How do you tell if you have a Crohn's flare-up?

[swm12223]

I have had Crohn's for 10 years and have been on medication the entire time with no surgery

What I don't exactly understand is - how do I know if I'm experiencing a flare up?

I often have long periods (3-4 months) of bloody bowel movements, but I don't feel sick and in fact I've always felt 100% fine. Well I mean I have been sick from colds and the flue, but I haven't ever felt bad from Crohn's, other than having to run to the bathroom sometimes, which is probably due to eating spicy junk food rather than Crohn's anyways.

Am I having flare-ups and ignoring them, or just not having them?
I'm worried that my doctor isn't catching times when he needs to up my medication doses.
Should I be telling him whenever I start seeing blood? Is blood the sign of a flare up? Again I don't FEEL sick, there's just blood in my toilet but I otherwise always feel the same way I did when I didn't have Crohn's.

Anyways, thanks.

 

[Jeff D.]

If there is blood then it is likely you have some inflammation and therefore a flare. For the most part every one is different in symptoms and if you are getting these symptoms you should have a doctor check you out.