Please help

[andy9898]

Hi all,

ive been looking at a few forums to do with my bowel troubles. just need a bit of advice to maybe calm my mind or find people with similar symptoms.
I should point out that bowel cancer runs in the family from my grandmother and auntie.

So it all started 7-8 weeks ago with an extremely itchy bum, I mean like dog scooting across the floor itchy, so of to the doc I went who gave me some cream and told me to go back if it returned. so back I went as it just wouldn't clear up. all the time my stools was changing a little and pain when going started, so I thought piles.....went back to the gp and he gave me more cream which did help with the soreness...then came the blood toilet was all blooded and the toilet paper was also. that was a week ago. so sick of going to the gp and not wanted more cream decided to go to our local urgent care centre as the pains in my left side becoming all the more painful (shooting pains and constant ache) Lets just say they had no answers for me and left feeling more confused. so I went to the gp again the next day and demanded they do a blood test and stool test. the pain is all the more now left side is all the time and the right side is shooting pains and like flutter type feelings I have a pain in my buttocks which travels down to my left knee and my stools are loose ish, flat and very broken and there is food residue in there, heartburn and feeling bloated as a balloon I have also lost 6KG in a week! and the tiredness is horrendous I get home work and boom I'm out! I was even late picking my little lad up from pre-school as I just could not wake up!!

I had my blood test result back today and its normal. just waiting for the stool sample test, I am also booked to see the colon surgeon in 4weeks.

The main reason for this long post is could this be crohn's? surely the blood test would of picked up cancer? does a blood test show crohn's? Did anyone else have these symptoms?

Many thanks

Andrew

 

[Sophabulous]

Hi all,

ive been looking at a few forums to do with my bowel troubles. just need a bit of advice to maybe calm my mind or find people with similar symptoms.
I should point out that bowel cancer runs in the family from my grandmother and auntie.

So it all started 7-8 weeks ago with an extremely itchy bum, I mean like dog scooting across the floor itchy, so of to the doc I went who gave me some cream and told me to go back if it returned. so back I went as it just wouldn't clear up. all the time my stools was changing a little and pain when going started, so I thought piles.....went back to the gp and he gave me more cream which did help with the soreness...then came the blood toilet was all blooded and the toilet paper was also. that was a week ago. so sick of going to the gp and not wanted more cream decided to go to our local urgent care centre as the pains in my left side becoming all the more painful (shooting pains and constant ache) Lets just say they had no answers for me and left feeling more confused. so I went to the gp again the next day and demanded they do a blood test and stool test. the pain is all the more now left side is all the time and the right side is shooting pains and like flutter type feelings I have a pain in my buttocks which travels down to my left knee and my stools are loose ish, flat and very broken and there is food residue in there, heartburn and feeling bloated as a balloon I have also lost 6KG in a week! and the tiredness is horrendous I get home work and boom I'm out! I was even late picking my little lad up from pre-school as I just could not wake up!!

I had my blood test result back today and its normal. just waiting for the stool sample test, I am also booked to see the colon surgeon in 4weeks.

The main reason for this long post is could this be crohn's? surely the blood test would of picked up cancer? does a blood test show crohn's? Did anyone else have these symptoms?

Many thanks

Andrew

The weight loss alone sounds drastic so they should certainly be taking this seriously now. Pain, bleeding etc are all consistent. My blood tests at the time I was diagnosed were all normal for inflammatory markers, they only showed deficiencies so it isn't always that easy unfortunately. That said 4 years before I was diagnosed I lost a lot of weight very quickly and my platelet count was through the roof for months, yet I had no other symptoms at all! It's an absolute git to pin down this disease [emoji53]

Unfortunately there's other things it could be too and you'll probably be in for a long wait and a barrage of tests to get to the bottom of it. I would definitely push for a colonoscopy, it's the easiest and clearest way to see what's going on with you, although given your history I'm sure they will do this anyway.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[Sophabulous]

Your fatigue is also sounding very familiar! That's part and parcel to a degree with IBD but ask them to check your iron and vit B12. If they are low that can be fixed and that will help

 

[andy9898]

ok thanks for that advice I'm pre booked in the docs for Tuesday I have requested they keep me with the same doc as its easier to see the progression! would they of checked my iron levels in the blood test that I have just had? the fatigue is horrible I walk my dogs before I go to bed but last night I gave up halfway round as my legs just would not take me :-( I am going to push for the colonoscopy. I had one ten years ago and they found nothing back then I just had bleeding and no other symptoms, although they only did the lower bowel.

I forgot to mention the mucous aswell, that's been very strange on night I was sitting there and this slimy fluid was just leaking out I had to change my underwear and keep wiping it! (sorry if that was to much info)

 

[Sophabulous]

ok thanks for that advice I'm pre booked in the docs for Tuesday I have requested they keep me with the same doc as its easier to see the progression! would they of checked my iron levels in the blood test that I have just had? the fatigue is horrible I walk my dogs before I go to bed but last night I gave up halfway round as my legs just would not take me :-( I am going to push for the colonoscopy. I had one ten years ago and they found nothing back then I just had bleeding and no other symptoms, although they only did the lower bowel.

I forgot to mention the mucous aswell, that's been very strange on night I was sitting there and this slimy fluid was just leaking out I had to change my underwear and keep wiping it! (sorry if that was to much info)

Definitely keep with one GP, it does make things easier. Mine is brilliant, although I have to wait longer for an appointment, it's worth it. They may or may not have, they don't seem to tell you unless it's a hospital ordered one. You could call and ask if the results are back, and if they are the receptionist should be able to tell you if iron/b12 were tested. If they weren't I would definitely ask for it, although even if they are normal it could still be IBD and your body fighting with itself is just wiping you out.

During a colonoscopy for suspected Crohn's they aim to get to your terminal ileum which is a very common site of inflammation and it's where the large & small intestines merge. If you had a colonoscopy for screening purposes i don't think they would go this far. For that procedure I had sedation and pethidine injected, and gas and air on hand just in case. Did they give you any of those when you had yours? You mentioned heartburn too so they might suggest an upper GI endoscopy just in case there's any ulcers causing trouble. A Proton Pump Inhibitor such as omeprazole will really help with your heartburn, and would also help things to heal if there are any issues in your tummy/duodenum.

I've never had the mucus symptom (not noticeably anyway), but again it's a common one. I know it's easier said than done but try not to worry as that can just worsen your symptoms. Whatever it is you've gone to your GP early on and they will make sure it's caught and treated appropriately. It might sound an odd response, but I was overwhelmed with relief to discover I had a chronic illness because it explained so much of my history. Once you know what you're dealing with then that's half the battle. It's not easy but knowledge is power!

 

[andy9898]

Ok I will ring back and check what they tested. he had given me buscopan to help with the spasms but that made me constipated so I have stopped taking that! and he has given me lansoprazole for the heartburn.

I refused the sedative when I last had it done as they said they was only doing the lower bowel as the blood was bright red. This time im going to insist they go all the way and I will have the sedative this time!

Thank you for the replys means a lot

 

[andy9898]

Just a bit of how I felt last night and today!

So last night was interesting in the way of my bm, now this maybe way to much info but....... my stomach ache was horrid! So I went to the toilet a few times and my god the smell was so bad it's like someone had died up there And this morning more broken very soft thin stools again with a horrid smell!!

I did some job this morning and now I'm totally wiped out!! Really want some answer but it seems like this is a long drawn out wait to find what it is!!

 

[Sophabulous]

Just a bit of how I felt last night and today!



So last night was interesting in the way of my bm, now this maybe way to much info but....... my stomach ache was horrid! So I went to the toilet a few times and my god the smell was so bad it's like someone had died up there [emoji40] And this morning more broken very soft thin stools again with a horrid smell!!



I did some job this morning and now I'm totally wiped out!! Really want some answer but it seems like this is a long drawn out wait to find what it is!!

Unfortunately it's not a fun process. I used to come back from my hospital appointments on the verge of tears I was so frustrated with STILL not knowing anything. I blew up like a volcano when I realised by biopsies taken in February suggested Crohn's and my consultant didn't tell me at the time. He told me they were 'abnormal but inconclusive.'

I had a load more tests and was told officially in April. I honestly sympathise, it sucks, but they have to justify every test and jump through a load of hoops before giving you any indication of what they know so far. Hang in there

 

[CeeCeeGo]

Hi Andy

Sorry to hear what you are going through but I agree with Soph - you are definitely doing the right thing getting all the tests done.

I initially went to my GP 5 years ago because I thought I had bowel cancer symptoms. After a colonoscopy and ultra sound they found the Crohns.

The less invasive faecal Calprotectin test on your poo can tell if you are inflamed or not. This test can help them to narrow down which condition it may be, eg: Crohns, ulcerative colitis, IBS etc.

Also for bloods, it is important that they do a full blood count, LFTs, U&Es, iron and iron stores, CRP, ESR, Vit D and Vit B12.

If you get no joy with the colon consultant it may be worth asking for a referral to a gastroenterologist.

As Soph said once you know what you are dealing with you can at least start to address it and this forum is great for getting advice and support.

If at any time you are not happy with what you are being told by your doctors, you can ask for a second opinion.

Hang in there. I know it can be scary and the 'not knowing' is hard to handle. You can always find someone on here that will listen.

Let us know how you get on.

Take care.

 

[CeeCeeGo]

Hi Andy

Forgot to mention that they may want to test your poo to rule out things like CDiff, ecoli, salmonella etc.

 

[Sophabulous]

Hi Andy



Sorry to hear what you are going through but I agree with Soph - you are definitely doing the right thing getting all the tests done.



I initially went to my GP 5 years ago because I thought I had bowel cancer symptoms. After a colonoscopy and ultra sound they found the Crohns.



The less invasive faecal Calprotectin test on your poo can tell if you are inflamed or not. This test can help them to narrow down which condition it may be, eg: Crohns, ulcerative colitis, IBS etc.

Very wise words! I keep reading about these faecal calprotectin tests, it's not something that was ever mentioned during the course of my diagnosis or treatment. It's silly really as it's way less invasive and therefore sure to be cheaper than a lot of the other tests!

Food for thought

 

[CeeCeeGo]

Hi Soph

Once Crohns has been diagnosed they can use FCP poo test to monitor you and also can help to determine if you are flaring and also can help to see how you may be responding to certain meds. I currently have 3-4 a year either via my GP or Consultant. It is certainly a lot easier than doing the prep and going through a colonoscopy or a Bowel MRI scan!

 

[Sophabulous]

Hi Soph



Once Crohns has been diagnosed they can use FCP poo test to monitor you and also can help to determine if you are flaring and also can help to see how you may be responding to certain meds. I currently have 3-4 a year either via my GP or Consultant. It is certainly a lot easier than doing the prep and going through a colonoscopy or a Bowel MRI scan!

Ahhh good to know! Thank you

 

[andy9898]

Thanks ceeceego and Soph, I shall hang in there! I'm defiantly going to pester them as something just doesn't feel right down there! I'll find out what they have tested for in my blood! And I shall ring up on Monday to see what my stool sample says! Just not a nice feeling being all wiped out and your son wants to play

 

[Sophabulous]

Thanks ceeceego and Soph, I shall hang in there! I'm defiantly going to pester them as something just doesn't feel right down there! I'll find out what they have tested for in my blood! And I shall ring up on Monday to see what my stool sample says! Just not a nice feeling being all wiped out and your son wants to play [emoji30]

You poor thing, I have a desk job and no kids and it still kicked my backside! Seriously, all the best. This site has been a huge help to me in gathering knowledge, but also it has convinced me not to panic and when I've done everything I can do. That's something I wish I'd had around me when I was being diagnosed.

All the best. Remember when it comes to your diagnosis and treatment; do no harm but take no sh*t!

Good luck [emoji1]

 

[andy9898]

Hi all, not that you prob need an update, but I feel a bit of relief writing on here!
over the past day or so things change again! bm's are about the same with a bit of maroon coloured blood this morning, ive lost another half kg, mouth ulcers and sores on my legs! reading through posts im thinking this could UC? and the pain in my buttock that goes down to my leg is so bloody annoying!

Thanks and sorry rambling on!