New to Crohn's

[cory]

Hi all,

I was just diagnosed this last August with Crohn's, after having been in and out of doctor's offices for 6 months. I was started on steroids to try to reduce the inflammation but, because it took so long to diagnose, I ended up in the ER and then in surgery in September when things got worse very quickly (particularly, when my intestines ruptured).

I am kind of new to this whole thing and I'm still trying to figure it all out. Because of this, I do have 1 major question that my specialist has not been helpful with answering: as far as I know, flares are common (even with taking Imuran) but, when is a flare serious enough that I should be concerned? I still experience symptoms when I eat "bad" things but, I'm often symptom-free when eating only "good" stuff. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[MADiMarc]

Cory,
Unfortunately, I do not have a concrete answer for you. If you experience a sudden increase in pain or bloody stools or a sudden spike in temperate you will know there is a problem. Those signs are the easy ones, right? I think the ones you are asking about are the sneaky ones. The slow increase in times you have a poop each day. The slow increase in fatigue that you may not notice. These are the ones that everyone has to judge for themselves.
Stick with your safe foods and talk to your doc about supplements.
As for when you should be concerned, take everything seriously especially when you are a "new crohnie".
I wish I could give you a check list. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and don't just think, "oh, this is nothing. I can wait it out".
Good luck,
Michele

 

[LOSTnut]

Hey Cory,
I'd have to agree with Michele -- there is just no general answer to your question. I am a fast metabolizing Crohnie so my doctor and I had set two weight limits for me in terms of "alert" and "high alert-go to GI immediately" which kinda helped me to keep an eye out. I guess that was also because I didn't really go into remission anymore.

LOL -- a check list sure would be nice!

 

[Astra]

Hi Cory
and welcome

I can't give you a defo answer, only my own experience.
I've been ok since dx 5 years ago, mild with occasional d, no abdo pain really and I just bumbled along with my Pentasa.
But last year, I knew something wasn't right, I started projectile vomiting and the pain was excruciating, I was crippled with it.
My gastro informed me that vomiting was a sure sign something's up and should never be ignored. I was blocked and it turned septic, I was in trouble big time.
So as Lostnut explained, that was 'high alert'!!
So watch out for vomiting, fever and pain so excruciating, you really can't stand up straight!
A check list would be fab!
good luck!
Joan xxx

 

[cory]

I had a suspicion this might be the conclusion. Unfortunately, my progression into this disease has been a little unorthodox. I never experienced a loose stool, any blood, or any joint pains until after my surgery, and by the time I started vomiting and getting feverish, it was already too late and I needed the surgery. I suppose now that I experience some new symptoms (mainly the occasional loose stool), I need to figure out how they play into it things, hopefully without another ER visit. Thanks everyone for the input.