of surgery, there was a lot of inflammation in the terminal ileum, but it definitely was not Crohn's.

I agree that you should speak with your doctor for confirmation on what exactly you have and don't hesitate to ask ALL of your questions. I think the not knowing is one of the worst aspects of any medical condition.