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I have been diagnosed with collagenous colitis, and ...


Sent to Health Experts March 25, 2006 1:32 p.m.

I have been diagnosed with collagenous colitis, and completed a 9 week course of Entocort a week ago. During the treatment, although it helped my diarrhea, I developed sudden sweating bouts, during which I feel weak. I don't have abdominal cramps, per se, but feel like my colon is spasming, perhaps. This is waking me up several times per night, and also happens during the daytime. What can I do to minimize this?

Optional Information:
Female

Already Tried:
1. Lowered temperature in my house to 64 degrees 2. Change eating habits-yesterday, I ate lunch only (salad), no dinner, no carbonated drinks, no alcohol 3. Took Primarin for 3 days to see if, perhaps this was menopausal (on the advice of my gynocologist). No change 4. Have been taking Black Cohosh 2x daily , also in the event that this is related to menopause 5. Researched on the web for suggestions; found a site that talks about eating nonsoluable fibers - am wondering if this suggestion (for treating IBS) will work with my diagnosis. One site said that diet for IBS doesn't necessarily work for collagenous colitis. 6. I'm ready to stop eating entirely!
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $10   
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Sent March 25, 2006 1:42 p.m. (9 minutes and 25 seconds later)

Relist: I still need help.
I'm not sure how to get out of this and await an answer...
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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Sent March 26, 2006 2:18 p.m. (1 day and 0 hours later)

Relist: No answer yet.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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Sent March 27, 2006 3:14 p.m. (1 day and 0 hours later)

Relist: No answer yet.
I will give up if I don't hear back soon. Additional information: I have also recently been diagnosed with hypothyroid (November 2005). I am taking 100 mcg of Synthroid daily. My blood was tested once (December 2005)since starting Synthroid. Is it possible that my thyroid medication is the wrong dosage, and is causing the cold sweats?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
March 27, 2006 3:41 p.m. (27 minutes and 17 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

I apologize that it has taken so long to get you a reply. Some questions are more complex and harder to answer than others, and sometimes questions just don't make it to the proper people immediately. Sometimes the additional information provided helps with the answer, as well. In any case, thank you for your patience and persistence.

I first want to look at the entocort (budesonide), a steroid, since you mentioned that the onset of these symptoms began with the drug. While the administration of the drug is intended to produce a beneficial effect on the GI system, because it effects that system, it also has been shown in clinical trials to produce a number of unpleasant side effects as well. These include: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, flatulence, and dyspepsia (really just a broad term for an "upset stomach". So there are a number of GI-related side effects to this medication, and it could be related.

You also mention your recent diagnosis with hypothyroidism and synthroid administration. Traditionally, synthroid is begun and monitored every 6-8 weeks until the patient stabilizes, and then at 6 months and then at a year. You are nearing the 6 month point, and you may be passing it depending on your date of diagnosis. Furthermore, your symptoms could be indicating that you might require an adjustment of dosage, perhaps a decrease.

So I would recommend that you call your physician promptly, and make a visit ASAP. Describe your symptoms and don't neglect to mention the bedesonide, as well. Although I was unable to find any evidence of troublesome interactions between this and synthroid, perhaps your physician will be aware of something. You may just need adjustment of your synthroid dosage, or your GI physician might suggest that it's related to the entocort.

Again, apologies for taking so long to get you an answer. I hope that I have been of some help, let me know if you have any further questions, and take care

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PictureJonathan Fay, M.D.  -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 532 Health Accepts
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