Finally!

[JMitch]

After 4 years of symptoms, 8 Colonoscopies and the awful prep, 8 different doctors (to include USC, UCLA IBD Center, Cleveland Clinic), 6 CT scans, 2MRI's, Gallbladder removal, 3 Pill Cams, the doctors thinking I'm crazy, saying 'it's in your head', saying 'oh, you have IBS, we can't really do anything for you', Crohn's was found during a colonoscopy by a resident in the GI program at the VA. The VA of all places and a doc in training! This is the first time any type of inflammation has been found, ever, and they really didn't think I would have it. They even began planning other tests after they reviewed the extensive workup from previous doctors and it not showing any signs to match the symptoms. Thankfully they went ahead with the procedure anyways. They said it was very patchy all over my large intestine. I never thought I would be so happy to have a 'disease', but I'm excited I will finally get some help, and meds to treat me. For those who have gut issues with no diagnosis, there is hope...do not give up.

 

[Dexky]

J, after talking to some friends on here w/o a dx, I can wholeheartedly say I'm glad for you. It is hard for me to wrap my head around that statement as it sounds counter-intellectual but now I know that getting the dx is for many a huge part of the battle. At last, you can be treated for a disease that's been giving you fits for four years. Good luck!!!

 

[Entchen]

4 years! Isn't it strange that we sometimes feel relief at the time of diagnosis -- to finally have ACCESS TO HELP, to not be told you're nuts and/or faking, and just to have an answer, what a change! Some others on the forum have been through really long periods before diagnosis, too. Pesky little disease, isn't it?

 

[DustyKat]

YAY!!!!!!!!! Good to know that you have an answer and can now move on! Please keep us posted on where you are going from here.

Take care,
Dusty

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

JMitch, thank you for posting this. After almost a year I've still got no diagnosis (I'm sure I'm one of the people Mark is referring to), all my tests so far have come back "normal", and I've been getting really, really frustrated lately. It's really good to hear from someone who's been through what I'm going through and finally got a result. I know I'm not crazy (well, I still might be crazy independent of this mystery illness!), because prednisone works for me, but that and my symptoms are so far all I've got to go on. I'm really happy for you that you've finally been diagnosed - now you can form a plan of attack! I'm sorry that you had to wait 4 years and go through so much, but it must be so validating to finally have a name for the disease and to know that you made the right choice by continuing to fight for answers. I'm going to continue to fight too! Wish me luck!

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hey Mitch glad you have a dx. I too went through series of test and it was a teaching doctor that finally found it. I understand how you feel and for the others you cant give up.. pain is there for a reason!

 

[Astra]

Hi JMitch

So you're a Crohnie hey! well done! So you weren't a 'head the ball' then? lol
finally, a dx, it feels great doesn't it?
onwards and upwards for you, stay well!
xxxx

 

[vickyj]

That made me smile Astra. Yep, getting a diagnosis FINALLY - is good. lol. Doesn´t take away the pain or the fatigue or the D..... but at least we now know we are NOT round the bend.
Jmitch - I am in a similar position to you - and actually looking forward to trying out some different treatments. I wish you well.