Possible Crohn's diagnosis

[Archibald01]

hi all,
This is all new for me and I'm not sure entirely if I belong here yet but was hoping to get some advice from some experiences IBD sufferers . I am booked for a colonoscopy in a few weeks to identify what IBD I have or if at all.

I've had symptoms for about 5 years , which doctors didn't pay much attention to as nothing too severe. A colonoscopy 5 years ago showed one aphthous ulcer but nothing else and the GI wasn't concerned and didn't link it with my symptoms. They have gradually gotten worse and more frequent .. Daily loose stools or D (usually always in the morning ) , but the worse was frequent painful attacks of gas / terrible bloating and abdominal
Pain . Twice it has led me to emergency but the last time they took it seriously as stomach was noticeably disdended, with RIF pain so appendicitis was a suspicion . CT showed inflammation in the RIF area adjacent to the caecum , and mild asymmetrical thickening if the caecum walls. The impression was IBD . Are these usually seen with Crohn's?


So... I'm terrified and confused. Do they give a diagnoses straight after the colonoscopy? My bloods were normal, stool sample positive for 2 parasites -Blastocystis hominii and Entamoeba Coli - from what I've heard these usually don't cause symptoms.

Any advice is appreciated!!! Thank you

 

[ronroush7]

I don't want to say anything for sure but the thickening could be a sign . They might give you a little information after the colonoscopy but want to discuss more in depth after your head is clear. Best to you.

 

[Archibald01]

Thank you. The waiting is AWFUL not only waiting for a possible diagnosis but also I am so in the dark as to what someone with Crohn's should or shouldn't be eating/ doing. I am terrified that the awful pain will return. I hope I don't have to wait weeks after the scope before I get a diagnosis . This is all new to me. I'm 35 years old, non smoker, vegetarian otherwise healthy . No IBD in my family though my grandfather died of bowel cancer. I guess that will also have to rules out at the scope though it wasn't mentioned , only IBD

 

[ronroush7]

You might want to keep a food diary for right now.

 

[Archibald01]

Thanks, good idea .

 

[ronroush7]

Welcome. Best wishes to you.

 

[SDScotty72]

Welcome Archi, I was diagnosed with crohns just under a year ago. It's a learning process on what you can or cannot eat. Just like ronroush said keeping a journal is helpful. As for now I wish you luck.

 

[Archibald01]

Thanks Scotty.

It will be 7 weeks weeks from the CT till my scope when that time comes and it's really terrible not knowing. All the joy has gone out of eating as I am so scared something will trigger it off again. I only know one person IRL who has this disease , an Uncle ( not blood related) and I've never spoken to him about it. Nice to know there is support here

 

[CJAMR]

I'm in the same position. I jusg had an MRI and due to have a Colonoscopy on Monday and should have results not long after fingers crossed. It's hard being in the un know stage but hope it all goes well and good luck!

 

[ronroush7]

Hoping the best for everyone.

 

[Archibald01]

I'm in the same position. I jusg had an MRI and due to have a Colonoscopy on Monday and should have results not long after fingers crossed. It's hard being in the un know stage but hope it all goes well and good luck!

Oh you don't have to long to wait now , hope all goes ok for you. Can I ask what your symptoms have been ? Keep us updated how you get on . Cheers