Crohn's & Iron Level

[hikerneil]

I was diagnosed with Crohn's in my 20's and I had a resection surgery, which has produced long-standing positive results. My disease has been in remission for 32 years, with very little to no side effects or symptoms. I carefully watch what I eat and I lead a very active life (with lots of physical activity). I recently had my annual blood work which revealed that I am low on Iron and my RBC and Hemoglobin is low. I see no signs of bleeding.

The Dr performed a colonoscopy and an upper GI. There is no bleeding in my stomach. There are suspect strictures in my colon.

My questions:
- Have others had this experience?
- Is the low Iron a product of bleeding?
- Or, is the low Iron more likely a product of Crohn's itself where the tract is not absorbing usual rates of Fe?

I am returning to my GI in Sept to discuss options. Other than the low Fe, I feel no symptoms. I hate to even think about starting meds for this disease, if I dont need to - but if that would buy another 10 years of symptom free life I would certainly do it.

Thoughts, or experience with this matter?

 

[Scipio]

My questions:
- Have others had this experience?
- Is the low Iron a product of bleeding?
- Or, is the low Iron more likely a product of Crohn's itself where the tract is not absorbing usual rates of Fe?

Anemia and low iron are very common complications of Crohn's. That's how my Crohn's was first diagnosed - while looking for the reason why I had suddenly become anemic.

The anemia of Crohn's can be caused by bleeding, iron malabsorption, or anemia of inflammation or some combination of two or all three of these.

Hopefully your current problem had be controlled by simply battling the anemia directly with iron pills or infusions and not requiring heavy treatment of the Crohn's. But if it is clear that your Crohn's has come back and is starting to flare, Crohn's meds may be necessary. You'll find that there are many more and far better medications available to treat Crohn's today than there were 32 years ago.

 

[Guerrero]

I fully agree with scipio.