is it possible to have ulcerative colitis and chrons at the same time?
my daughter was diagnosed with unlcerative colitis and finally after 2 1/2 years of trying everything immaginalble, she had decided to talk to a surgeon about surgery. several days before her appointment, she was told to hold off, because they now went back and looked at a past scan and said that there seems to be something else going on and they want to do another cat scan to see if there is crohns. of course we are beside ourselves with upset and worry. so, my question above stands, can she have both illnesses at the same time? what is the prognosis in a case like this. one was frightening enough, now possibly crohns? she is 39 years old and suffering everyday. we are all sick over this and need some solid advice please. anyone???? p.s. she had 3 remacade treatment which did not help at all.
Hello,
Sorry your daugher is having such a rough time. Yes, it is possible to have what is called Chron's/Colitis, which would most likely mean that both the small and large intestine are involved.
Of course, you will have to talk to her doctor and see what the new scans tells. However, to my knowledge, the best and most definitive way to diagnose both is with colonoscopy and a small bowel series.
In very serious cases of Colitis removal of the colon is an option and can be a 'cure' for some - see our Expert, Jennifer Rackley's current and previous Sharepost on the IBD home page where she discusses surgery for both UC and Crohn's.
This may sound trite, and I don't mean it to be, but you need to be strong for your daughter right now. While stress doesn't cause IBD it is known to make the symptoms worse. And the more she sees you upset, the more it doesn't help her. Don't deny what it happening, but try to be strong. There is no 'cure' for IBD and it can be a long road to figuring out what is going to help her get healthy - medications, diet, stress-reduction, etc. will all have to play a part.
I have colitis, and when my disease is active stress only serves to make it worse. I work very hard to try to control my stress levels via meditation, yoga, rhythmic breathing, and Reiki. She may want to read my book, Living with IBD & IBS for ideas of how to get started.
For now, try to remain calm for her sake. But, do get the next phase of testing started ASAP so she knows where she stands and what her options are.
Best of luck to her.
Peace,
Elizabeth
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