I'm not sure what brought on my LC, diagnosed .3/11. All I know is, this last year has been hellish for me. Have had to stop all NSAIDS, the SSRI that I took, the Fosamax that I took for bone density. I am on a gluten-free, dairy-free, avoiding soy diet, but still symptomatic. Have had to go to GF/DF vitamins. Do feel better taking Entocort, but if I try to discontinue, symptoms are right back. Have not done well with Colazal. I am exhausted, have a B-12 deficiency, lots of body aches and chills. This is very reminiscent of the Mononucleosis I had in my 20s.

My symptoms, too, began just after my colonoscopy 11 months ago. After 2 months of symptoms I figured I was lactose intolerant and eliminated dairy products for 1 week---no relief. My thyroid tests showed I was taking slightly too much Synthroid, so for the next 8 weeks I put up with my symptoms while my thyroid medication was adjusted--no improvement. Since I noticed fruits and veggies seemed to be going through me very rapidly, I eliminated them for 3 days---no improvement. I then started Align for 4 weeks---no improvement. Then I spoke with my PCP and he ran blood tests for gluten intolerance, they were negative. I then began VSL#3, and my symptoms slightly improved, but if I miss one dose my symptoms are bad again for several days. After taking VSL#3 for 3 months and not being able to get off of it, I saw my GI specialist, and based on my symptoms he feels I have microscopic colitis. We are beginning some therapy and will try a few different things before doing another colonoscopy and definitive biopsies.

A torn meniscus and emergence of AO last year required used of NSAIDs to relive the inflammation. After several months, the symptoms of colitis began to emerge, finally diagnose through biopsy in a colonoscopy last month. Most helpful has been the introduction of fiber (Metamucil,) up to three doses when enjoying lots of fruit and veggie in season. Usually one dose a day is adequate to reduce the watery nature, and when that's not sufficient, Imodium. Pain from AO is now managed with icing and careful exercise.

I am 32 years old and have been diagnosed with Lymphocytic colitis. After about 10 years of going back and forth to all types of doctors I finally found a doctor that would listen to me. Not only did I have the constipation/diarrhea but I had severe pain right under my ribs on my left side that I could feel both in the front and in the back. It's always in the same exact spot (my kids have had to put pressure on that spot so much that they know exactly where it's at!) For me this pain over the years was the worse part.

He suggested that I go on steroidal drugs to take down the inflammation but I am so scared of the side effects that I refused. I pretty much got things to settle down after changing my diet, exercising and avoiding certain foods. Unfortunately, I have chronic diarrhea, pain, and nausea from time to time. Lately, almost everyday. Not sure what is going on now but the nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are worse and seem to be staying. In addition to being diagnosed with micro colitis, I had two gall stones the size of golf balls that were contributing to my pain and suffering. I had my gallbladder out last year.

I was diagnosed with microscopic colitis after begging my doctors to figure out why I was always having diarrhea and stomach problems. At first they blamed me. I was not sticking to my gluten free diet. I was and a follow up test proved it. I have celiac and have been gluten free for six years. Finally after my colonoscopy they found the problem. I think that my digestive system is sensitive and my immune system caused the colitis.