Newbie going through the diagnosis phase.

[shooni]

Hi All, Have been a member for a week or so and haven't posted,still trying to get my head around all the info & tests.
I have had a (what I liked to say is 'a funny tummy') since I was a teen. Didn't have the greatest of family/support so I just dealt with it got on with life as I knew, (toilets,food avoidance etc.LOL).
I have 3 kids (4 if you count the hubby LOL:smile 1 with Autism, 1 with Chronic kidney & Bowel disorders. So I have never had the time to get things sorted for myself, until recently where I had soooo much blood & mucus in my usual flare up that I couldn't ignore it any longer.

I have a question though, Is severe weight loss a must in diagnosing Crohn's? My weight is up & down, I can loose up to 10kg in a flare up but when things are ok, I can put some back on, well until recently anyway. I can afford to lose some is what I mean.

Thankyou for this site, I was really scared when it was first suggested to me that I might have Crohn's, I watched my Aunt die of complications from this & it kinda freaks me a bit.

cheers shooni

 

[PsychoJane]

Hello Shooni, and welcome on CF,
Just to answer your question, "severe" weight loss is no necessarily a must for the diagnosis. Though, it is really frequent thing to be "yo-yo-ing" between the flaring time and healthy times. Since we don't absorb much while flaring, it makes sens, plus... we can't eat as much most of that time either so welcome to the melting session.

And don't worry too much, there are some great medication now and some other too come and,even though it does not work for everyone yet, a lot of us are able to keep our condition stable.

Good luck with the diagnosis, it's a bit annoying but then you should be on your way to a better condition

 

[shooni]

thanx psycho jane, not the xmas present I was expecting. 'Wow, Santa a colonoscopy,you shouldn't have! LOL

cheers shooni

 

[shazz]

Hi shooni and welcome.
Santa got me one of those as well this year!
My weight goes up and down and I have even been told by a consultant that I was too fat to have IBD. So you dont have to be skinny to have it.
Hope you get a dx soon and you can then start on a treatment to get you sorted.
Sounds like you have enough on your plate as it is.
Good luck and fingers crossed for you.
Sharon xx

 

[xJillx]

Hi Shooni and welcome! I haven't had any weight loss. I think weight loss is mostly seen when CD affects the small intestine and terminal ileum where most nutrients and vitamins are absorbed. My disease is the worst in the rectum, hence why I haven't had an issue with my weight.

I also have an issue with mucus and blood and it seems like those who do, have disease towards the end of the colon. Perhaps this is where your issue lies. When is your colonoscopy scheduled? I hope you'll get some answers.

 

[shooni]

thanx shazz & xJillx. I go see specialist next Wednesday & colonoscopy Friday,which threw me a bit cause it usually takes months & months to get in to see a specialist here. My blood work showed I was borderline anemic and vitamin D & B were so low the doc put me on supps there & then, but my inflammatory markers were only slightly elevated.
Most of the research I've done stated moderate/severe weight loss as a symptom & like I said mine fluctuates so much you'd hardly notice.except for the days when my kids think I look like the 'Grim Reeper' LOL (kids gotta love em')
At the moment I'm living on toast,sweet tea, rice & pasta & loads of water & it's been a whole 4 days since a flare up! Whoo hoo LOL.

Can anyone suggest something for leg cramps in the middle of the night?Have had the worst cramps for the last week.

cheers shooni

 

[Jessi]

Hiya Shooni! So glad you've joined us. We all need this kind of support every now and then, and you certainly came to the right place.

I got really severe leg and knee pain during my last flare. The thing that worked the best for me is a heat pack, tylenol, and a massage from my loving husband who couldn't sleep anyway with all my whinging and moaning.

I hope you feel better and find an answer really soon! :hug:

 

[goldenholds]

Welcome from a fellow Newbie.

I had some problems with weight loss last month, but generally I put it on easier than coming off. The blood and mucus is a problem for me, as well as discomfort when going. I seem to have issues in the sigmoid and rectum, which agrees with Jill's comment above.

Your leg cramps might be stemming from your deficiencies, so if the supplements start fixing that it might help. I have had problems with arthritis, and so far only prednisone helps with that.

Best if luck with your appointments, hope all goes well.

GH

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

My weight is never affected by the Crohn's. I kinda wish it was, honestly. I could stand to lose a few pounds. Not that I'd wish for a flare just to lose, but if I'm flaring anyway, it would be nice to lose the weight.

Whenever I get leg/foot cramps, I take a potassium pill.

 

[shooni]

thanx everyone, I have had arthritis in my knees, feet & right shoulder for many years 10yrs or more so I know what that feels like. I recently had shoulder surgery to try to get some relief & thankfully it has improved but my knees are the worst.
Thankyou all for your advice and reassurance.

cheers shooni