GI Visit Results

[kdlalib]

I had the small bowel series last Friday. According to my GI, it showed narrowing of my terminal ileum and what might be the "string sign." Still, however, I don't have a Crohn's diagnosis. Since I had abdominal pain during the small bowel series, he said the narrowing could be spasm. Since I had a normal colonoscopy that seems to be holding up the diagnostic process. I also had an abdominal CT in January for a suspected appendicitis (negative) and the radiologist didn't note anything about my small bowel being inflammed, which also is holding up the diagnosis. The GI wants to run one last CT and if confirms the narrowing, then I'll be officially diagnosed with Crohn's.

The GI also felt my abdomen and the area in which I'm experiencing pain, is the same area that's abnormal on the small bowel xray. He also said he felt a slight hardening in that area.

So, I'm still waiting....All this testing is getting old fast.

ETA: The GI doesn't want to do the video capsule test because since I have what looks like narrowing of the terminal ileum, he worries that the capsule might become stuck.

 

[xJillx]

Thanks for the update! I am sorry you still didn't get your diagnosis, but it sounds like you are almost there. Hopefully, you can have a break from testing for awhile after this next CT scan.

How have you been feeling?

 

[kdlalib]

Thanks Jill!

I've been feeling pretty yucky, but the diarrhea has calmed down a bit. I've also been taking massive doses of prednisone to treat my arthritis, which I know can also help treat Crohn's.

My abdomen is definitely extremely tender when manipulated or pressed upon, like when the doctor did the exam today, but feels a little better than it used to.

I was also just diagnosed with Celiac Disease, as well, so my stomach is still hurting from the gluten challenge.

Has anyone heard of abdominal pain causing a spasm in the small intestines that resembles intestinal narrowing from Crohn's on a small bowel x-ray?

ETA: The doc also said that the terminal ileum was smooth and didn't show the same folds as the healthy parts of the small intestine. Not sure what it means, but he associates it with Crohn's. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[xJillx]

I don't have any advice about the spasms of "smooth" TI, but hopefully someone will be around shortly who does. I am sorry about the Celiac, as well. Though you may have to give up some of your favorite foods (granted, there are sooo many gluten free options now), you will most likely start to feel a bit better after giving up gluten. Think postive!!