How fast can symptoms change??

[Nurse Nausea 2016]

I'm currently undiagnosed with a scope appointment the end of this month. I'm still debating between IBD and whatever else. My question is how quickly can IBD symptoms change? My GI thinks Cronh's and I seem to be seeing a cycle lately. One day I won't be able to eat and I'll have lots of serious diarrhea. Then as soon as the next day I won't have any BMs but if I eat I bloat to the point of looking pregnant and being very uncomfortable. Then, more than likely the diarrhea will come back the next day. Some days I have severe nausea, somedays none. I've also been running a low grade temp off and on and having night sweats. On top of almost 20lbs lost since November. I'm just so confused! Thanks in advance for any input!

 

[Jennifer]

Sounds like you may be dealing with a narrowing/stricture. When you have those your symptoms can change in a matter of minutes to hours after eating or drinking depending on their location.

When dealing with partial blockages by the narrowed spots it helps to change your diet to a soft low residue diet and if needed even a liquid diet (especially if you have nausea or vomiting but if you can't keep liquids down either then you may need emergency care). Eating smaller low residue meals more often (rather than 3 large meals each day) and increasing your fluids also helps.

Let us know how your scope goes.

 

[Nurse Nausea 2016]

Thanks for the reply! I'm really thinking stricture too because it seems to really only swell up the worst when I've eaten a full meal. Plus, about 10 years ago I had an upper GI done and had an esophageal stricture they had to stretch. I'm very nervous about the appointment but, im also looking forward to potential relief!

 

[4peace]

I have a stricture and this is EXACTLY how my symptoms are. I call it "bi-polar bowels" because it changes everyday. Be sure to eat soft, easy to digest foods and get an MRE or scope done soon! Best of luck!

 

[Nurse Nausea 2016]

What can be done to treat a stricture??

 

[theOcean]

Low-residue diet, and otherwise possible resection surgery. That's only in the case that you get an obstruction, though.

 

[Nurse Nausea 2016]

Do you guys think a stricture could explain why when I do start having BMs again I'm sometimes kinda constipated. Or it may just be I don't remember what a "normal" BM is like since it's been so long lol

 

[theOcean]

Yep, it would definitely explain it. Since a stricture is basically a narrowing in the colon which makes it harder for stool to pass through.

And trust me, you're not the only one who doesn't remember what a normal BM is anymore.

 

[Nurse Nausea 2016]

Sucks doesn't it? Lol. I'm so glad I found this forum! I've got a not so supportive husband who thinks I'm "milking" being sick so it's nice to know I can talk here without judgement

 

[theOcean]

Aw, yeah, I remember when I wasn't diagnosed yet I had to deal with that a lot, too. Hopefully he'll realize what you're dealing with is real, and not you just putting on a show. I'm glad you found our forum, too.

 

[Daisy123]

What can be done to treat a stricture??

There are alternatives to a resection including balloon dilation and strictureplasty. The problem with a resection is that it may well happen again. I now have 3 strictures, 3 years after my last op.