Hi everyone. I stumbled on this site while doing some research about Crohn's and Ulcerstive Colitis. I don't want to minimize anyone's experience with IBD, but I have some questions. I've had stomach problems since high school, and I'm 27 now. I've been tested for what seems like everything- food allergies, H.pylori, celiac, etc. I've also had my gallbladder taken out, as one of my doctors said that that was the problem (needless to say, I still have stomach issues). My general Doctor has now referred me to a GI specialist, but as I'm waiting for that referral to go through, my anxiety has taken over. Would I know if I had Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis? I have frequent diarrhea, but nothing extraordinary. I go once, maybe twice a day, and sometimes it's after I eat, but sometimes it isn't. I feel like I have a constant "upset belly," with mild cramping that intensifies if I eat certain foods. Fresh, uncooked veggies and certain fruits are a no-go for me, because they give me terrible stomach aches. Sometimes I get really terrible stomach aches on seemingly "non-trigger foods" too, though. I often get really bad mouth sores, and sometimes if my stomach aches are too bad I get clammy and sweaty. I can go months feeling fine, and then the symptoms start up and last for a couple months. I'm at my wit's end as to what is going on, but I feel like I could live with the way I feel now, albeit annoying and sometimes embarrassing when I need to use the restroom quickly. Either way, my doctor said that I should be checked out by a GI specialist to rule out more serious causes, like UC or Crohn's. Should I be concerned?
Diagnosis Questions
- Thread starter ajnc
- Start date
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Hi ajnc and welcome to the forum! 
If it is something more serious like Crohn's or UC then the good thing is that both are treatable. Also new treatments are coming out all the time if the idea of certain medications concerns you. There are so many things that can cause your symptoms so I wouldn't worry about what it could be. Your GI will want to run some tests to figure out what's going on. Hopefully it isn't anything serious but again if it is remember that it's treatable.
Some people with Crohn's are Asymptomatic so some don't have any noticeable symptoms. Also the symptoms for Crohn's and UC mimic many other illnesses so there isn't really a way for you to know whether or not you have a form of IBD until you've had proper testing done. If you have any questions about the tests they might do feel free to ask.
I'm sorry you went through surgery to remove your gallbladder. Unfortunately that's not the first time I've heard that mentioned on the forum. I wish you were sent to a GI before then.
We have a section on the forum for people who are undiagnosed if you're interested in talking to other people who are in the same boat. http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=75
When you are having symptoms have you tried a low residue diet to help reduce some of your symptoms? If not maybe give it a try and see if it helps at all for now while you wait on further testing from the GI.
If it is something more serious like Crohn's or UC then the good thing is that both are treatable. Also new treatments are coming out all the time if the idea of certain medications concerns you. There are so many things that can cause your symptoms so I wouldn't worry about what it could be. Your GI will want to run some tests to figure out what's going on. Hopefully it isn't anything serious but again if it is remember that it's treatable.
Some people with Crohn's are Asymptomatic so some don't have any noticeable symptoms. Also the symptoms for Crohn's and UC mimic many other illnesses so there isn't really a way for you to know whether or not you have a form of IBD until you've had proper testing done. If you have any questions about the tests they might do feel free to ask.
I'm sorry you went through surgery to remove your gallbladder. Unfortunately that's not the first time I've heard that mentioned on the forum. I wish you were sent to a GI before then.
We have a section on the forum for people who are undiagnosed if you're interested in talking to other people who are in the same boat. http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=75
When you are having symptoms have you tried a low residue diet to help reduce some of your symptoms? If not maybe give it a try and see if it helps at all for now while you wait on further testing from the GI.
