Not diagnosed

[pog_pog66]

Hi I havent been diagnosed but im wondering if I can presume I do have Crohns.

After 3 years of complaining to my Dr I was spending way to much time going to the bathroom I was referred to a Gastro. I had recently had a colonoscopy but nothing was found. During the visit i was told my CRP was elevated. I then had to have blood test every 2 months.

I returned to my Gastro last week to be told my CRP is higher than before and now my vitamin D is low. He is saying I have inflammation in my bowel somewhere and has given me salofack 500mg .

I do have a hernia which he has suggested I have surgery on to fix.

My symptoms are multiple bowel movements, severe cramping, right side pain especially around the hernia. Sore joints, feeling like Im coming down with the flu. And despite my food going in one end a quickly out the other I have gained weight I have also had a perianul abscess in the past.

Does inflammation in the bowel alway indicate Crohns? I'd appreciate any feedback.

Im also quite frustrated as my hubby doesnt seen to be interested in what is going on and just thinks Im an annoying cause I have to go to the loo.

 

[Rebecca85]

Inflammation does not always equal Crohn's or IBD. It can also occur from something infectious (virus, bacteria, parasite) or a side effect from medication (NSAIDs- aspirin or ibuprofen type painkillers come to mind).

It seems odd that you are gaining weight- most IBD patients lose or maintain their weight when in a flare (having symptoms). Weight gain in the absence of excess calorie intake suggests something happening to your metabolism. Have you had your thyroid function checked?

 

[Trysha]

Hi Pog
welcome to the forum.
A raised CRP is indicative of inflammation in the body and is not specific for Crohn's.
There are several things which concern me, the most important being the hernia with pain, this would suggest getting that treated sooner than later.Also the surgery for that may help in your diagnosis.
Another thing is the joint pains, and perhaps you should be seen by a rheumatologist to find out the causes.
The weight gain is a bit puzzling but could be due to something like a thyroid disorder for a start, and an endocrinologist could do the work up for that.
It is a bit surprising that the GI has not ordered any further tests, will you be seeing him/her again?
It looks as if Crohn's could be on the books judging from some of your symptoms but you do need a differential workup by appropriate specialists to establish causes.
This is something that could be done while you are in the hospital for the hernia repair surgery., if your GI was willing to refer you at that time.You could try asking him.
Feel better
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[pog_pog66]

Hi Trysha & Rebbeca,
Thanks for the input
I will see a surgeon in 3 weeks for the hernia and hopefully shouldnt have to wait too long for the surgery.
Ive been having blood tests every 2 montsh since Oct 11 and have also had my stools tested. Ive had my thyroid tested.
Everything normal except the CRP and Vitamin D. I won't go back to him until August and in the mean time I will have blood test every 8 weeks.
I dont take aspirin or ibuprofen so at least I can rule out that.
Thanks for the input at least I know there could be things other than Crohns.
I am hoping once the hernia is repaired things will get better. My GI thinks the acute back pain Im getting maybe related, fingers crossed.
My weight gain may be down to less activity because i had surgery to have a giant cell tumor removed June last year. I asked my foot surgeon if the raised CRP was down to the tumor and he said since its been removed it shouldnt be now. And since its been removed my levels have gone up.
I also feel crap a lot of the time so don't have the energy to do much. On the days I feel good and do more activity it knocks me the next few days.

 

[dannysmom]

M son has also gained weight when he first became ill ... despite daily diarrhea and limited food intake. He also was very inactive due to fatigue. His illness is still a mystery. I hope you can get a diagnosis and treatment soon!

 

[pog_pog66]

Thanks Jeanne for you input. I have now got a diagnosis. I have mild colitis and fybromyalgia. This explains the weight gain for me anyway. People with fybromyalgia metabolise different well thats my excuse and Im sticking to it hehe
I am now on salofalk granuales twice a day and endep every evening. I am feeling so much better. Although the last few days my tummy is playing up and I in a whole heap of pain.
How is you son doing?

 

[dannysmom]

Thanks for updating. My son is still feeling the same and still undiagnosed. I am glad you are feeling better. (I will need to research the medication you are taking ... Did the doctor try to guess what is causing the mild colitis? Was the fibromyalgia dx done by symptoms only? or is there a lab test? Anyway ... I am glad you are feeling a bit better!

 

[pog_pog66]

I remember when I first went to the gastro that he said he thought I have inflammation in my bowel, and It could of been caused by bacteria or parasite that I may of picked up. I have travelled many times to SE Asia. He said it could of been as far back as in my early 20's when I first went to Bali.

The fibromyalgia was diagnosed by the Rhuematologist is was sent to because I have a lot of pain in my joints. After checking my joints and doing blood tests it was established I don't have rhuematoid arthritis as there is no swelling in my joints. He then tested the 18 points on the body for tenderness. If 11 or more are sore to touch its fibromyaliga. I have was positive for 18.

I have been on the endep now for a month and have only had 1 migraine in that time. Before endep I was having several a week. I also don't feel so tired anymore because it makes you sleep deeper.

It must be so frustrating having a child being so unwell. I hope you have some help soon.