It's me again...

[jimmyt1989]

Hello all, some of you may remember that I came here seeking advice about a year ago. My mom has Crohn's, and after some bouts of nausea, fatigue, and IBS issues I was wondering if I did too. Since that time, I have had many scans and scopes, but the Endo (Which I haven't seen in about 10 months) didn't think I had Crohn's at the time. He may be right. In the mean time, my Internist has been running tests to try and determine what is causing these symptoms. After many tests, he has discovered that I have consistently low Iron and Vitamin D. I have also have a consistently low Alkaline Phosphatase, from what I've read can be caused by low Zinc. I also have a low Testosterone level, which can be associated with low Zinc as well.

Anyhow, from what I've read, deficiencies of these type of minerals can come from malabsorption. My question is this, should I ask about the possibility of Crohn's once again, or has that ship sailed? If not Crohn's, I wondering what could be causing these mineral deficiencies?

Thx all!

 

[ameslouise]

Hi Jimmy and welcome back!

How is your mom doing these days?

I think it's absolutely necessary for your internist to know about your Crohn's suspicisions and to know that you have family history. Have you had a small bowel follow thru, pill cam or uppper gi series? These would show Crohn's activity in the small intestine where a colonoscopy does not go. If you have activity there, it could be causing the malabsorption.

I hope that it is NOT Crohn's and you can find out what's causing the deficiencies. In the meantime, if you get those corrected you should start to feel better!!

Let us know how it turns out! -Amy

 

[jimmyt1989]

Hi Amy,

Thx so much for the response!

Mom is managing her Crohn's quite well. She had part of her ileum removed years ago when she first discovered she had crohn's. I'm not sure what meds she takes, but they have her in great shape. As by chance, they found a single ulcer in my ileum on a colonoscopy, but it didn't show on the pill cam a couple of months afterwards. The biopsy was neg at the time of the colonoscopy. All of these procedures were about 8 to 10 months ago.

One thing I failed to mention is that I've been leaning more toward the diarrhea side here lately. Frequently with undigested food as well.

The internist is aware of my mom's crohn's. At any rate, I guess it's not unreasonable ask my internist about crohn's once again.

Thx again Amy!

 

[mikeyarmo]

Welcome back jimmyt1989,

I am sorry to hear about your recent health problems.

I think it should be made very clear to your Internist that your mother has Crohn's Diasese as it has been found that having a sibling/parent with IBD increases the chance of you yourself having IBD. Perhaps you can ask your Internist why they do not believe you have Crohn's so strongly.

Vitamin D is not really found in food and is absorbed through sunlight. Therefore, you might want to try supplementing for this vitamin to see if you can increase your levels. Doing this (and eating foods higher in iron and other things you are defficient in) may help your health also.

 

[xJillx]

Hi Jimmy and welcome back! I am glad to hear your mother is doing well, but I am sorry you haven't been feeling so hot. Something sure does seem to be going on and the big question is what? Some of your symptoms certainly sound like Crohn's, however, I am sure other gastro issues have similar symptoms. One in particular comes to mind - have you been tested for Celiac? Celiac could certainly be responsible for absorption issues and D. But whatever it is, I hope you can get answers soon and start to feel better!

 

[jimmyt1989]

Hi, thx Mike and Jill!

Yes, they have tested for celiac as well. I have even gone so as to try a gluten free diet. It has helped a little, but not significantly.

My internist currently has me taking dietary supplements. Especially, the iron and vita d (5000 IUs day). Hopefully, I will start to see some positive results with the supplements soon. I'm about 2.5 weeks into the supplements.

I had single parathyroidectomy a couple of years back, and I try to help others seeking info through some hyperparathyroidism forums. This is by the far the best and warmest forum I have ever been associated with! Thx again!

 

[e13 boy]

Hi jimmy,

I hope the dietary supplements you are taking help you.
Beat Wishes to your mum as well.