Does this sound like Crohn's?

[jimmyt1989]

Hi, I just recently had my gall bladder removed about 3 months ago, and it didn't relieve my symptoms. The symptoms are nausea, bloating, gas, acid reflux, and clay stools. I also have constipation that is followed by occasional diarrhea. Some other symptoms that seem unlrelated are RLS and tendonitis that is in serveral locations all over my body. I had an endoscopy and colonoscopy a few weeks ago. The results revealed that I have an ulcer in the ileum. My mom has Crohn's in the ilium and she had about two feet of her small intestines removed a few years back. The endoscopy also revealed a hiatal hernia and some stomach polyps.

The dr has ordered more blood work to test for crohn's, but I won't hear back from it until another week. He has also prescribed prednisone and asacol. They seem to be helping. The symptoms seem to be residing, as well as the tendonitis.

A little personal info, I am a 39 male, 6'1", 205 lbs in reasonably good shape. I've always been fairly athletic. I've had to cut back working out due to feeling cruddy. I save my energy, so I can work a full week and spend quality time with my wife and kids.

 

[CodeBrown]

Sounds familiar...I had my gallbladder removed and still had symptoms. I had mine removed in 2007...I wasn't diagnosed with Crohn's until Dec. 2009...and yes it was in the ileum. I am almost obstructed from the stenosis and bowel wall thickening...hopefully the meds (Humira and Endocort) will help alleviate the need for surgery...will see. I also l take Nexium for the GERD. Let us know how things turn out. BTW, did they do a biopsy of the ulcer in the ileum? That is how they confirmed my diagnosis (even though it showed up on CT scan and was pretty obvious in the colonscopy).

 

[jimmyt1989]

Thx for the reply! Yes, they did a biopsy, but I'm not sure if they were checking for Crohn's at the time. My initial visit was with the PA, and not with the Gastro. I'm glad you pointed that out, I'll need to follow up on that to see what the biopsy was for. I think the Dr. may not have picked up on the fact that my mom had Crohn's from the notes from the PA. The reason I say that, is that he called me in immediately for a follow-up appt once I called the nurse two weeks after the endo and colonoscopy to tell her that I was still having trouble making it to work.

Thx again!

 

[jimmyt1989]

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that I've been taking Nexium (Prilosec before that) for years for the GERD.

 

[CodeBrown]

Well hopefully (if it is Crohn's) they found it early enough for treatment to work..I'm not sure that is going to be the case here...but I am so hoping. My bro is a pathologist and says Crohn's is a difficult diagnosis to make - even with biopsy. But based on what you've said so far, It sure sounds like that might just be your problem.

 

[jimmyt1989]

Yes, if it is Crohn's, I hope it can be diagnosed quickly so that it can be effectively treated. I've heard that it is tough to diagnose as well.

I'm sorry for your situation, and I wish you luck with your recovery as well.

Thx again!

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Jimmy, I have had two resections and I have ulcers in the Ileum and have a hiatus hernia which started when I was on high prednisone. I am also on Nexium. Being as your mom has it, good chance you could be in early stages. It is hard to diagnose, and dont give up til you have answers. My sister has UC-Cd and she bleeds, I have CD and dont bleed, every case is different but it took both of us a long time for a dx. Hopefully it is not Crohn's but best to find out in the early stages and get it under control. Welcome to the forum, great info here!

Keep us posted ok? Best of luck to you and your mom.

 

[Astra]

Hi Jimmy
and welcome

sorry can't help with the HH or GERD! But any questions about Pred, then yes I can! glad you found us, and good luck
lotsa luv
Joan xxx

 

[jimmyt1989]

Thx for the support! Seems like I've found a very good source of support and info!!!! Hopefully, I can return the favor someday.

Jimmy

 

[jimmyt1989]

Hi Joan, it sounds like you have had lots of experience with the Prednisone. The dr has given a 2 month prescription for 10mg 2x day. So far, I haven't shown any side effects. It seems to be helping, but I've only been on it for about a week and a half. Please feel free to share your experience if you have a moment. Thx so much!!!

 

[uab grad student]

Hi Jimmy,

It sounds like Crohn's to me, but of course you have to get an official diagnosis from your doctor. The fact that they went ahead and prescribed you asacol and prednisone makes me think that your doctor also suspects Crohn's. One good thing is if the steroids are working (which is sound like they are) then that will help them confirm that this is indeed Crohn's and possibly that you are getting a diagnosis early enough for it to respond to treatment. I really hope you get a definite diagnosis soon but in the mean time I wish you the best on the road to getting well.

 

[Astra]

Hiya Jimmy

hey glad it's starting to work even tho it's a low dose. What time do you take them? I used to take all my dose at 6am, time to wear off by midnight! The insomnia is a killer! I was wizzing and speeding on 40mg! But altho it's Evil, it saved my life, and it's the best for blitzing inflammation
good luck!
xx

 

[jimmyt1989]

Thx so much Ashlee! Hopefully, I'll hear something on the blood work by the end of the week.

Looks like you have been recently diagnosed. I hope your system is responding well to the treatment.

Thx again!

Jimmy

 

[jimmyt1989]

Hi Joan, I usually take one after breakfast and one after supper. I checked the prescription bottle, and it didn't have any instructions on when to take them. I can't recall if the dr said to take them together or not. I plan to call the nurse later for another question. I'll ask about the time frame for the dosage as well.

So far, I haven't had much trouble sleeping. Maybe, it's the low dosage and my size (205 lbs)???

 

[Crohn's 35]

I took mine in the morning too all at once. Once you taper lower, don't be surprised if some symptoms come back. If it does come back, it is sign of some IBS problem. Hopefully you will be on a longer term drug that works. When you are fully diagnosed.

 

[jimmyt1989]

Hi Jetta,

Hmm, sounds like I need to seriously consider changing the time of the pred. This is good info. I've got a call in with the nurse. Thx for the info y'all!

Jimmy

 

[jimmyt1989]

Talked with the nurse, and she said that I could take both of the 10mg preds in the morning. Also, they were primarily checking for cancer on the biopsy of the ulcer in the Ilium.

At this point, I'm waiting on the blood work to come back. Hopefully, it will provide some clarity.

Thx all!

Jimmy

 

[Astra]

Hiya Jimmy
great pic!
taking both together is a better idea, and in the am too, should prevent you from staying up all night watching late night movies like I did! oh, and ironing at 3am lol

 

[jimmyt1989]

Thx for the comment on the pic and right back at ya! I can't get the avatar to work right now, so I thought I would post a pic since everyone else has one.