Rosacea and Irritable bowel syndrome

[nataljaoo]

Hi all,

I've just been diagnosed in hospital with irritable bowel syndrome, on top of moderate/severe rosacea. I've had bowel problems since the age of 16, and rosacea since my 19th.
I usually look 4 months pregnant because of this IBS, even though I'm pretty slender (slim? petite they say in French/ Dutch).
I wonder if there are others who have both the conditions. I'm still not sure if an attack of IBS aggrevates my rosacea flushings. It often feels like it does.
I'm a bit scared that my rosacea progresses even more because of the bowel problems. Am I irrational or is it correct to worry about this?!

best wishes, natalja

I think a lot of complimentary medicines make the link between digestive fire and excess heat somehow causing rosacea. i am not at all sure whether there is a proven link though within any orthodox medicine publications.

I'm sorry you are suffering so much lately nataljaoo, is the excema any better?

[irishgenes]

I have no idea if they are related, but I think that IBS is really a "catch-all" diagnosis that gastroenterologists make when they have ruled out most things it could be and just don't know what it is. Makes them sound smarter than they are. If you are having a lot of pain, I would not give up and accept that diagnosis, but keep going to different doctors and looking for the real cause. I went to 6 different gastroenterologists for severe pain which was erroneously diagnosed as IBS. They kept telling me I'd have to learn to live with it. I finally went to see one of the two most famous GI doctors in the US. Turns out I really had a stricture of the "sphincter of Oddi" where the bile duct empties into the stomach. This is fairly common with people who have had gallbladder operations, but like rosacea, most doctors know little about it. I had an operation which was done by inserting a tube down my throat and was cured.

Another cause of your "IBS" could be endometriosis, where the lining of your uterus implants in odd places like the bowel. You shouldn't look 4 months pregnant just because of IBS. A thorough exam with a laparoscope by an EXPERT gynecologist is in order, but I don't know if you have any choice of doctors in the Netherlands.

Go to the Amazon website and type in "It's My Ovaries, Stupid!" by Elizabeth Vliet, MD. Under the picture of the book, click "Search inside this book". Type in "aggravates IBS" and click "Go". That should lead you to pg. 280 of the book. You can read the previous and following pages by clicking on the arrows on each side of the page. She discusses the hormonal reasons for the symptoms of IBS (if that is what it really is) and also the fact that many find relief with serotonin drugs like Prozac. I would like to suggest that drugs like Prozac be first started with the liquid, so you take no more than 5 mg. for about 5 days, then go up to 10 mg. for the next 5 days, etc., but only if needed and not if nervousness or other side effects appear. Most doctors start patients at 20 mg., which is too high, and then patients go berzerk.

[nataljaoo]

Hi Sally-Ann,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, the eczema is completely gone, luckily. It seems to have been a reaction to the meds, like Dr. Nase already suggested to me. This bowel thing is irritating, but not something that I'm really suffering from. That is mostly due to the rosacea.

These things are all just very unfamiliar to me. I'm very glad this and other forums are there and that people like Dr. Nase are doing their best to find out more about rosacea and all.

Officially there is no link between rosacea and IBS, but Dr. Nase did write about it a while ago, on the yahoo board. I asked my GI (? Internal doc at the hospital) but she never heard or read about it. But I do know of many rosaceans with bowel problems and I know indeed that natural docter, wether from China or India or from the Dutch mud, see a connection between internal heath and rosacea. BUT I don't have inflammatory bowel desease or something, or Crohns disease, where there is a clear inflammatory proces involved. IBS is just a spastic bowel, what gives you more gasses in your belly and cramps etc. So that's why I wonder if there might be a connection. It doesn't sound logical to me, but there is a big group of rosaceans, again, who seem to have these kind of problems..
Well, my confusion must be clear from this writing I guess...
best wishes, natalja

[nataljaoo]

Hi Irishgenes,

Great post, thanks for those suggestions. Next tuesday i will have another appointment with this GI and I will definitely ask her about these things you mention. I have had many bloodtests, echo's, a colonoscopy (looking with a small camera in the bowel and intestines) and many tests on faeces.
Not sure if that is enough to rule out all other things, like some you mention. But like I said, I will ask her and before read about it myself. Thanks for the links.
I don't have a lot of pain from it actually. It is just anoying to have a swollen tummy and air in your bowel.

I used to love eating beans and peas etc., but I stopped with it for a couple of months now because I read that they produce lots of gasses. It does help a little bit, but not a lot.
Thanks again, and I will update next weekor when needed,
Natalja

[irishgenes]

Oh, yes. Sounds familiar. Let's see--I had a barium enema, a fluroscope swallowing test, a colonoscopy, a small bowel biopsy, many fecal tests, an ultrasound, and a CT scan done by the 6 GI doctors who couldn't find what was really wrong with me. Once a doctor has made up his/her mind it is IBS, you will rarely get another opinion from them. I think they believe IBS is psychological.

[drnase]

Natalja,

There definitely is a link between rosacea flares and major GI distrubances like colitis and IBS. The new IBS drugs targetted to relieve IBS motility, secretion of vasodilators and pain blockade can really help female rosacea sufferers.

It appears that Lotronex may work by blocking serotonin 5-HT3 receptors that are found in the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system and which may mediate pain perception as well as gastrointestinal motility,"

The thing that I discount is the "Leaky Gut Syndrome" and other overemphasized naturopathic claims.

Dr Nase i remember taking large quantities of butyric acid whilst being treated by a nutritionalist who was fairly convinced i was suffering from Leaky Gut Syndrome. Did nowt for me although other supplements i find amazing, glucosamine for example, so i think it was more a case that it wasn't a rosacea solver for me as opposed to the supplement being worthless. If that makes sense! :?

[drnase]

IrishGenes,

I dont think most disorders are psychological and I think most GI specialsits are very well trained.....compared to derms. But there is a definite mind-GI link. It tells you when you are hungry, when you are hurting, when you have tummy aches and then this communicates with your third brain located within the neural plexuses of the GI tract, the Enteric Nervous System. The enteric nervous system is connected right into the intestine and controls motility, release of hormones and a slew of other things, so I actually think that IBS is underestimated and undertreated.

[irishgenes]

Actually, the sphincter of Oddi empties into the duodenum, first part of the small intestine. Not that anyone cares, but I wanted to be precise and correct that.

I guess I was just unlucky to have 6 poorly-trained GI docs in a row. I just think that IBS is over diagnosed and GI doctors quit looking for other sources of GI pain too soon. Of course, I am biased by my own horrible experience. But IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion, and 28% of a GI doctor's caseload is IBS. That is a lot of "I don't know what's wrong with you, so it must be IBS." 70% of IBS sufferers are women, which should point to sex hormone influences, but these are rarely if ever considered. Instead, articles in GI journals currently discuss how IBS is heavily psychological and testing should be curtailed as a money saver.

I realize that there is a mind-GI link, but the way this is interpreted by the GI doctors I have been to is, "Go to a shrink and quit bothering me."

[drnase]

IrishGenes,

I am sorry you had such bad doctors. I do see your point. Every specialty has several wastebasket diagnoses. Like you I would be more impressed if they just raised up their hands and say....."I dont know".

Regarding rosacea the word "Idiiopathic" really grates me. Please excuse me but idiopathic means "for no know medical reason -- idiopathic flushing or idiopathic burning.


I believe that the patients actually started the term to describe their dermatologists.... Idio......

Regarding rosacea the word "Idiopathic" really grates me. Please excuse me but idiopathic means "for no known medical reason -- idiopathic flushing or idiopathic burning.

I didn't know that! :shock:

[nataljaoo]

Thanks Dr. Nase and others. I will print this all out and take it to my GI next week. I already asked her a while ago about the connection between bowel problems and rosacea and explained her what I'd read form Dr. Nase. She was really firm in her answer: ' I'm only going to focus on your bowelproblems and NOT on your skinproblems.' (uhum, it's a little more complicated then that...). That is the area of the dermatologist according to her and she doesn't want to intervere in any way in that field and doesn't see any connection.
And the dermatologist said exactly the same of course, but then according to the GI part.

Well, that seems to be the main problem at the moment: how to convince at least one of them to focus on the correlation. The problem here seems to be that these specialists don't do on suggestions and possibilities. They want facts first. ' Is it publicated on PubMed? No? Then it might be all hypothetic and we don't focus on that.'

I will discuss it with her anyway and take my parents with me, for some extra pressure. I am 25 but can look 20, which isn't really to my advantage.
Will keep you updated.

BUT dr. Nase: I wonder: what if IPL will do something to my rosacea but I keep having these bowelproblems? Will the rosacea and burning come back quickly?
And does having gas in your bowel but not really severe cramps or something also have an impact on the rosaceaflushings?
Is there (last question) any other test that you might propose that will actually SHOW problems with hormones for example? Something to convince this GI specialist that there really is an impact and connection?

best wishes, natalja

[nataljaoo]

I checked it here, but unfortunately none of the suggested meds are available in Holland yet..
Neither Lotronex (alosetron), tegaserod or cilansetron (from Solvay).
I've read some Dutch reports about their great actions on 5-HT3 receptors and decreas of IBS-symptoms.

BAD!! Maybe it is possible for me to get some of these meds from the US? By internet or when I'm actually in the US myself?

Natalja

[irishgenes]

I don't have a lot of pain from it actually. It is just anoying to have a swollen tummy and air in your bowel.


If that is the case, then you don't need a laparoscopic pelvic exam. I just suggested that because of the possibility of endometriosis, but if you are not having menstrual cramps, that is not it. Fibroids and ovarian cancer can present with abdominal bloating, but due to your age, that would be highly unlikely. And IBS could cause bloat, too, I guess, though 4 months pregnancy seems extreme. However, I'm thinking of how fat I looked at 4 months pregnant, and maybe your idea of 4 months pregnant is different!

There are plenty of medical articles about hormones and IBS. Just Google it and if you find something interest, print it out and take it to your doctor. Doctors usually won't pay any attention to patient research, though. I have taken Dr. Nase's book to derms and they just looked totally uninterested and said they had no time to read it. I don't know what the laws are in Holland about importing drugs unapproved by your government. Here in the US, it is illegal.

[RedFacedRedHead]

I have Crohn's disease (diagnosed almost 8 years ago) and rosacea as well. My GI didn't seem surprised by rosacea showing up. My derm won't put me on any of the other oral meds b/c of the Crohn's (and related meds, of course), in fact.

Dr. Nase, is there a connection between any of the standard Crohn's meds and rosacea? I take Imuran and Pentasa mostly (I also take Verapamil for chronic migraines, but can't switch to Inderal/Propranolol as I'm allergic to it).

[Kathleen Tartar]

Every Several months I have a bout of very severe uncontroable diahrea
that my PCP has labeled IBS.
I'm sure that I don't have to elaborate on how humiliating it can be. I did get some IBS tablets and Charcoal tablets from the health food store but
as you never know when it going to hit you its hard to prevent. The IBS tablets help to balance and the Charcoal stops the diahrea.
The Dr offered no solution except OTC Motrim.
I did not know that there was a connection between IBS and Rosacea
Does this sound like IBS or just another Doc who doesn't want to admit "i don't know"?

[Peter]

Hello Natalja

I really hope you are able to get both your IBS and rosacea under control.

To me the exact cause of IBS seems to be as mysterious as rosacea but although it is argued there is a connection between the gut and rosacea I reckon rosacea can cause IBS. From my own personal experience certainly oral antibiotics (especially tetracycline), stress and a worrying situation can be put on the list of IBS triggers, as they very often get overlooked.

Never one to do things by half measures I experienced all three of the above in large doses virtually at the same time.

Certainly having rosacea can cause an enormous amount of stress in some individuals from the restrictions it can make in normal day to day living, especially trying to avoid the endless triggers which very conveniently are usually most of the enjoyable things in life. Having rosacea and not being able to control it also is a very worrying situation especially when you have no idea what the eventual outcome will be.

I haven't mentioned relationships yet but again the stress it causes mainly because the partner or family member(s) involved do not understand what you are going through. This is made worse when it is hinted that you are imagining your worsening skin, flushing attacks and should perhaps get on with your life. How many people can identify with that scenario ?

I think Geoffrey Nase summed it up well in his book when he said that the strain of having rosacea had the potential to break even the most strong willed individual.

The only advice I can give is look for any obvious food triggers which might cause IBS flare ups and try and relax more. Easier said than done I know but if you can get control of your rosacea then you will find the worry and stress from it will ease and you might find your IBS does as well :)

Good luck

Peter

[irishgenes]

Kathleen, have you by any chance had your gallbladder removed, and did the symptoms start sometime after that? My mother, daughter, and I all had our gallbladders taken out and developed chronic diarrhea. The GI docs I went to said they never heard of any relationship, but I have talked to a few other people who had the same thing happen to them. My mother and I were in our 40's, so we got diarrhea within a year of surgery. My daughter was 23 at surgery, and she didn't get chronic diarrhea until age 34. I discovered by accident that one aspirin or NSAID a day stopped the diarrhea. Then when I went on estrogen (Tri-est), the diarrhea stopped altogether, so I think it has something to do with declining estrogen in combination with the loss of the gallbladder.

[KHM]

My spouse has IBS (not Rosacea, that is me).

He is also lactose intolerant. But even avoiding known problem foods he had trouble.

I then ran across info that many IBS sufferers can't tolerate/digest high fructose corn syrup. You have no idea how many foods this is added to - but trying to eliminate this product has helped him a lot.

And of course this product will raise havoc with blood sugar levels as well - which is a trigger for my Rosacea.

So maybe there is a link in common triggers?

Just a thought

KHM

[Kathleen Tartar]

Hi Irish Genes
No, I have not had my gall bladder removed so there is no connection there.

[teresa]

One possible cause of "digestive" problems could be celiac's disease - a sort of allergic response by the intestines to wheat, barley, rye and possibly oat proteins, or gluten. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with it a couple years ago. Previously, she had many digestive problems along with excessive gas, bloating and diahrrea (sp?). Taking all the above foods out of her diet has helped tremendously!

I actually had testing for food allergies a few years ago, and it was found that my food sensitivities included wheat, barley and rye. I know there are many schools of thought on how accurate these tests are, but I have found great relief from acne, bloating and skin rashes by avoiding these foods. Check out Celiac on the web - it is much more common than you'd think and many of the symptoms are confused with the symptoms of other various diseases.

HTH
Teresa

[nataljaoo]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your input. I can totally relte to your writings: indeed rosacea has been a stressfull part of my life for years now. It has been a long fight and still is sort of a battle sometimes with familie, friends and especially my boyfriend(s) (over the years of course, haha) when it comes to rosacea and all it's implications. Indeed for a long time others didn't understand what was happening to the once so lively and spontaneous and relaxed natalja. I am thorough with everything I do, so i wanted to know exactely what was going on in my body: that ended it lots of reading on the net, buying Dr. Nases book, xperimenting with foods and toppicals end although I've found a stable diet after all and don't use any toppicals anymore, it is still a stressfull life when you have to avoid so many situations. And get the understanding and respect from others, whi indeed often don't have a clue what you're going through and think you're just making a fuss sometimes about a bit of a red face. Luckily that has changed over the years and when my case becme worse and worse.
Anyway: I wondered if IBS caused the rosacea or the other way around. I've started to get bowel problems before the rosacea kicked in, so that's why i was/ am a bit afraid of it's impact on my current rosacea. But I did take lots of antibiotics and it is a fact that stress triggers bowelproblems.

So thanks for your input, I will see my GI for the final results in a few hours and will update you all.

best wishes, Natalja

[nataljaoo]

Hi all,

I had my finaldiagnose this day: I have IBS and microscopical colitis. The last is an infection of the bowel, but not like Crohns or something: not visible with the naked eye but only noticable with a microscope. BUT STILL> I can imagine it won't be of any help for my rosacea and flushes..

The GI told me there are no medicins for both conditions here in Holland. The colitis can disappear again spontaneous in 80% of the patients, IBS comes and goes as well. The colitis does have soemthing to do with allegies for glutes, but I haven't eaten wheat or bread etc. for a long time, more then 1,5 years, so that won't be the problem. Also, there was a serious deficiency of vitamin B12. She adviced shots of it in my blood at the GP every now and then.

So, that's it. Anyone who can tell me some more about it maybe?

best wishes, natalja


PS The GI accepted the idea that IBS and inflammation of the bowel may stimulate rosacea but won't be actively involved in a cluster with a dermatologist unfortunately and she doesn't know of any excisting collaboration.

[lwells]

Hi Natalja,

Are you a vegetarian by chance? I'm curious about your B12 deficiency. I am vegetarian and my B12 was on the very low side of normal for a time. My GP ran tests to be sure it wasn't an absorption problem, which it wasn't. It's related to my diet (as I expected), since I exclude meat, fish, dairy products and eggs. I put fortified soy milk on my cereal in the mornings to help keep me in the normal range and I take a B50 complex vitamin. A B12 deficiceny is not something to take lightly. Make sure you address the issue soon because it can lead in irreversible neurologic complications.

A caution about soy milk, it can be a Rosacea trigger. Please keep that in mind if you are going to try it. I have not had any issue with it, but you know how this disorder works...triggers are different for everyone!

I also have IBS. I recommend excluding dairy products from your diet (if you haven't already). They are difficult on the digestive tract and will irritate IBS. Any more than that I can't be much help. I try to eat foods that reduce bloat, gastric upset, etc. but IBS seems to have a mind of it's own. The biggest part of my problem is I'm a gut reactor. If I get anxious, nervous, stressed or worried about something my intestional tract reacts. Dr. Nase mentioned about the link between the intestional tract and your brain, it's definitely true! My GI specialist said the same thing and told me to start meditation....problem is fitting it into my schedule!

Regards,
Leslie

[Peter]

Hi Natalja

Well at least we know the cause of your rosacea was too many boyfriends :wink: Only kidding ! If only it was that easy !

I am glad the tests did not reveal anything too serious so at least you should be able to relax a bit now and stop worrying. I think IBS is much more common than most people realise and probably stress and worry can be the major contributors. As I said before having rosacea doesn't help so I reckon most of us with the condition can all certainly relate to the way it has effected you and your life from our own experiences, so you are not alone.

Listen to your Doctor but you may find as Leslie suggests that your problems could be like hers and if you can chill out more then you may find your Colitis, IBS and Rosacea all improve. Worth trying and let us all know how you get on.

Good luck

Peter

[nataljaoo]

Hi Leslie, Peter and all,

thanks for the reactions. I need to go to my family docter for B12 injections according to the GI. I will go soon. Leslie, I'm not a vegetarian. I eat chicken, turkey or certain types of white fish every day. So there should not be a B12 deficiency. The problem might lie in the absorption of it. The GI said something about stomach acids and deficiencies in them, because that can result in poor B12 absorption in the blood.

I have IBS and a form of Inflammatory bowel disease unfortunately. The lymfocytic colitis is a form of IBD, together with Crohns disease e.a. The good part is that with Crohns for instance the infections are visible with the naked eye and widespread, while I have microscopical infections, all over the bowel. Still those leukocytes (if I remember it correct, am into art, not science, so forgive me if i'm wrong) spread through the blood to the rest of the body and can cause inflammationreactions elsewhere. That's why it can aggrevate my rosacea most probably: a bad crampy bowelday always results in a chronic red burning face all day, bad enough. But the good part is that I won't die of it. (My sister did last december. She had an apendicitis that has been neglected by the family docter, despite multiple visits by her. It was perforated and she died soon of bloodpoisening and failure of all important organs, would have become 23 the week after). That's why my parents insisted on the fool testrange for my bowelproblems.

The GI gave a list of foods that might cause problems. I already didn't eat those for 1,5: no milk products indeed, no RAW veggies, no foods that produce gas, like leeks, union, garmil, cabbage and beans. And for the IBD no glutes: no wheat, oats etc. I did like oatmeal sometimes, so that's off the card as well. Right now I mainly eat chicken, turkey, sorts of white fish, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, courgetee, beansprouts, salats, cucumber, plumbs, cherries..
I should be enough for my vitamin intake according to the dietist.

I'm planning to see Dr. Soldo this year for IPL treatments for my rosacea. Will keep you posted on all these subjects, thanks so much for your input again.
And Peter, would yoga and a new boyfriend go together you think or do you recommend to get all the boys out of the house ones and for all?

best wishes, natalja

[Peter]

Hi Natalja

Glad we were of some help.

I am not a Doctor but I still think too much stress could be the root of your problems but probably better to follow the treatment plan prepared for you and see if everything improves.

From your picture I can see you are a very pretty woman and therefore I expect always being chased by the boys :wink: You don't have to get rid of them all but better to find perhaps one who understands what you are currently going through and can help. Yoga is supposed to be good for stress but many people also try meditation to help them relax. I tried it and it was so good I Zzzzzzzz very quickly :lol:

I was very sorry to hear about your sister and that must have been a horrible time for your family so I can see why your parents were anxious for you to have proper tests carried out.

Take care and let us all know how your treatment goes.

Peter

[nataljaoo]

Thanks Peter,

I do have a stable relationship at the moment with someone who does understand, but it keeps difficult for others to deal with someone who ahs good and bad days shortly after each iother, can be all red and flushed for days and just lying before a van or very energenic and active the next day. For instance. Don't even mention the dietstuff, the temperatures etc etc.

I will keep you updated, thanks. natalja

[Peter]

Hey Natalja

We would rather you sat in front of a fan to keep cool than a van because that could be dangerous :lol:

Having someone who understands how this effects your life is a great help and just don't worry about the others, just do and eat what suits you. If flushing is still a big problem might be worth trying something like Clonidine or Moxonidine as they can be very effective at calming the blood vessels down.

Indoor temeratures can be a problem especially during the winter when many places have their heating on much too high. I annoy everybody at work because I turn the office radiators down or off when they are not looking and they call me the "Iceman" because I do not feel the cold. If there is a plus point for having rosacea then it's cheaper central heating bills :D

Take care

Peter

[Ajay]

I suffer from IBS and look quiet pregnant ( haveing 4 children my stomach was different every time so can't to what stage)I really suffer from wind , have given up wheat which has helped but still suffer, is this all conected? I wish I knew

[nataljaoo]

Hi Peter,
haha, yeh, I meant a fan of course, sorry. And I know exactely what you mean: I sneaked around the university classes to secretly put down the central heating or open windows behind close curtains! When your face is hot you just don't notice the real temperatures.
I flush a lot, a real problem. Days on end sometimes and all very much increased after IPL once, 6 months ago.
Do you have IPL plans or what is your regimen? I already use moxonidine, for 1,5 year now, 3 time a day 0,2 mg, sometimes even one more, so my bloodpressure is at it's lowest (but still safe) point now. It used to work magic but after the IPL everything just went 200% worse.
Do your loved once understand the impact of this all by the way? Or do you even have kids maybe and how does that go with this condition?
best wishes, Natalja

[Peter]

Hello Natalja

I am glad I am not the only one sneaking around turning radiators off and opening windows that blow everybody's papers off their desk :) I can walk round outside my workplace in winter wearing my summer short sleeve shirts and everybody goes Brrrrrrrrr and tell me I am crazy !!!

Outside heat in the summer is not a problem for me but being stuck in a hot room inside still makes me feel uncomfortable but not as bad as years ago when I felt physically ill.

I have never had IPL or any laser treatments but for 7 years have used a converted all red acne lamp which has helped me considerably. There is another link in the Forum if you want to read through it. Flushing was a problem for me as described above especially when I got nervous but for three years I controlled it with Dixarit (Clonidine) tablets and now I am considerably improved. I tried Moxonidine for a while but it made me feel tired and not right so I reverted back to Dixarit.

My regime now is lamp 15 minutes daily. Dalacin T lotion (Clindamycin) in a very small area twice a day (as backup) after washing with Clinique regular (mild) soap for men. I use Clinique M shave gel for wet shaving (not necessary for you I hope :wink: ) and follow up with Aloe99 gel as an aftershave balm. That's all I use as I think the least you use the better although I appreciate a woman has to incorporate her makeup into her schedule.

I am not married and do not have any children. My girlfriend struggles to understand rosacea despite my attempts to explain but she always says my skin looks perfect (just my skin :lol: ) and therefore thinks I imagine it all which is very frustrating. She feels the cold and we have constant arguements over the heating temperature. At night in the winter she has a hot water bottle, electric blanket, extra blankets her side plus sometimes 4 Labradors on the bed while I have nothing my side. I don't mind this but one of the Labs snores so loudly it keeps me awake - honest.

Seriously my skin is good now and the problems with heat much improved. I believe providing you can find a treatment that helps you and controls the condition, over time it can go into remission and will stay in remission providing you keep up with your treatment regime. That's my opinion but probably others will disagree. In your case keep searching for a better treatment and find a good dermatologist with a proven track record with rosacea. Don't give up and I am sure your skin will eventually return to normal again although it could take a little while to get there :)

With the IBS just see if relaxing more helps and also don't worry about IBS or rosacea because I am sure one day they will no longer be a problem. Worrying never helps anything so there is no need.

This is a longer message than intended but there is a lot to cover. I might be leaving the group soon but if you have any other questions reply to this in the normal way but if you need to contact me again send me a private message and I will give you another e mail address. This applies to anybody else as well reading this if they think I can help.

Good luck and hope you get success.

Peter

[lorilu]

hi

i haven't been to any GI specialists but I did see Dr. joseph mercola in schaumburg, IL who is one of the best alternative doctors in the country and we did tons of tests and basically all he came up with is disbyosis...

unhappy with that diagnosis i searched elsewhere. my new doctor did a comprehensive digestive PANEL AND FOUND TWO BACTERI IN MY GUT THAT SHOUDN'T BE THERE IN VERY LARGE AMOUNTS
HE ALSO FOUND MANY MANY FOODS THAT I AM INTOLERANT TO WITH ANOTHER TEST
SO NOW WE ARE KILING THE BAD BACTERIA AND HEALING THE GUT
(SORRY DR. NASE, HE DOES BELIEVE IN LEAKY GUT) AND I AM AVOIDING THE FOODS

SO ONLY TIME WILL TELL.

DO YOU HAVE WATER RETENTION , TOO?

FOUR MONTS PREGNANT.. I THINK I LOOK EIGHT , WITH TWINS!!!! HULL

Peter i just wonder if you made a decision not to have children? I only ask because i couldn't bare the thought of passing this condition onto any future kids through my genes and because of this i am 95% sure i won't have children.

[Peter]

Hello

I did reply to this question privately because I did not intend posting on this Forum again. Probably selfish of me because it could break the thread and stop others from following up. Not sure what the question had to do with IBS but obviously a concern for Sally Ann so could be the start for another subject for discussion. Anyway this is my last message and here it is below.

Good luck everybody.

Peter

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi

After yesterdays events I will not be replying to any links on the Forum.

Out of courtesy Sally Ann I will answer your question. I have not made a decision not to have children in the future and I think it would be silly for anybody to decide this just because of rosacea.

Rosacea has shown a tendancy in some cases to run in families but the same case can be put forward for many diseases. My sister has rosacea (under control and in remission) and her daughter at 32 has perfect skin and in my opinion will never develop rosacea.

Best wishes

Peter

[nataljaoo]

Hi all,

I've been diagnosed with microscopic (lymfocytical) colitis. 'Nothing too serious' according to the GI. She doesn't know of any interactions with rosacea. My rosacea is totally out of control at the moment. I just can't stop flushing and only have some lelief with coolpacks and a fan.
I found this PubMed link, that worries me.
Does anyone know:

-Is microscopic colitis (form of inflammatory bowel disease) very different from ulcerative colitis, or do they mean the same with it?

-I have IPL treatments planned but would that be useless eventually if I don't treat the colitis porperly? According to my GI there are no good medicins for it and you just need to life with it.

-would there maybe be a natural way to treat the inflammation in the bowel?



Best wishes, natalja
1: J Clin Gastroenterol. 1990 Oct;12(5):513-5. Related Articles, Links

Rosacea and ulcerative colitis: a possible association.

Walton S, Sheth M, Wyatt EH.

Department of Dermatology, Hull Royal Infirmary, Humberside, England.

Although rosacea was formerly believed to be associated with gastrointestinal upsets, no one any longer finds a significant association between rosacea and the intestinal tract. We describe four patients with a combination of ulcerative colitis and rosacea. In all four, ulcerative colitis preceded the onset of severe papulopustular rosacea, and we therefore feel that the severity of rosacea could have been due to the associated bowel disorder. In one, the severity and poor initial response of rosacea to treatment was clearly related to the activity of the ulcerative colitis, and the rosacea improved only after proctocolectomy. While it is possible that this purported association is fortuitous, we report these cases in the hope that others may have seen this combination of diseases, to our knowledge previously unreported.

Publication Types:
· Case Reports

PMID: 2146313 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]