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Diagnosed with UC - now they saying it’s not

Hi, I had on and off symptoms to suggest IBD in 2014 - colonoscopy was normal but was fine during this time when they did the scope -I wasn’t having symptoms. I went back with ongoing symptoms and was told I possibly had IBS and bleeding from piles. I was also struggling with fatigue, cramps, weight loss. My symptoms continued . I was finally diagnosed with UC in 2016 (I was pregnant during the flare was hospitalised) they couldn’t do a full colonoscopy at time - but did a part sigmoidoscopy and took biopsy’s and from that they said probable UC. I was treated with steroids and the mesalazine to control the disease. Treatment worked - and bowel problems stopped, pain cramping fatigue all largely under control. Had colonoscopy May 2019 and biopsy and told I was in remission. Felt good

Yesterday I had an appointment with a consultant (a new one - this is my third) - after asking me how I was -symptoms and what medication I was taking. She then told me she didnt think I actually had ulcerative colitis - that None of my tests show any actual classic signs of it - she not sure who decided to run with that diagnosis

She thinks the flare that hospitalised me was infective colitis

She ideally wants to take me off my medication - to see if I get symptoms - then re scope!

She says I might have IBS and not IBD after all

I’m very distressed - she says she won’t take my medication away unless I agree - but that if my symptoms changed she’d not prescribe anything like biological drug without the confirmed diagnosis

Any advice ? I feel like I need to be prepared for when I go back - like I’m in a nightmare

  1. Sounds very stressful .

    I wish I could say something that would make you feel better, but I don't think there's much I can say to be honest. It's good that she won't take you off medication if you're not comfortable with it, at least!

    It seems odd to think that the initial consultant would have prescribed treatment if they weren't sure of your diagnosis. Is there no way she can find out who it was who diagnosed you in the first place and speak to them?

    Sorry you're in limbo right now!

    - Sahara (team member)

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