Doctor won't test me for crohns because hes ''not convinced''

[julian]

Hi all, its my first time on this forum and I was wondering if you could help me in a way. I've been having GI problems for almost a year now but I still don't know whats causing it because the doctors won't do anything about it. They say its IBS because I don't have any diarrhea. I was wondering if its still possible to have crohns without the symptom of diarrhea? My symptoms include : gas, bloating (that never completely goes away), feeling of discomfort at my lower abdomen, nausea sometimes after meals.

I'm going back to the doctors soon and I won't take no for an answer cause I want tests done, it's incredibly hard living like this. The onyl thing im taking right now is pantoloc and it does help, but it doesnt solve the problem.

I'm not asking for a diagnosis, im just wondering if these are some symptoms that some of you experience as well. Thank you for your time!

 

[Sojourn]

I'm not a doctor, but based on your symptoms, I wouldn't jump to any conclusions either. Have you tried changing your diet like eliminating dairy products, maybe lactose intolerance? The symptoms you describe do sound more like IBS than IBD. There are many supplements out there, like probiotics, which help with this. You could ask your doctor to do a colonoscopy if you wanted a real inside look at the situation and that would most likely rule out Crohn's.

 

[katiesue1506]

Could Celiac Sprue be the problem? That's an intolerance to gluten... which is found in most everything other than natural foods like veggies and fruits.

 

[Kev]

Hey Julian.. Since you've expressed an intent to be tested despite what the doctors say, you might want to consider requesting a sigmoidoscopic exam of the lower GI. I say might as it is not a pleasant experience... and it is nowhere near as thorough as a colonoscopy... but it is simpler, and the lead time & demand should be much less.
If the sigmoid scope shows nothing to warrant a colonoscopy, consider what the Dr's are saying.. Try changing your diet, esp lactose rich foods, etc.. Else if your symptomology doesn't dimminish, THEN press for a colonoscopy.
I say this as an uneducated layman, this isn't professional advice in any form. Just that you already seem quite determined to (pardon the term) get to the bottom of this, and I don't want to dissuade you. just that, without some of the key warning signs (blood in stool, the big D, the big C, loss of weight, loss of vitality, energy...) I don't think dr's will be in a hurry to do the colonoscopy, it does need anesthetic, and there are risks (reaction to anesthetic, perforation of the colon, etc., etc..). it's also extremely unpleasant to prep for this procedure.. not to be taken lightly, OK?
some of the side effects of the pantoloc sound like some of your current symptoms
(discomfort/pain, nausea).. Being determined to get to the bottom of things can be a good thing... and if your current doctors wont' consider a sig scope, or at the very least do a full bloodworkup to test for markers, white count, anemia, etc., you may want to consider asking for a referral for a 2nd opinion, or to see a specialist.
If they've done those things, or do them, and it still isn't IBD, consider yourself a lucky person... watch your diet, see if things turn around. That's my best advice

 

[julian]

Thanks for the replies!

Don't get me wrong, I myself am not convinced at all that it is crohns, but after a year of these symptoms I really want an answer as to what this is. I've been told i've had IBS, anal fissures, GERD and high acidity by different doctors. It's stressful not to know what it is exactly because I don't know what to do to help it.
As far as the diet change goes, i've tried cutting lactose out of my diet and it did help, but the problem never seems to go away no matter what or how I eat(smaller meals for ex.). I'm not saying i want a colonoscopy, i'm aware that it is very unpleasant. They did however, take 5 blood samples last time I was there and i'm doing stool samples aswell. Waiting for the news on that!

 

[CanadaCurt]

Yes, please get tested for Celiac Disease. I have Celiac and Crohn's and your symptoms sound very similar to what I went through. All that's required now is a simple blood test. Good luck!

 

[kskitt]

i didnt have diarrea before i was diagnosed, and still dont, so i wouldnt rule out the possibilty of having crohns, but there could be a list of things that it could be.

 

[tonya_n_ky]

Either way, don't give up on it and do what your body tells you to do. Meaning, don't let a dr tell you how you feel. Tell him you KNOW something is wrong and will not be happy until you know for sure what the problem is. I went to 12 different dr over a time of 3 years before I finally found out what was wrong, and when diagnosed the nurse said "I'm sorry" and I replied "Don't be! I am happy to finally know what's wrong with me and that I'm not a hypocondriac." Sometimes dr's can make you feel like you're there for some good drugs or pity. So don't give up if you know something's not right. Good Luck and take care.

 

[AbstractDonut]

Hope you have IBS, and if it is causing you that much trouble make them look of inflammation.

 

[kpratte]

I recommend doing a food diary. It's a simple thing that can do wonders. Write down what you eat and symptoms that you have. The idea is to try to figure out what foods are giving you issues. Most of us even when having flare-ups have "safe" foods.

Don't get me wrong, food doesn't cure Crohn's if that is what you truly have, but it helps deal with the symptoms and will help a host of other problems that you mentioned.

Hopefully they'll figure out what is wrong soon.

- Ken