Hello all, newbie here.

[Canpakes]

I hope this is the correct area to post this, I literally just registered a few minutes ago.

Yesterday I went to the ER with severe abdominal pain, burning, tenderness and just in complete misery. Since I have an IUD the first test they ran was a blood pregnancy test to rule out ectopic pregnancy. It was negative for pregnancy but my white blood cell count was higher than normal.

Second test they did was a CT Scan. The results came back, he called a specialist and consulted with him and they came to the conclusion that all symptoms plus CT results point toward Crohn's Disease. I was prescribed Lortab for pain and Bentyl for cramping. I have an appointment scheduled with my regular doctor on Monday to get a referral to a GI for a colonoscopy to determine if it is in fact Crohn's disease or something else.

Since this all came on suddenly and I didn't get much information in the ER, I'm not quite sure if the symptoms I'm experiencing at the moment are "normal" or not with a flare up, I've been reading about CD to get an idea of what it's about but haven't really comforted myself at all. There's no history of it in my family so I have no one to talk too who is familiar with the condition.

My stomach feels extremely sore, mainly behind my belly button, feels like I have been punched really hard.

It hurts to stand up straight, lay on my sides and walking is quite difficult.

My stomach feels heavy, like there's a big ball behind my belly button, straining to use the restroom is painful. I expected to be given a stool softener or something to help with this but didn't.

I haven't had any diarrhea or vomiting at all, no blood in stool, just constipation (the ER doctor seemed shocked that I had no diarrhea or vomiting).

I have zero appetite, today eating anything makes me nauseous. I tried a little bit of yogurt earlier this morning and nearly vomited after 3 bites.

Is this typically how flare ups are when they happen? How long do the symptoms stick around? I have no idea of what to expect or anything, I got such short responses when talking with the ER doctor. I'm actually quite scared and worried at the moment. I'm worried it will take months to get a referral appointment with a GI and I'll be dealing with this horrible pain and tenderness the entire wait. It's such debilitating pain it's making it difficult to care for my two children (ages 4 & 7).

 

[David]

Hi Canpakes and welcome. That's terrible that you're going through this and pray you feel better soon.

How long have you had these symptoms?

Did they by chance give you a copy of what the reading for the CT Scan said? If so and you feel like sharing it, that would help a lot. Based upon your symptoms alone, while it's certainly possible, I'm not convinced that you have Crohn's Disease so I'd be curious what they saw on the CT. If you don't have the reading, is it possible for you to call and ask for it?

The Bentyl is an... interesting choice. One I don't agree considering your constipation but... I'm no doctor.

I read dozens of anecdotes a week and thousands over the years. What you describe makes me a little uncomfortable. I don't mean to scare you but based upon your symptoms, if it IS Crohn's Disease then you're potentially experiencing symptoms associated with a stricture and at least partial blockage which would also explain why the doctor was surprised you weren't vomiting. If the pain gets even a little bit worse, head back to the ER. You should not have to put up with debilitating pain and if I'm right, you should be closely monitored.

Please keep us updated as to how you're doing.

 

[Canpakes]

Hello David and thank you for responding.

I don't have a copy of the CT Scan or know exactly what he saw. He didn't tell me, he just said that based on the results and consulting with a specialist they're leaning toward Crohn's. I could call and ask if I can get a copy but one is supposed to be faxed to my regular doctor so I'll ask her what was on it or for a copy when I go in on Monday.

I am feeling better. I've had nausea once today after eating yogurt and the last time I used the restroom earlier today the pain was minimum. I've been able to manage the pain without many pain killers today as well but still have the soreness and uncomfortable feeling when I try to walk or stand and coughing is a bit uncomfortable.

You didn't scare me, you just made me wonder if I got the care I needed. If a stricture is the problem, what does this mean? I read a little about it but this is all so new I'm easily confused.

 

[David]

I'm so glad you're feeling better and managing the pain without having to take many pain killers. That puts my mind at ease a LOT! I was staying up hoping you'd respond and can go to bed now

A stricture is a narrowing of the intestines. It may be caused by inflammation, scar tissue, or a combination thereof. Sometimes they cause no problems but the narrower your intestines get, the greater the chance that food has trouble passing properly and obstructions and other complications can result.

That you're feeling better is a good sign though so let's not jump ahead anymore Obviously if the pain gets unbearable head to the ER but let's take things one step at a time and see what your doctor says at your appointment

 

[Canpakes]

It makes me feel good to know you were concerned. I hope you sleep well now!

The pain is still there, but yesterday it was so bad I was in tears and went to a different ER. I ended up not getting seen because the wait alone was 3 hours then even more waiting after that. Seemed pointless to sit there in pain so came back home.

As I sit here typing this, I can feel an uncomfortable bloated feeling but the pain isn't bad at all now unless I move around, go from a sit to stand position or turn over when laying down but that's mainly because everything feels sore and tender (pressing in on my stomach is painful). I have felt hungry today also and have ate some jello and some of a sandwich earlier. I'm just afraid to eat in fear I'll make the symptoms worse again. I also got myself a round of hiccups that made things hurt lol.

I am worried that the lortab and bentyl may be making the constipation worse considering I've only managed to go once today. That's mainly why I'm trying not to take it unless the pain is noticeable while sitting still.

 

[Canpakes]

Hi david, I wanted to update you on my condition because you had stated you wanted me to do so.

Basically, I didn't make it to my appointment for the GI referral, I ended up in the ER last Saturday. The pain increased and started moving into my back late Friday night. Saturday morning I woke up in excruciating pain and could not move, stand up, etc. I knew something was wrong and went to the ER by ambulance. they did a CT Scan with contrast and discovered I had inflammation in my intestine near the appendix and that my appendix was also inflamed and there was a pocket of air that wasn't supposed to be there. I was taken to surgery almost immediately and was told that it was most likely my appendix causing the issue. When I woke up in recovery they told me my appendix had moved and lodged itself behind my colon in my back and had ruptured. Surgery went well I just have a very large abdominal incision, one smaller incision from the scope insertion and a JP drain to remove unnecessary fluid. I have been in horrible pain and discomfort but am finally starting to feel better. The Crohn's diagnosis was a mistake, the ct scan was done without contrast the first time and due to the location of my appendix it was an easy misdiagnosis. My surgeon specializes in Crohn's related surgeries and said he saw nothing to make him think I have the disease.

I'm very thankful things have turned out good. I go on Monday to get my drain and staples removed and am hoping recovery is easier after that. This has not been an easy ordeal by far, I've been on lortab, morphine, had 12 bags of antibiotics in the hospital via IV (stayed there for 5 days), taking 2 antibiotics by mouth now, bentyl and seem to be recovering well it's just such a slow process. I'll be alright, I just have to remain patient which is hard to do.

Anyway, that's what I've been dealing with and wanted to let you know because you were concerned. Thank you for your responses. I didn't think this sounded like Crohn's but without experience there's no way of knowing for sure. It's always nice to have people willing to offer advice. I hope you are doing well! :ysmile:

 

[David]

Thank you so much for updating us!

I am SO HAPPY that you don't have Crohn's Disease and it was something acute. Obviously it's terrible that you went through this but it sounds like all should be well from here on out. That's wonderful! Each day when you wake up, thank god you don't have something chronic and enjoy your health

All my best to you and a speedy recovery from your surgery here on out.