Newly Diagnosed (?) Help

[Bojax]

Hi I could really use some help or advice I've been having digestive issues for the past 3 years and I'm 21 years old.

I finally got fed up with my current "flare-up" yesterday and went to the hospital for a CT scan. It came back clean besides a "narrowing of my descending colon" which they think is Chron's disease because of my symptoms blood in my stool/diarrhea/constipation/lack of appetite/stomach cramps

I've had bright red blood in my stool since I was 18 and I've dealt with chronic constipation, but never diarrhea. I recently started a new calorie restricted diet + exercise for 4 days a week in April (to lose 12 pounds in 3 months) and my chronic/intermittent diarrhea problem just started in June and hasn't let up yet.

The ER doctor said that she could give me medicine to help me feel better today, but my upcoming colonoscopy might not catch if I have Chron's if I take the treatment.

So first off can a CT scan actually diagnose Chron's is there still a chance that I don't have it or maybe I have UC instead? My colonoscopy is 3 weeks from now unfortunately and if I do have Chron's I don't understand how the treatment would mask my problem? Because I've read that if you have a narrowing they might not be able to go past that point and complete the colonoscopy.

And to top everything off I don't have any health insurance, is it too late to get some since I'm not officially diagnosed with anything or will I get denied for a pre existing condition.

 

[Dexky]

Welcome Bo! I'm not 100% sure but insurance co. should not have access to your records. I'm sure they'll ask a load of questions though! Good luck!

 

[Nancy Lee]

Hello Bojax and welcome to the forum.
Sorry I can't answer your Insurance question..
and I'm not sure what treatment the doctor wanted to start you on that
would mask whatever it is you have during a colonoscopy.

Best thing to do now is to get the colonoscopy as it will give you
a definite diagnosis..I was always told this was the best way
as they usually take a biopsy and can usually tell also just by looking.

Please let us know how you make out.

All the best~Nancy

 

[gypsigirl28]

Hi Bojax and Welcome to the forum.
If you apply for the state insurance I don't think they can refuse it if you qualify income wise. that is about all I can say about insurance companies. I wish you the best of luck on your up coming testing and hope you feel better soon

 

[Bojax]

Thanks for the welcomes, I have another question if I do end up having CD, will taking Pepto/Imodium have any negative effect? Or can I continue to take them even if I think I do have CD.

 

[Nancy Lee]

That's kind of a tough one to answer as I know some doctors prefer you only to
take what they prescribe. That being said though, my doctor prescribes Imodium for me and I also take Gravol/anti-nausea over the counter meds, but I always mention them on my list of drugs for the doctor to see.