RZR
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posted
I have been suffering from vaginal pain and bladder issues for a couple of years now. Saw a new gyno yesterday. Ultrasound revealed enlarged colon on left side. Gyno seemed concerned and said she had never seen a colon that enlarged. She did say that would not cause the vaginal pain.
Should I be concerned about the enlarged colon?
[ 11-19-2013, 10:27 AM: Message edited by: RZR ]
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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I think so. Have you Googled "Mega Colon?" I think that's what it's called.
Maybe you need to see a GI doctor.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Keebler
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- Good catch by LymeToo - now this may or may not be "mega colon" still, it's important to learn a little about it and see if you have some of the characteristics.
Start with Wikipedia
But, remember that there can be a long way from an "enlarged" colon to a "mega colon" --
Your LLMD should be consulted soon. "Mega Colon" can come from toxicity & infections and cause some pretty serious troubles.
I would think if this were urgent, she would have referred you to a specialist.
Do NOT get a colonoscopy, though, as it can cause a lot of trouble. Other imaging might be considered, of course.
Lyme can certainly cause this & the toxicity but so can a lot of other things. C. diff, too, and if on antibiotics and if you have c. diff, Rx would have to change.
But, as you don't report pain with colon, it may turn out to be just fine.
Start with Wiki for a little detail yet try not to be too concerned until you can talk with your LLMD on Monday.
Still, it may just be enlarged and not inflamed and that could be genetics, etc. and may not cause any issues at all.
I don't know what you would do now but I would talk to your LLMD on Monday and see what they suggest.
Main point of Wiki's page on this: do NOT do a colonoscopy. From there, there are many things to figure out.
Steroids may be suggested but that is why you would FIRST talk with your LLMD. Steroids can make lyme so much worse. Be aware of that. So, your LLMD can:
1. tell you if this is "typical" for someone with your infections, on the Rx you are,
2. assess if c. diff. might be a player
3. suggest the specialist you should see and if
steroids might needed, guide you in that (the specialist would not understand the lyme concern with steroids). Same with if c. diff. is a concern. How not to leave any tick infection unguarded.
Really surprised that the doctor did not suggest what might need to be done about this -- or put your mind at ease and say it did not appear to be urgent. ???
Perhaps a copy of the ultrasound imaging or the report with some kind of measurement parameters could be sent to your LLMD so this could be put into perspective. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- Berberine really helped me with uro-genital issues. I hesitate suggesting that you take anything - or not take anything.
With this possible complication, I would just stop taking everything other than maybe SLIPPERY ELM BARK in hot water to soothe the lining of the GI Tract.
That might also help the bladder. Perhaps, if your LLMD has Saturday appts, you could even call them tomorrow for a quick bit of advice?
If your lower belly is painful, and if you might have c. diff. (one cause of "mega colon"), I would not take anything that is anti-bacterial in nature right now.
On the other hand . . . . (just so much to consider).
You would want to get some sacromyces boullardi (sp?)
Brewer's Yeast (the flaky yellow "nutritional" yeast contains some good "probiotics" cousin to that. Until tomorrow, if you happen to have some Brewer's Yeast, you might want to take a little of that but know that it can be stimulating and cause insomnia if too much is taken too late in the day.
Despite the name, Brewers / nutritional yeast is safe (even helpful) for someone with candida.
As TOXICITY is a main cause of "mega colon" review your liver / kidney support. Magnesium seems a good idea to review, too. Addressing inflammation seems vital.
Any Rx that cause GI tract irritation? Any foods (spicy, caustic)?
Rx? Supplements? Interactions? Anything there to cause this? Cross reference everything you take. Google Advanced Search is easier than the regular Google for cross-searching. -
[ 11-15-2013, 11:45 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
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- A recent post of yours, you asked:
"Should I avoid eating sauerkraut if I am allergic to mold or have candida issues? " (end quote)
As a "mega colon" can be enlarged for various reasons, bloating can be one of those.
Certain FOODS might do that. Candida, too. Other mold issues as well.
Are you taking CHOLESTYRAMINE? Any "bulking" agents like Flax Seeds / Chia, etc? If so, that could explain some things and cause enlarged colon.
GLUTEN FREE would VERY important, if not already. Be careful of any "HIDDEN" sources. -
[ 11-16-2013, 12:17 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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Keebler
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- "Hidden Sources of Gluten" in this set. Even lip balm can cause trouble.
Also, see the film "GMO ROULETTE" as GMO foods can cause all kinds of irritation, inflammation of the entire GI Tract, mouth to exit point.
Excitotoxins; MSG; Aspartame; & "Natural" Flavors (that are not likely natural at all);
GMO foods that destroy the GI Tract; Gluten; Dairy. -
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lululymemom
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I would agree with Keebler on the gluten free diet. It has made a huge difference for me and ive been through 2 colonoscopies. The slippery elm as well would be very good right now. Hope all gets sorted out soon..
Bartonella henselae 1:100 Posts: 2027 | From British Columbia | Registered: Jun 2010
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Carol in PA
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"Should I be concerned about the enlarged colon?"
As a nurse, I would ask about your history with your digestive system. Frequency of bowel movements, color, consistancy.
If your intestines are working normally and you're having regular bowel movements, then I wouldn't get upset about the image of an enlarged colon.
Megacolon can be caused by the nerves to the muscles in the large bowels not working properly. When the intestinal contents do not progress to the rectum to be expelled, more water is absorbed by the gut walls and the contents become firmer.
The large bowel stretches to accomodate it all, instead of the muscles contracting to move the gut contents along.
Lyme bacteria can cause problems with nerve conduction, when the bacteria deplete the cholesterol that coats the nerves. Although I have not seen seen this validated, I suspect that Lyme Disease may be the cause of many cases of megacolon.
Posts: 6947 | From Lancaster, PA | Registered: Feb 2004
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RZR
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Thanks everyone. Stool is now yellow, but I don't have diarrhea, so could I have C-diff? No foul odor with BMs either. I have been off abx for 1 year. I also have not had constipation, which is a symptom of megacolon. I tried researching, but couldn't find the dosage and duration of flagyl for c-diff. I have flagyl and it's worth a try. Can anyone help with dosage and duration of treatment? You can PM me if needed. Thanks!
I had my last LLMD appt. in October. I was doing great with very few symptoms left. I have only been rifing and taking Cowden for the past year. I added MMS 3 months ago.
Thanks for the heads up on no colonoscopy because that is exactly what the gyno suggested.
UPDATE: After more research, I think I could be experiencing gallbladder problems. I have also had yellow stool, stomach upset and pain, and right side mild pain radiating to the right scapular area. I had an ultrasound a couple years ago but nothing was found. What kind of test do I need?
[ 11-16-2013, 08:27 AM: Message edited by: RZR ]
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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surprise
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posted
Maybe you should stop the MMS.
Didn't you mention you had bloody show after using it for enemas?
I certainly don't want to start anything w/ MMS users, just trying to help, it's what I'm thinking.
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
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RZR
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Surprise...No, I did not have bloody show after enemas...it was after vaginal douches.
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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surprise
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With the MMS tho, right?
I don't know. Just a suggestion. My fear of MMS used in the tail end of things is that for open sores of chrons, colitis, it may inflame, it being a harsh chemical.
I am trying to heal my own inflamed gut issues/ chronic constipation, and having success after a radical diet change.
I'm off all treatments except Diflucan every other day (yeast) taking high dose Curcumin for inflammation, digestive enzymes,
slippery elm, licorice, aloe, marshmallow, coconut oil 3x a day- I am feeling much better.
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
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surprise
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P.S. I was having bladder issues that felt like a bladder infection- it wasn't.
I believe it was yeast, and constipated bowels perhaps pressing up on the bladder.
Those symptoms are virtually gone now, also take d-mannose just in case. I am also not peeing every hour anymore.
-------------------- Lyme positive PCR blood, and positive Bartonella henselae Igenex, 2011. low positive Fry biofilm test, 2012. Update 7/16- After extensive treatments, doing okay! Posts: 2518 | From USA | Registered: Nov 2011
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Yellow stools can also indicate a poor-functioning liver, can't it??
I agree with surprise.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96222 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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RZR
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Thing is....I have went through the yellow stools and current symptoms several times over the past couple of years.....way before MMS. I usually get it cleared up in a couple of weeks. It is usually months and then it happens again.
I am going to stop MMS for now.....too nauseated to take it anyway.
I am going to ask my PCP to order a HIDA scan.
Thanks!
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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map1131
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I second the Keebler post on Berberine. Oh my how I love my berberine.
It helped my UTI finally after months and months, 3 different abx failed (I seem to now be abx resistant), d-monnase, rife etc.
Except now I'm finding that urinary, one odor and two lower back/mid back aching, is part of my monthly herx.
RZR, I hope your colon issues can be resolved. Have you ever had colon looked at before? Could one be born with a healthy but larger size colon??????
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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RZR
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Yes, I have had my colon looked at before and nothing was said about enlarged colon. It was, however, a gyno that noticed it this time.
I am 90% sure I am having gallbladder problems...not sure if I am going to make it through the weekend. If I start vomiting, I will go to the ER. I feel very nauseated and a bit of diarrhea now. Pain is a dull aching under right rib cage and around back.
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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I had vaginal pain a few years ago. Getting a diagonsis was a real joke.
I had several sonograms and no one knew what it was. Finally, due to costs I saw a doctor in Mecixo. He had a hard time too but ventured an enducated guess based on deduction and experience and a full work up in Sharp Hospital of Mazatlan emergency room, of pelic vericose veins. Gave me a natural treatment for it and an anti-inflammatory pill. It was gone in 3 weeks... thats after 5 months of pain at level 5.
Sufficient vitamin c keeps it away.
Cost in US for no help except lortab = about 1,000 dollars cost in Mexico (with sonogram)= 92 dollars.
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RZR
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Wow! Carmen...great news for you! What was the natural treatment he gave you and the anti-inflammatory pill?
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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Carol in PA
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RZR, your symptoms do sound like gall bladder problems. When the bile duct is blocked, there is not enough bile secreted into the small intestines to saponify fats.
Bile breaks fats down into tiny globules so that they can be absorbed through the intestinal walls. Bile colors the stool brown.
Doing a castor oil pack to the upper abdomen may help reduce inflammation and pain in the bile duct. An element in castor oil is absorbed through the skin and relaxes smooth muscle. (The internal organs are made of smooth muscle.)
Look into these: Planetary Herbals Stone Free Chanca Piedra (Break-stone)
iHerb.com offers several brands of Chanca Piedra, and you can read reviews.
I think the quickest way to help reduce the pain would be to use pulsed magnetic energy. This increases circulation to the affected cells, which reduces inflammation and pain, helping them to heal.
I am referring to the SOTA Magnetic Pulser and other machines that emit magnetic energy.
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map1131
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RZR, read Deborah A Metzger , PhD, MD article on the web called "Interstitial Cystitis as a manifestation of Lyme Disease"
Great read and might help answer some of your issues. Then to find doc to do testing and tx??????????????????? She's in California for those so lucky to be near her.
For those with vaginal, urinary and pelvic floor pain & issues.
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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RZR
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Had to go to ER yesterday evening. Ultrasound did not show gallstones. Doctor thinks it is gallbladder but not an emergency. He wants me to follow up with my PCP for a HIDA scan. He believes the gallbladder is not functioning properly. Pancreas and liver showed nothing on ultrasound or labs.
-------------------- Tick bite May 2009 Diagnosed June 2009 Posts: 2329 | From SouthEast | Registered: Jun 2009
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lululymemom
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It is very possible to not have anything show up on ultrasound and still have gall bladder disease. I had chronic cholycystitis and had my gallbladder removed at 39. A HIDA scan would have shown a poor functioning gall bladder. They ordered one after the surgery anyway due to continued problems.
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