In the wait cycle

[49erlady]

I've been having abdominal cramping since Thanksgiving day...after one week I went to my GP who felt around my stomach and told me I have Diverticulitis. No other tests were done. After I completed the antibiotics I was still suffering from cramps and diarhea. My GP took my blood tests and stool samples only to have them all come back negative. A few weeks later I ended up in the ER with severe abdominal pain, diahrea and vomiting. There they did a CT scan and told me I had a viral infection in my lymph nodes located in my stomache lining. Went back to my GP who was still at a loss. I told her and 2 other doctors that I also had painful canker sores that lasted longer than usual and kept reappearing in my mouth. My GP told me to change toothpaste! I finally insisted on seeing a GI for a colonoscopy. They did colonoscopy and endoscopy. The dr said it appears that I have Crohns but is waiting for biopsy to come back. That's been a week now and still haven't heard.

In the mean time Im following a bland diet. Still having cramping but worse yet, feeling anxious waiting for a definite diagnosis. I just want to know what I need to do to feel better.

All kinds of things racing through my mind, like will I ever be able to eat mexican food again or drink a cold beer while I watch a football game. I know that seems silly but I also wonder if i have to make 2 separate meals every night for me and my family. Also worried about medication that i will have to take. Any suggestions on how to approach this stage of the process???

 

[bozzylozzy]

Hi! Welcome to the forum. sorry to hear you are in limbo at the moment - its horibble not knowing 100% what is wrong.
Is it mexican food and beer that makes ur symptoms worse?
Not everybody has the same trigger foods. It might be best to see a dietician for advice on this. unfortunately it is chilli and beer that set me off with the big D.. but hopefully it wont be for you

please keep us updated.. and let us know how u get on

 

[Peanuttt]

First of all, welcome!! I am also new to this forum as of yesterday... However, I can telll u that for resources & support, I have yet to find a better place!!

Unfortunately, I am still undiagnosed & every test under the sun has come back negative except the Prometheus Blood Panel. Ive been having issues since last Sept & regardless of the negative test results, have almost every marker for IBD that I've found durong research...

I definitely understand what its like to play the waiting game, as do many others on this forum and let me tell you it most def is severely patience trying!! Although I am new to this as well I wanted to wish u the best of luck. Hang in there & hope you feel better soon!

 

[indianhart]

Welcome!

Welcome and know that you're in the right place! You will find answers, validation, and comfort here. I have had Crohn's disease for 15+ years and just found this forum thanks to my current flare-up! See something good always comes from something bad! :dance:

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and :welcome: to the forum. Biopsy results can take a while to come through however you should at least have had a follow up appt come through, I would chase this if you haven't got one. As mentioned not all foods will cause you issues and what affects me will not necessarily affect you. I have a couple of favourite foods that will give me a bit of a grumble, I therefore as a treat perhaps have these every couple of months or so, it is up to you after all to decide whether you can put up with the potential loo visits.

At this stage I would say to have a good look througn our treatment and diet sub forums to get a handle on the kinds of meds and diets that get used. Write down any questions that pop in your head and make sure you then take this list with you when you have your appt with the GI. Take your time and make sure you get all your questions answered, do not leave until you are happy that you have the info you want.

I am pleased you have decided to join us, let us know how you get on.