Crohn's symptoms, or something else?

[napster]

I have not been "officially" dx'd with Crohn's, although I have had my colon out (and a jpouch made) due to Ulcerative Colitis about 20 years ago. I now have a pouch-vaginal fistula. I am aware this can be a sign of Crohn's, and my doctors have pointed that out; however, they have not been able to make a definitive diagnosis of Crohn's. Indeed, my surgeon has suggested I "redo" my pouch in an attempt to get rid of the fistula and make a few tweaks to my jpouch. In all my scopes - so, so many - they were unable to see anything that screamed Crohn's to them.

I occasionally get nasty headaches, sore eyes, fatigue, and aches. Although I have no abdominal pain, my bms change - usually very watery. For all of you with Crohn's experience, could these be symptoms of Crohn's? I haven't had my CRP or sed rate tested during this latest round of symptoms, but previously during these symptoms, the CRP and sed rate have been quite high (80's+). I thought I'd have abdominal pains with Crohn's ...

Thanks for any insight anyone can offer.

 

[CrohnsChicago]

What other tests have you had done recently blood or otherwise to figure out if it is crohns? how long ago was that last CRP test and have you been able to get your symptoms under control at any point?

Its possible there is crohns but those specific symptoms you list could be caused by many other things as well. What medications are you on presently?

 

[xX_LittleMissValentine_Xx]

Unfortunately it can be hard to diagnose if crohn's is not active, or very active. The main thing is that the doctors are keeping an eye on things and it sounds as if they are.

 

[napster]

The only recent tests I've had were the EUA (for fistula) and the usual CRP/ESR. The last CRP was done about 5 months ago and was normal - however, at that time I was having no symptoms. Through the years I've had small bowel follow-throughs (negative), Prometheus (suggestive of Crohn's, but I've learned not to place much import on the prometheus test), CT scans and MRIs. I'm seeing my PCP in a week or so, so will get another CRP.

I'm currently on antibiotics for fistula drainage and pouchitis, canasa for cuffitis. I take lots of vitamins and supplements, the latest addition being bromelain. I lead a relatively low-stress life (recently retired), if that matters.

I had these flu-like symptoms, including fevers, off-and-on for about 6 years prior to a fistula abscessing. After that happened, late 2010, the bouts of illness disappeared. So after 2 quiet years, it just seems like it's starting over (no fevers .. yet).

Wondering if another freakin' fistula is developing, or if it could be Crohn's acting up which could cause another fistula, etc. etc. etc.