Going to the hospital with these symptoms?

[islanderaggie]

I have been struggling with a constant Crohns flare since my diagnosis in 2007. I have been on all the mesalamine drugs and had a bad reaction. I was then admitted to the hospital in 2011 for 5 days because of pain, excessive weight loss and inability to hold food down. I was stabilized and placed on Remicade. It worked like a miracle until I built up antibodies. Then I was placed on Humira in April of this year. I have been experiencing the flare symptoms at their peak this last month. Nausea, extreme cramping, bowel movements that make me gag, scream and cry hysterically. Every evening, I take a Vicodin. I wake up in the morning very fatigued but in little pain. The pain will start around 3-4pm and just progress incredibly fast. Last night, I was ready to drag myself to the ER. Now, this morning, I'm on a Vicodin high and debating whether I should just wait until Monday for a doctor to be available (just moved to my town, so all my medical records and doctor are 400 miles away). Should I just check myself in now for anticipated pain? I cannot go through what I did last night again.

 

[SarahBear]

In your situation, I'd probably go to the ER.

Please let us know what you decide to do. I hope they can help get you through this soon!

 

[Dukeis]

Sounds as though you need to be seen, but the ER isn't going to be to receptive to what you think will happen later in the day. You do know that Vicodin slows the peristalsis which in turn can cause problems with Crohn's. It sure helps the pain, but at what cost sometimes.

 

[shamrock15]

Your symptoms are similar to those I had when I was suffering from partial obstructions. The part that I note is the time onset for your pains. For me, a good night sleep after one of these attacks often provided relief, only to have it all start up again. I do think you should get to an ER next time you have one of the night time attacks. If they are like mine, they'll have no trouble admitting you and possibly starting tests. If you are going to stick it out, at least try switching to a fluid diet to help ease the passage of your bowel contents. Don't do this long though, it's not great for your nutrition.

 

[ArinMelissa]

Hey Islander,
Your weekend sounds a lot like mine. I Ended up taking two trips to the ER yesterday because of the pain level and nausea happening when I tried to have a BM in the evenings. The CT scan revealed an obstruction of fecal matter in my lower colon (gross gross!) and it was blocking anything from exiting my body. They gave me an enema and sent me home at 3am this morning. I feel better but still weak. Sounds like you should go to the doc!

 

[Earnellzwifey]

My clue to when it is time to go to the ER is when the pain causes me to scream out or cry. I have a high tolerance to pain and when it is that bad it is time to be checked out. I hope you find relief soon.

 

[tots]

I cant remember how far Bowie is to Austin, thats where I am.

I have found I have had some of the best medical care in the ER but, I think it helps if you
are at a pretty painful moment, I think they can see that so it makes "more real".

So I would go prob at night if thats the worst time, unless you are having a really bad time during the day.

Feel better soon and I hope some relief is no the way to you!

Lauren