Could this be Crohn's?

[Burns]

Hi,

I have been having GI issues for a couple years now and at first I thought that it was just acid reflux, but now I am starting to think that's not it. I have been having odd pains and I was wondering if they are crohn's related.

After I eat I get sharp pains throughout my entire stomach area. They are very sharp, but short lived. The pain then travels to my lower pelvic area (both left and right sides). Then It is down in my rectum area for a while.

I also have been having bloody stools recently, which is what made me think that it was something other than GERD. I am a college student and therefore have not been able to go to a specialist, my student health center just tells me to keep taking my heartburn medicine, which is not helpful.

Thank you in advance for any help!

 

[ronroush7]

I would get to a doctor. Only he/she can diagnose you for sure.

2

 

[Trysha]

Hello Burns
Welcome to the forum.
I agree with ronrush.
Who is it that diagnosed the GERD?
This is usually done by a gastroenterologist.
Is it not possible for the student health center to refer you?
Have you asked parents for help to consult a GI specialist.
It is not advisable for your symptoms to continue to be undiagnosed and untreated.
I am sure there will be other members of the forum along soon with their advice and experience.You will find very caring and friendly people here who will help you.There is also a wealth of information available in the forum pages, take a look around and you are sure to find helpful information.
Please keep in touch with us and let us know how you get on.
Hoping you feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes Trysha

 

[Burns]

Thank you for the advice Trysha. My parents aren't the most supportive, unfortunately they don't think something is wrong unless they have physical evidence. So getting to the doctor while home has been tough. I have an appointment with a GI, but that won't be for another couple weeks. I just want to know what other people have experienced before I go in on my own.

 

[Nyx]

I don't want to be rude, but bloody stools aren't physical evidence that something's wrong? You need to get to a doctor, before it gets worse.

 

[ronroush7]

I agree with the above statement.

2

 

[SarahBear]

Hi,

I have been having GI issues for a couple years now and at first I thought that it was just acid reflux, but now I am starting to think that's not it. I have been having odd pains and I was wondering if they are crohn's related.

After I eat I get sharp pains throughout my entire stomach area. They are very sharp, but short lived. The pain then travels to my lower pelvic area (both left and right sides). Then It is down in my rectum area for a while.

I also have been having bloody stools recently, which is what made me think that it was something other than GERD. I am a college student and therefore have not been able to go to a specialist, my student health center just tells me to keep taking my heartburn medicine, which is not helpful.

Thank you in advance for any help!

Hi, Burns!

First off, the above posts are correct - blood in your stool is an obvious sign that something is going on and it needs to be taken care of ASAP.

Do you have any other symptoms? Do you have diarrhea and are you ever woken up by stomach pain and/or urgency?

Have you not been able to afford to go to a specialist? Have you told the student health center about the blood in your bowel movements? If not, please do so, and make every effort to see a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

 

[DGH]

I had your symptoms for a couple years. After doctors telling me I was lactose intolerant and other things, I carried on, just like your doing. Then one night my stomach erupted into what I now know was a major flair with pain so bad I had to be lifted onto a stretcher and into an ambulance. Upon exploratory surgery, doctors found a perforated intestine and blood loss that nearly killed me. I have had crohns for almost 20years now and have daily symptoms almost completely under control now. However, do not mess around with this...see a doctor if you can arrange, and have them test for crohns specifically as it has to be tested for..specifically! Good luck!

 

[Ninette]

I was in the same boat as you. My doctor originally diagnosed me with GERD a few years ago. I thought to myself, "this can't be GERD" given all the weird symptoms I was having.

I went to a different specialist and they diagnosed it as Crohn's.

I think you should seek help with a GI because they actually specialize in the illness. It's always best to get a second opinion on a confusing matter, anyway. I hope all goes well.