GP made me feel crazy!

[Kellyshwan]

Hi,

I've been having symptoms of mucus, blood and extreme tiredness for the last 3-4 months. My consultant seemed to think it could be proctitis so sent me for a flexi sigmoidoscopy. The report stated that there were 'multiple tiny aphthous ulcers along 18cm of the rectum'. The endoscopist said that IBD is likely and I will require suppository meds. I've since received a letter from the hospital giving me an appointment in mid June. No diagnosis, no explanation etc. I know the results are back because I've spoken to the secretary but she is unable to give them to me.

Long story short I'm getting married in June and I want something done! So I rang my GP who said they don't have the biopsy results. However he looked at the flexi sig report and said 'it's normal. The ulcers are probable viral'. NORMAL?!! How is this normal? I now that feel I'm making a big deal out of nothing. Should I keep pushing to get an answer or accept nothing will be done before my wedding?

Any advice welcome

 

[my little penguin]

Why did they only do a flex sig
That leaves so much of the intestine not even looked at...
Did they do a fecal caloprotectin (stool test )?
Or inflammatory blood work ???

 

[Kellyshwan]

So I had a faecal calprotectin (190) and bloods (normal) taken in the beginning of February but nothing since.

He chose to do a flexi sig because my symptoms were more in keeping with proctitis so thought this test would suffice.

 

[cmack]

Hi Kelly,

Welcome, I'm sorry to hear about all the frustrations you are going through. I hope you get some answers soon.

I wish I could be more of a help. If you need to blow off a little steam you can pm me. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.


Finest regards,

cmack

 

[Kellyshwan]

Thanks cmack.

I'm just frustrated with the slow moving train of the NHS. As I work in the NHS I should understand but when it's you that's gone wrong it's not as easy!

I'll just keep calling them!!

 

[Jabee]

Hmmm. Cytomegalovirus can cause ulcers in the colon, but biopsies usually confirm this. Plus you would be put on antiviral medication, especially since you are having significant symptoms. It sounds like your GP doesn't want to deal with the problem (my GP and GI don't particularly like each other which can make things uncomfortable for me). I'm assuming the endoscopist was a GI, which would mean his opinion carries more weight. You're in the UK (and in a lovely part of the UK, too) which means you can't really call the GI who performed the procedure and ask him, which is really frustrating. Can you get on a cancellation list for the GI you'll see in mid-June? I wish I could be more helpful.

 

[scottsma]

How about calling your G.I.s secretary or the IBD nurse and explaining your situation.Are you still having symptoms ? Your calprotectin levels are elevated slightly which would indicate inflammation.50-60 is normal,mine was 400 last time,but many people have levels of 1,000s+.I was diagnosed with Proctitis in 2006 with same symptoms as you, after a sigmoidoscopy and biopsies,and used suppositories for years.Firstly to clear up the inflammation,then as maintenance.They worked very well.I have since progressed to Crohn's colitis.It's a stressful time for you.I really hope you can get sorted before your happy day.Please let us know how things go.

 

[Crohns11]

How about calling your G.I.s secretary or the IBD nurse and explaining your situation.Are you still having symptoms ? Your calprotectin levels are elevated slightly which would indicate inflammation.50-60 is normal,mine was 400 last time,but many people have levels of 1,000s+.I was diagnosed with Proctitis in 2006 with same symptoms as you, after a sigmoidoscopy and biopsies,and used suppositories for years.Firstly to clear up the inflammation,then as maintenance.They worked very well.I have since progressed to Crohn's colitis.It's a stressful time for you.I really hope you can get sorted before your happy day.Please let us know how things go.

I have also had proctitis about two years ago I was given steroid/foam enemas. I saw my GI last month and he said I had crohns colitis , I didn't really ask about it as I wasn't feeling very well as had to have x-ray etc... so wanted to get home. Could you give me any info? I was diagnosed with crohns 2012 but then GI said that.

 

[scottsma]

As you will know Proctitis is located in the rectum.Crohns Colitis is in the large bowel.I no longer use suppositories since being diagnosed with C.C.I can't really tell you much else.I have multible loo visits every morning then suddenly constipation,for no reason.Occassional bad pain and nausea.I opted not to take meds.as my symptoms are so variable.But I do watch my diet and by now I understand what makes me really ill.All the things I love,alas.But please don't worry.We're all different and you might not have the same problems.If your GI wants to try you on meds.then you should give it a try until you understand what your body is telling you.I have used steroids on occasion to clear up inflammation and I respond pretty well to it

PS.when I said I didn't take meds.I meant on a daily basis.
I have a prescription for Loperamide to slow my digestion but don't use it unless I really need it.And I have to use laxatives when needed too.It's all about finding the right balance for me.

 

[Crohns11]

As you will know Proctitis is located in the rectum.Crohns Colitis is in the large bowel.I no longer use suppositories since being diagnosed with C.C.I can't really tell you much else.I have multible loo visits every morning then suddenly constipation,for no reason.Occassional bad pain and nausea.I opted not to take meds.as my symptoms are so variable.But I do watch my diet and by now I understand what makes me really ill.All the things I love,alas.But please don't worry.We're all different and you might not have the same problems.If your GI wants to try you on meds.then you should give it a try until you understand what your body is telling you.I have used steroids on occasion to clear up inflammation and I respond pretty well to it



PS.when I said I didn't take meds.I meant on a daily basis.

I have a prescription for Loperamide to slow my digestion but don't use it unless I really need it.And I have to use laxatives when needed too.It's all about finding the right balance for me.

Iv been on azathioprine for 4 years now. I was also diagnosed with a slow bowel transit. So one min I have overflow diarrhoea watery stool that's from being constipated. So I take regular laxatives everyday.

 

[Crohns11]

Iv been on azathioprine for 4 years now. I was also diagnosed with a slow bowel transit. So one min I have overflow diarrhoea watery stool that's from being constipated. So I take regular laxatives everyday.

Sorry this is nothing to do with crohns. But your pic is your dog a boarder terrier? Was just asking as I have a dog she's cross with a boarder terrier

 

[scottsma]

Ah,what a sweetheart. Yes ,Alfie was a Border Terrier,and he didn't always look that smart.We had to say our goodbyes over two years ago,and sometimes it still feels like yesterday.

 

[Crohns11]

Ah,what a sweetheart. Yes ,Alfie was a Border Terrier,and he didn't always look that smart.We had to say our goodbyes over two years ago,and sometimes it still feels like yesterday.

Awwww im sorry to hear that