Confused?

[hammykins]

So, to introduce myself, my name is Heather. I have been struggling with what I thought was IBS. I usually have pretty bad constipation. But I get these horrible attacks of diarrhea that causes crazy pain and i have like 4 or 5 bms in a row. It seems to be getting worse and cutting out certain foods hasn't been helping. I have been getting lower abdominal pain a lot more frequently. I also have lots of mucus in my stools. I finally decided to see a GI and I have very low vitamin D. Chronically High CRP and sed rate levels. I also have on and off low vitamin B12. What brought me into the GI's office was like darker than usual, soft stool. But it had like a red tinge to it. My GI dr thinks I might have Crohns, but I am confused. I have alternating constipation and diarrhea which I thought were hallmark signs of IBS. He said normally he doesn't schedule colonoscopies for people my age (I am 21), but it doesn't really sound like ibs to him? I have to wait a month to have it and I just feel like it is going to be for nothing? I don't really know what to think?
I have been tested for lupus and various arthritis because I also have chronic pain, which I now see could be from low vitamins. i have had x rays in my knees and ankles. Also for a back injury. They all come up clean. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[afidz]

I might be wrong, but I think some people do experience constipation and diarrhea from Crohn's. The joint pain can also be a symptom of Crohn's. I don't think getting a colonoscopy would be a waste of your time, it might give you answers. There is a sub-forum called undiagnosed club, take a look there, it might give you some insight and comfort to know you are not alone. Until your colonoscopy keep your chin up and ask away on this forum, we have all been there done that and are more than willing to offer advice or comfort

 

[Lisa]

The mucous, low Vit D, high CRP and sed rate...all point to something other than 'just' IBS...those mean ther is something going on. I'd get the scope - they really aren't a big deal - I have one coming up on the 30th and have lost track of how many I have had done over the years!

If anything- a clear scope will set minds at ease that the colon is ok.....

 

[hammykins]

Thank you, I will go to that forum and repost. Normally I don't have much anxiety but this has really got me going. I just hate not knowing. I forgot to mention that a few weeks ago I lost about 10 lbs in a week. I think I have only lost a couple more pounds but i have been keeping track of it way too much and I know how weight tends to fluctuate. I did mention this to my GI, but he told me he wouldn't worry about it unless i had lost weight over like 6 months. I hate these waiting games! Anyways thanks!

 

[Beach bum]

I really hope you don't have Crohn's and that your scope comes back clear. Not sure why your Doc thinks you are too young for one though, we have all ranges of ages here.
But I am afraid I had similar symptoms before I was diagnosed.
This disease is strange and effects everyone differently, I hope you get your answers soon and that you can get the treatment you need.
Do you take any vitamin and iron supplements? They might help a bit in the meantime.

 

[hammykins]

Hi. Yes I just started taking about 2000 Iu of vitamin D3 a couple of days ago. I think he just meant to say he doesn't like to on people my age unless he really thinks it is really necessary. It sounded like he really thinks there's a good chance I have it and maybe that was his way of telling me that. Also instead of saying that I could just have low vitamin d because of lack if sunlight or diet he said he thinks I have malabsorption issues. I see you use a vitamin d spray? May I ask what that is and how it is working for you? Sounds much better than more pills to take...

 

[hammykins]

Also what kind of crohns do you have? (I'm assuming its crohns and not uc?)

 

[Beach bum]

Yes it is Crohns , I have inflammation in my small intestines. Which led to weight loss, pain and anaemia from malabsorption.

This is the spray I use , I really think I began to improve as soon as I started using it.

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pages/product_detail.asp?pid=2565&prodid=2843&cid=163

You can also get one with a stronger concentration.