Are these normal symptoms of a flare up?

[RochelleRudolph]

Hi

I am 35 years old and was initially diagnosed with Crohns in 2000. After a colonoscopy i was put on Prednisolone for a while, but everything settled down and i have not seen a Gastro doc or had any tests since, which has been 11 years now. As i have been well all this time, i presumed the Crohns had magically disappeared (no medication/no surgery/no symptoms).

However over the last 9 months i have been steadily losing weight as i have completely lost my appetite.I have had no bowel symptoms apart from some constipation but in mid October this year i went to the loo one morning and proceeded to go through exactly the same trauma that i used to 12 years ago, running to the loo 5 or six times, ending up with just mucus and blood and not a lot else. Also in the last month or so i have been having lower left sided abdomen/pelvic dull achy pains which now also seem to travel down my left thigh (like sciatica), with some low back pain too and pain in my bum, like i need to go, but nothing happens. I also feel like there is a lump in my lower abdomen on the left side, but my GP couldnt feel anything, but i do feel pretty bloated all the time. i am now waiting for an appointment to see a gastro doc, which i have been told will be within 3 to 4 weeks and i am hoping for a colonoscopy to see what is going on.

My question is, "Is it normal to lose your appetite and therefore lose a considerable amount of weight over 9 months without having any real bowel symptoms? and is this signs of a flare up, having been symptom-free for 10 years"

Any opinions would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Rochelle

 

[MADiMarc]

Yes, get to a doc ASAP. I never realized I had a problem. I just thought "it was normal for me". The, I lost great amounts of wt in a short period of time and almost died. Blood is never normal.

 

[Nyx]

I agree with MADiMarc...I had the same symptoms as you...get it checked out and get on some meds and get it under control. Good luck to you!!

 

[Boroukee07]

Hi RochelleRudolph, you defo need to get your self to a doc, some patients are lucky to go into remission for many years without meds. Unfortunately it does not last for everybody. Bloody D and loosing weight, generally means that there is some ulceration in your bowels which will not go away by been ignored. The fact you have been diagnoised with Crohns means you need medical treatment to get your symptoms under control. Once you get yourself to see a consultant you are on the road to recovery, once again. The consultant will prob suggest that it's best to stay on some sort of maintenance meds, its not nice to take meds but if makes your life anyway easy.... it's so worth it.

Best wishes and get to a doc asap, remember the quicker you get meds the quicker you'll feel better x