I had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy last week. My GI sent a letter today that said the biopsies of my colon show no microscopic colitis. Does this mean it is in remission or completely gone forever? Do I just stop taking my colitis meds? My gastroscopy showed no evidence of celiac disease, but I know I need to stay on the gluten-free diet to keep things that way. I plan on calling the GI doc tomorrow for more information and also seen my internist next week. Anyone have any thoughts?
Mary Lee


I would definitely stay on your meds unless and until you talk with your doctor and he/she tells you to stop. I don't think colitis just disappears, though I'm not too familiar with microscopic colitis (I have ulcerative colitis), and stopping meds could bring you right out of remission. I am glad to hear that your symptoms all seem to be under control!
Mary Lee, your colitis is now what is often called " quieiscent," in the medical world. The term is used to refer to a chronic disease that is seemingly in remission, because it is causing no trouble or is without symptoms right now. The word "quiescent" comes from the Latin "quiescere", to become silent. Quiescent often suggests a temporary cessation of activity, as in "a quiescent disease."
So, your colitis has not gone away. It is silent; it is resting. As Ali correctly points out, you do need to continue with your maintenance meds to, hopefully, stay in remission as long as possible.
My best,
Hope
You are so welcome, my friend and colleague.
Stay well.
Hope