Freaking out roommate is really sick don't know what to do

[Matthew M]

My roommate has Crohn's and he is really sick he keeps throwing up like nonstop for the past hour he has been trying to take sips of water . I'm not really sure what to do. He said he doesn't want to go to the hospital. I have only known him for like a week. Don't know a lot about Crohn's are you suppose to throw up ??

 

[lblair]

Yes you can with Crohn's is he taking any type of meds for the Crohn's???

 

[Matthew M]

Iblair ya I think he is talking imuran (I think that's how you spell it)

 

[Jennifer]

You can throw up but there's always a reason such as a blockage (which would be my major concern if he can't even hold down sips of water). Does he have any other symptoms like extreme pain, fever etc? Is it possible that he might be sick with the flu or something rather than it being Crohn's related? Did he take any kind of medication or drink any alcohol?

There's this thread where members talk about their experience with a blockage or partial blockage: http://www.crohnsforum.com/showthread.php?t=29625 If your roommate isn't aware of the risks of a blockage then it would be good to inform him that if he does have one it is serious and he does need to go to the hospital as they can be life threatening. As of right now you can't force him to go but make sure he's aware of the symptoms. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/intestinal-obstruction/DS00823/DSECTION=symptoms

Keep us posted.

 

[lblair]

For how long has he been on it I was on it for 3 weeks and then started getting sick I was having reaction to it.

 

[Jennifer]

Iblair ya I think he is talking imuran (I think that's how you spell it)

How long has he been taking it do you know? Could be a rare side effect from Imiran: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR601561/DSECTION=side-effects

If he doesn't intend on going to the hospital did he at least mention that he'll call his GI's office? Most do have an on call doctor or nurse that can tell you what to do in emergency type situations for after hours.

 

[Matthew M]

Jennifer he is in a great deal of pain you can tell just by looking at him I'm not sure of a fever. He has been sick since Wednesday and it got really bad today I kinda don't think it's the flu. Thanks
Iblair I believe he has been on it for awhile

 

[lblair]

He needs to go get looked at is the vomit what color does he say????

 

[Matthew M]

Iblair I think it was brown form what I can tell from the puke on the carpet is that bad (I hate it when people are sick I freak out )

 

[lblair]

That might be a blockage you need to call the GI some times with a blockage it will be brown or look like coffee grounds. Why are men so stubborn???

 

[Jennifer]

Ya if these symptoms have been off and on and are now even worse then a trip to the ER would be a good idea. Crohn's can create a lot of inflammation which alone can make the intestines more narrow yet chronic inflammation can cause scar tissue as well which also narrows the intestines. When that happens food can get stuck and create a blockage which makes everything you try to eat or drink come right back up. If its not treated in time it could perforate the bowels which leads to even more problems (infection which can cause you to go septic, infection in the blood which is life threatening). Encourage him to go to the ER or at least ask if you can call his GI office to see if they have someone on call during after hours and see what they suggest (although they may just say to go to the ER).

 

[nogutsnoglory]

You can't force him to goto the ER but you can strongly urge him to do so. It's also unfair on you to have to live in a room with someone who is constantly vomiting.

I would speak to the Resident Assistant, sometimes they or the head RA can have pull and talk with irrational students.

 

[lblair]

Any update??? Hope things are getting better.

 

[purdueCrohns]

He could just be sick. Imuran is an immunosuppressant.