Flare-up?

[binibeng]

Hi everyone,
I am a new member here (37 years old)
I started the journey of digestive system issue in 2007 when out of no where I found my stool had blood! I freaked out and after a while finally I was diagnosed with ulcerative spondilitis (basically a mild form of UC). Ever since then, my digestive system would go "weird" once in a while (I would say generally speaking every 1-2 months). But even when I am "normal", I am often bloated and gassy. The standard I hold for "flare-up" is seeing blood in my stool. for diarhea it happens probably once a month. But typically just one more bowel movement than my regular one for a day and then it would disappear. I did't use any medication other than a suppository (salofalk) when I saw blood with my stool or when i felt my low abdomen just didn't feel "right".

Finally did my colonoscopy this April and the specialist told me i have crohn's disease! I was still not given medication since it's "mild" as I described above. Basically every now and then my low abdomen woule feel "uncomfortable" (not cramping) just didnt' feel well. I actually started wheat free from 2 years ago and hoped it would help. But half a year ago, I felt my condition seemed to be stable and I started having wheat and diary on the regular basis. Then 3 days ago, all of a sudden, i started having diarrhea and man this time it is no more one time deal any more. I literally went to washroom 5-6 times on Sat and 9 times on Sunday. Even at night, I had to wake up once to go. Today so far one on top of the one in the morning. I am panicking since this is not like any other "flare-up". Got an appointment booked to see the specialist this friday ad I am very worried about the UC drugs since the reading on the internet suggested they have huge side effect and often does't work... worst is we booked a trip to Disney this weekend and I am thinking about cancelling it.... My daughter sure wlll be disappointed

Anyone else has similar experience? The frequent visit to washroom is really scary and painful!

Thanks.

 

[Jennifer]

Hi binibeng and welcome to the forum!

Sorry you're not feeling well. Yes frequent bathroom trips with diarrhea are common during a flare along with abdominal pain or discomfort. Just like everyone is different every flare is different. Some can be mild and some can be more severe.

To be honest bleeding isn't really a mild symptom. It can be common with Crohn's but it generally means that the condition isn't under control. Keep in mind that there can also be traces of blood in the stool that we can't see. Your doctor can order stool tests to see if you do have blood in your stool and they can also check your inflammation level with a stool test as well (Fecal Calprotectin). You'll also want to have you vitamin levels tested as people with Crohn's and other forms of IBD are prone to being low or deficient in some nutrients (Iron, B12, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, vit A, B, C, D, E, K, zinc etc).

Even more mild cases of Crohn's may require medication of some sort because chronic or recurring inflammation creates scar tissue over time which can cause a narrowing/stricture. Having a stricture can bring on more pain along with other complications like possibly having a blockage where food can no longer pass or needing surgery to prevent a blockage. Not to mention that inflammation and scar tissue reduce and prevent nutrient absorption. Medication can help prevent this from happening. There are many meds out there that have few side effects and keep in mind that those are possible side effects which doesn't mean you'll get all if any of them. Personally I never had any side effects from Asacol, 6MP or Entocort (just to name a few out of the ones I've taken over the past couple decades).

Keep us posted on how your appointment goes and again welcome to the forum!

 

[AlliRuns]

Welcome and Greetings from Kingston

 

[binibeng]

Thanks a bunch! Probably it's just me but I do feel scared a bit when a flare up like this happened. It makes me feel I am losing control of life and future becomes really unknown... I guess mentally I am just not tough enough. It somehow also makes me feel "lonely" even though I am accompanied by my supporting wife and lovely daughter...
It's great feeling to find the advice and support here! Thank you.

I am going to do the occult blood test. It's a surprise to me that even a "minor" case should also be treated with medication as I have been viewing symptoms as life nuance since it hasn't affected life and general feeling of well being too much. I always thought medication is only used when symptom really affects quality of life(e.g., frequent diarrhea!). It's good to know and I willcertainly discuss with the Gi doc on Friday.

 

[Jennifer]

Even if you do keep off of meds remember to have regular testing done to make sure everything is ok on the inside (regular scopes done every few years even while in remission, for me I had a scope once a year before remission). People with Crohn's are at a greater risk of colon cancer so its good to check every now and then. Keep having blood work done as well (usually once every 6 months at least if you're in remission and not on meds although I never went more than 3 months without blood work). Let us know what your GI has to say.