Colonoscopy - Nov 2024

 Saw a different GI, Taylor Altun, who ordered some tests.  Fecal test (fat, pancreatic elastase, calprotectin), all normal. Celiac Disease (negative), t-Transglutaminase (tTG) IgA, total IgA (normal), C-reactive protein (normal).   And a colonoscopy even tho I tested negative with the Cologuard, because of the Crohn's Disease antibodies that showed up in the IBD panel two years ago.  Overall, colonoscopy was normal, no polyps, etc, however the biopsy taken at the top (toward the small intestine) showed "prominent lymphoid aggregates" none in the middle, and some towards the end.   She says they are 'white blood cell clusters'.  So she is ordering an MRI of the small intestine, just because of the Crohn's Disease antibody.   Appt on December 23, 2024.  I don't have any symptoms of Crohn's Disease, tho it says it won't go away.  So maybe it'll be something I'll have to deal with as I get older.   It may be in its 'early stages', 'silent,' or 'asymptomatic.'  We'll see what the MRI says. 

Prominent lymphoid aggregates are lymphoid tissue in the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa that are larger than normal. They can appear as polyps during an endoscopic exam. 

Prominent lymphoid aggregates can be associated with:

• Infections and immunodeficiency disorders

  These include Giardia infection, celiac disease, Helicobacter pylori infection, common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), and selective IgA deficiency. 
• Ulcerative colitis, Crohn disease, or lymphoma

  When lymphoid aggregates are accompanied by other specific features, they can indicate these conditions. 
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
A colono-scopic appearance of prominent lymphoid aggregates in the colonic mucosa is called the "red ring sign". 

In the colon, lymphoid follicles and aggregates are usually considered a normal component. However, when they are present in increased numbers, they can be a sign of one of the conditions listed above.   

SI Joint Flare-up?

 Lower back had been tight.  Some aches along the spine.  Stretched some and did some upper body twists to loosen lower back tightness.  That night I wake up with hip pain on both sides and ache on SI joint.   I think that's what it is, it's the area where the spine connects to the pelvis.  Flare-up can be caused the repetitive twist motion (golfers) so I think that's what caused it.  Pain can radiate down butt, leg, hips.  Putting Salonpas on it for now, seems to be getting a little better.  Just need to remember for next time.  This area gets tighter with age so as with most things, exercise, stretching, avoiding sugar seems to keep it in check. 

Woke up with Pinched Nerve 2.4.24

Slept downstairs Saturday night.  Slept on my side as usual when I sleep with Pa.  Woke up with pain with movement in hip and left leg.  First thought was my hip misaligned.  Pain was tolerable, still walk Roscoe.   Next day pain is way worse.  Still go to work, luckily it was just for ROV so I could take it easy.  Pain all day.  Decide to see Chip, something told me it was not a hamstring strain but possible nerve issue.  And it was.  He said it was "rotated and tight"  I'm guessing lower spine.  He cracks me and says to come back if not feeling better in 2 days.  His guess was that my left leg came across when I was sleeping and because I may have staying in that position for a long time that it caused the pinch.  Next time, I can try rotating my body the other way.  For now, "light exercise and moist heat."  Tues, Susan tells me about this stretch she did when same thing happened to her.   So I try at night and get a 'pop' which along with pain pills, Tiger Balm, and finding a good position for sleep, I feel better the next day.  It gets better each day.  Now about 10 days later, feeling 95% normal.  Some tightness, and a feeling my leg length is uneven, feeling like I wobble when I walk.  Have another chiro appt in 1.5 weeks, hopefully he will fix then.   The first five days were really painful, no fun at all.   

Getting the GI checked

 Went in for the GI consult.  He ordered three tests.   Two stool (H. pylori and Cologuard/colon cancer) and a home SIBO breath test.  H.pylori came back negative.  I think cologuard will be negative as well.  I guess they now do colon cancer screenings starting at age 45, so they ordered this test when I told them I've never had a colonoscopy, and I prefer the poop test.   If it comes back positive, then I'll go in for a colonoscopy.  

Did the SIBO test today.  In preparation, yesterday was a restricted diet.  Meat, seafood, rice, egg, salt, pepper only.  Then 12-hr fast and water only day of until I took the lactulose.  I had already pooped in the morning, and had to go again about 15 min after the lactulose, which was soft.  Then maybe 15 min later just water came out my butt.  Same again about 15 min later.  I guess it's called "anal discharge" when just water comes out.  It got a little better as the day went on, but still more water than more, plus some leakage.  I guess lactulose is also used for constipation, it pulls water from the body and directs it to the colon which then softens the stool.  But since I ate nothing with carbs and fiber yesterday, I think most of it had come out this morning.   Tummy feeling a little funky still after dinner.  

Lactulose...  Also can be used for colon cleaning, as well as to improve gut health. NLM/NIH

Those data indicate that lactulose potentially improves gut health by stimulating mucin production to maintain the mucin‐SCFA balance. Lactulose intervention increased the abundance of some hydrogen‐producing bacteria such as Prevotellaceae and Rikenellaceae.

Should have results within a couple weeks.  

UPDATE:  No SIBO.  Results back on Jan. 31, 2024.

2.13.24   So I'm guessing I still have low stomach acid so I am going to proceed with that in mind.  Started taking VitC, VitD, VitE, Cal/Mag/Zinc, CoQ10, and Fish oil when I remember.  Started taking a probiotic first thing in the morning on an empty stomach which seems to be helping.  Also trying to have a protein first and will eventually pick up some digestive bitters after I do more research.   It's been about two weeks now, and seems like I have less bloating/burping/farting overall.  Haven't had a painful bloat since.  Also been trying to get in more fiber.  Less white refined carbs. BP has been higher lately tho.  140/89.  I also have been drinking less water with meals as to not dilute the stomach acids.  But not doing a good job drinking more water in between.  I might be dehydrated.   Also been sipping on leftover morning green tea at work.  That's probably not helping.  I've been good about not drinking everyday.  Strange how my mind still craves it but when I take a sip, my body almost cringes (not every time tho.)