Hi, there's a difference between Colitis and Ulcerative colitis, so a colonoscopy will sort that out. Usually with Ulcerative Colitis, it's the explosive diarrhea and blood seversl times a day. When I first got sick, I had diarrhea and blood every day for months. Not that everyone else has the same experience but it's usually more intense than 3 times a month for a few days. Still, hard to say.

With Colitis it can be similar but it's curable. You can get that from an infection so that could explain the fever. But really a colonoscopy is what you probably need to be sure.

I don't know why they'd order another ultrasound on you gall bladder if they already did one in the ER. There are other tests they can do on your gallbladder to determine how well it functions (HIDA test), so maybe that's what they're talking about but not sure.

They can do a colonoscopy even if you're going all the time so I'm not sure why they think they need to wait. But your doc may have more information to base that on.

Talk to your PCP about a GI consult and let your PCP know you're still suffering.

I wish I could tell you exactly what you have but there are things that can mirror some symptoms of UC so only a colonoscopy can really tell you. Keep on top of your doctor and hang in tnere!

Thanks RMB. I see my PCP again in two weeks. I hope the flagyl fixes it soon and the bentyl and zofran helps soon too. It is so hard to work and sleep during this...

Flagyl is usually the drug they give you if the suspect Colitis so hopefully it starts working. My brother had similar problems and they were concerned it was Ulcerative Colitis because I have Ulcerative colitis but his colonoscopy showed it was Colitis and he was prescribed Flagyl. Within a few weeks he was back to normsl. So I hope it's the same for you.

Hang in there and try to be kind to yourself by taking it easy and managing the stress. It'll get sorted out.

Your symptoms could be a combination of an gallbladder issue along with a 'general' colitis which is general inflammation of the colon/intestines. Like RMB said this is usually from an infection of some kind. The meds will hopefully take care of your colitis as well as help with your gallbladder issue if it is an infection. Your Dr might wait until after your round of flagyl to see if that takes care of your issue before deciding if you need a colonoscopy. With Ulcerative Colitis the blood and d were multiple times daily with no relief. It sounds like you are having on and off days in a sense. It could be the start of UC or it could be inflammation that can be cured with antibiotics.

At this point only time will tell. That is the hardest part. The waiting. The trying one thing to see if it works. Then if that doesn't work trying something else. I also worked for a year while very ill with UC. I understand how you are feeling about trying to work while going through this. Stay near the bathroom. If you can take time off from work take some extra time off from work. It would be a good idea. Take it as easy as you can. Talk to your Dr and let him/her know how you are feeling even at this early stage. Ask what they recommend you do for working to alleviate the issues while at work.

Get lots of fluids. Drink ensure, pedialite, gatorade....some people do not like gatorade and drink the pedialite for the electrolytes. I never had an issue with the gatorade. Drink the ensure for the vitamins and calories. You are already having D, so a liquid diet isn't going to really 'mess' things up that much. You need calories right now if you have lost that much weight and you need things that are easy on your tummy.

Avoid all caffeine, alcohol, dairy, fruits and veggies (especially raw!!!). You want to eat a Low Residue Diet. You can look that up online for some guidelines. The B.R.A.T. diet can also be good at this stage. Bananas (I know I said no fruits, you just need soft fruits, no skins, these are detailed in the low res diet online). Rice (white rice, not brown or wild rices). Apple Sauce but NOT apple juice. And Toast/Tea. Very simple foods are the way to go. The thing with the brat diet is that there is no protein. I tend to eat a lot of eggs and tuna sandwiches when I flare. Not everyone can eat those though. ....Just try to keep your fluids up, get some easy proteins (fish, eggs, chicken) - red meats are harder to digest, and get some calories in the form of 'nice' foods for your tummy. Kind of eat like if you had the flu.

I hope you start to feel better very soon. I pray that the antibiotics cure your colitis and that you do not have UC. However, if you do have UC there are many things you can do and a good chance to go into remission. Many people can go years between flares. I am not one of those people, but I feel like I am not the norm, so I want to encourage you.

Please keep us updated on how you are doing,
Rachel A.

I have a colonoscopy on friday (in 4 days). Lost two more pounds. Been eating a bland diet and drinking lots of fluids. Flagyl and bentyl and zofran helped. No more bloody d but still lots of diarrhea and moderate pain. Looking forward to some answers!

Let us know how it goes!