How does one know if they have Crohn's?

[firsttime]

Hi, I'm a 20 year old male who have been suffering from anal abscess and fistula formation for the past few months now. I've just found this forum and am wondering if I have any IBD since I've heard that IBD can contribute to abscess and fistulas forming in the anal area. I've never had any tests done besides blood work and everything came up normal. Before the first anal abscess, I've never had any trouble going to the bathroom or stomach pain. I've only had a few times where I had constipation and diarrhea. But recently I've been wondering if I may have some kind of unknown disease. So how does one get diagnosed with Crohn's? I'm also planning on finding a GI since I've only relied on a colorectal surgeon.

 

[kiny]

With a colonoscopy with biopsy.

 

[firsttime]

Oh okay thank you! Sadly I don't know if I'll be able to do a colonoscopy due to my multiple abscess and fistulas with seton placement. Would a pelvic MRI help show whats going on?

 

[kiny]

MRI shows some things, but has limits too. The colonoscopy can identify granuloma and the biopsy can be stained to rule out infections and they can look at crypts to see what type of inflammation and damage to the intestinal wall is present, none of those things an MRI can do. But you'll have to discuss it with your doc I guess since you're a bit of a different case maybe.

 

[cca2013]

Different doctors perform various tests to dx crohn's. Some use stool samples, blood work, cat-scans, etc. As far as I know, to make sure 100% is by getting a colonoscopy.

 

[DGH]

Hi, I'm a 20 year old male who have been suffering from anal abscess and fistula formation for the past few months now. I've just found this forum and am wondering if I have any IBD since I've heard that IBD can contribute to abscess and fistulas forming in the anal area. I've never had any tests done besides blood work and everything came up normal. Before the first anal abscess, I've never had any trouble going to the bathroom or stomach pain. I've only had a few times where I had constipation and diarrhea. But recently I've been wondering if I may have some kind of unknown disease. So how does one get diagnosed with Crohn's? I'm also planning on finding a GI since I've only relied on a colorectal surgeon.

OH my gosh! I have had crohns for 18 years..Please get tested for crohns SPECIFICALLY! It is necessary to find out if you have it..Fistula's are associated with one of the more problematic types of crohns and will get worse if you go undiagnosed..Get tested.. I have my symptoms well under control now and may be able to offer advise. good luck! .....DGH

 

[Justin1982]

Hi, I'm a 20 year old male who have been suffering from anal abscess and fistula formation for the past few months now. I've just found this forum and am wondering if I have any IBD since I've heard that IBD can contribute to abscess and fistulas forming in the anal area. I've never had any tests done besides blood work and everything came up normal. Before the first anal abscess, I've never had any trouble going to the bathroom or stomach pain. I've only had a few times where I had constipation and diarrhea. But recently I've been wondering if I may have some kind of unknown disease. So how does one get diagnosed with Crohn's? I'm also planning on finding a GI since I've only relied on a colorectal surgeon.

1) Colonoscopy w/ Biopsy
2) Ct Entergraphy with Contrast
3) Fecal White Blood Count to check for Leukocytes in Stool
4) Blood Tests (Anemic, Low Potassium, Vitamin D, Etc)
5) History of Kidney Stones

Plenty of tests out there. Good luck.