Newbie - not diagnosed...yet.

[KDaustin]

Hello all! Been lurking for a few weeks and have found this forum to be very helpful and supportive.
I am a 27 yr old college student( I'll get there eventually )
Been having health issues for a few years, I always thought they were food allergies/intolerance since removing them from my diet relieved symptoms. But couldn't be that simple, could it? After testing with an allergist this last week, allergies are negative. Would have been nice for a clear diagnosis, but GI symptoms(plus joint pain!) have been increasing in severity and become persistent over the last few months. So I have a GI appt. this next week. A bit nervous, expecting be told it is IBS or craziness. But thanks to other members' posts I feel better prepared to fight for what I need from the doctors. Anyhow, just wanted to introduce myself and says thanks for the community support. The optimism despite IBD is inspiring.
Kim

 

[ameslouise]

HI Kim and welcome!

If you have been lurking for a few weeks, you probably have a good idea of things to discuss with your doctor. Joint pain is a classic side-symptom of Crohns, as are eye issues/inflammation, canker sores and intermittent fevers. Don't let them brush you off as IBS if you feel you have IBD. Absence of blood or diahrea doesn't necessarily mean you don't have IBD!

Keep looking around the forum - lots of good advice and very knowledgeable people here!

Good luck at your GI appt. Where are you located?

- Amy

 

[KDaustin]

Newbie - preparing for GI appt?

Thanks for the kind words, Amy. I am in good ol Austin, Texas.

My PCP referred me to the GI. Hopefully I'll be lucky and get one that'll listen to me. Thankfully my allergist has taken me seriously and urged me to see a GI right away, and not wait for blood test results. Not sure my PCP actually believes I am having issues, despite the abdominal pain, fatigue, frequent D, and joint pain. She seems to think I am not sick enough for it to be an IBD. Eh doctors, what would you do without them?

School has been a bit of a struggle. I'll just be happy this semester if I finish all the classes. I don't know how you parents do it ?!? I find the fatigue most frustrating, but I have been learning how to pace myself better.

I've compiled a list of my symptoms, trigger foods, and a timeline for the GI. Anyone have any recommendations on what else I should be prepared with for the GI appt?

Thanks! Kim

 

[David]

Hi Kim, I'm glad you found us.

It sounds to me like you're sick enough for IBD. When I was finally diagnosed, the only real symptom I had was abdominal pain. So... I might find another PCP, but that's just me.

I'm in Austin as well. My doctor was Dr. Kumar in South Austin. Good guy but my colonoscopy results surprised him, he thought I had IBS.

 

[ameslouise]

Kim - it is always helpful to bring someone else to appts. Another set of ears to listen and to bring something up if you forget.

Good luck! - Amy

 

[xJillx]

Hi Kim and welcome! As Amy said, do some homework around the forum before your appointment. Write down your concerns, questions, and symptoms. Also, bring someone with you for an extra set of ears. Let us know how your appointment goes and good luck!

 

[CDDad]

Hi Kim,
Welcome to the forum. I just want to wish you good luck at your GI appt. Let us know what you find out!

 

[KDaustin]

Anal probing soon!

Back from GI's. GI suspects IBD or IBS. Colonoscopy in 3 weeks. I am relieved that they wanted to do that right off the bat and not brush me aside with IBS medication. The PA was very nice and said as soon as she saw me, she thought I looked like a crohnnie :biggrin:. Looks like it is most likely in the descending colon so the scope will hopefully reveal something. Now I just have to get through the next few weeks of school and waiting for the scope. :yfrown:
Wish me luck!
Again, thanks for all the support. It's been very nice to have people who have been through all this to talk to.

Kim

 

[leithcote]

Dear Kim,

Having been fairly recently diagnosed with Crohn's myself — I can certainly appreciate what you're going through(!) Glad the visit to the GI went well. Did they take some bloods from you? Here in the UK they routinely check both blood (for high inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and stools (fecal Calprotectin) to see if you are in the middle of a flare-up or attack? That's what really triggered the investigations (colonoscopy and endoscopy, plus ultrasound and CAT scan!) by my Consultant.

Best of luck with everything,

Tony.

 

[KDaustin]

Tony,
my GP took wbc, ana, and minerals. Everything normal except Vit. D levels low(26.1). The PA at the GI's mentioned the C-reactive protein but the GI didn't order it, just went straight to colonoscopy. I guess he thought it wasn't necessary? The GI wanted to do a celiacs test but I haven't had gluten in over 3 years! Makes you wonder if they even read much of the personal history you have to submit.:angry-banghead:

Kim

 

[leithcote]

Hi Kim,

The C-reactive protein test is quite non-specific, as it just tells you that you have inflammation —Cookieso the GI may well have just decided to wait for the colonoscopy. My consultant discovered lots of small, inflamed patches or ulceration on the intestinal wall (terminal ileum) which is indicative of Crohn's — and made his diagnosis from that.

I think it's just a case of waiting for your examination, and hopefully they can sort you out soon. Best wishes, Tony.

NB: No - not many Doctors/Consultants actually get around to reading your personal history(!)