Not sure what to think

[wakeuplaughing]

Hi, all! I am new here. I was dx'd with Crohns many many years ago. Have J-Pouch x 15 yrs and mulitple surgeries / complications in past. Been in remission for the last 6 or 7 years now after 4 years of Remicade. However, last 5 were spent care taking a mother with severe Alzheimers and now a recent and bad relationship breakup, plus much more unexpected life events of recent past. I am doing a lot better, have recovered from relationship stuff. However, I recently had the a respiratory flu w/ antibiotics. Even before antibiotics, I was noticing maroon colored toilet water.

Today it feels like everything has come to a head, and I am feeling really bad. The bleeding is picking up speed, some bloody stool every time I go, nausea, abd pain--upper and lower, no appetite, but no fever, just running hot/cold. The blood is maroon colored and/or red (or pink soaking through toilet paper when wiping). I would think it is just the flu, except for the bleeding. And I have been having chronic issues with 24/7 heartburn last couple months with hard stomach pain/nausea with a tender & painful to the touch lump just below my sternum.

Not sure is this might be a Crohns thing or an ulcer or just the flu. Would the blood still be red if it were coming from the stomach area since I am without a colon, hence less transit time? I am in the bathroom 10 - 15 x day. I have a GI appt on Feb 4, but wonder if I could hang in there until then or should I try to be seen sooner? Thanks for listening. Hate to kvetch, but just needed a listening ear and maybe a little direction.

 

[afidz]

Hello, welcome to the forum!
If you are seeing a lot of blood, I would notify your doctor right away. He may or may not want to bump your appointment. Has your bathroom visits increased? You said you have been in remission, other then the blood and the frequency, are you experiencing any more symptoms of a flare?

 

[wakeuplaughing]

I was awake most of the night with abdominal pain, bleeding and frequent trips to the bathroom. The bleeding has intensified. It is not severe bleeding, but a distinct change and plentiful enough to cause alarm--not unlike what I have seen in past flares. I did send a message to my Crohns doctor via the online health chart forum. Haven't heard back yet. They are good about calling, so we'll see. Getting appt's with this doctor takes six months, even for followups. So not sure about getting in sooner. Thanks for your reply! I will update here when I know more.

 

[SarahBear]

Welcome to the forum!

It sounds like a flare to me, honestly. The blood is something to be concerned about whether there are other symptoms or not. Can you call your doctor's office? Stress that you're bleeding and they should get you in sooner than six months - if not, I'd personally look for another doctor, because that's a ridiculous wait considering the circumstances.

The fact that you've had so much stress in your life recently also makes me think a flare is likely. As I'm sure you know, stress tends to cause problems with CD. The flu you had could also have aggravated it and brought out a flare.

:hug: I hope things get better soon!

 

[wakeuplaughing]

Thank you, Sarah! They never called me back today, but I am going to call tomorrow, and if things get worse tonight, I'll call someone on call. A little better today, but as you know these things can cycle around from day to day. Thank you so much for your concern and advice--it's good advice!

 

[LisaL]

Hi there...I agree with everyone else that since this is a change in your most recent 'remission' state, you should get in to see your doctor as soon as you can. I do not have a j-pouch, but I would assume that the doctors would want to check you out if you are having an increased amount of bleeding.

I hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted.

-Lisa