Question for a coworker

[BWS1982]

A coworker of mine recently found out I had Crohns (remember, we don't look sick...) after she asked why I carry around my 1 gallon jug of tap water I refill/consume (which it originally was for bodybuilding). She says her brother has it but she's never met anyone else with it, she seemed very relieved to know another IBD'er....long story short, after 20 minutes of basics about both my suffering and the essence of the disease, she asked if I'd post a question on the forum (I mentioned it's been a big help for me and keeping my spirits up, as I am very angry about the whole disease) for her. I couldn't answer the question, but gave it a best guess(es). Her brother was diagnosed last year I believe and at the same time had a hernia, the hernia was addressed around the time of diagnosis. Both were causing discomfort/symptoms like vomiting etc... which I guess made diagnosis "disguised" at first. Her question was that she noticed her brother (who's 18 I believe) got better from his flaring symptoms around the time the hernia was addressed, and she's curious whether or not the two could be linked or if it's some of the meds they started him on around the same time. I told her the body under stress can have worsened symptoms and that yes, it's possible for symptoms to improve, but theres a strong chance the meds did it, or even both. I guess the hernia was in the abdominal cavity. I started to mention the immuno-link and that if his immune system was on "high alert" due to the stress/any issues, it could have been causing the flare, etc...just guesses.

Anyone have any insight or experience that could lend some aid to such an inquiry? I know none of us are docs but I suppose we'd be better than the average joe at having "insider" info (no pun intended).

Maybe it'd help if I suggested she join the forum, not sure....

 

[michels1]

Well, I am not a dr, only a retired nurse. Reading the post I am assuming that the hernia dx was after the ibd? The hernia symptoms definitely could have been similar to ibd, and the hernia could also definitely affect the immune system depending on several different factors ie: inflammation, infection and blood vessel damage. Chances are pre-op or even during surgery a simple dose of steroids could have been given along with whatever anitbiotics were administered after surgery. These along with the iv fluids could definitely have helped his ibd. You were pretty dead on with your insight.

 

[Jeff D.]

Yep I think you were pretty much correct on your insights as well. I would also like to add that the hernia could have caused an immune response which triggered his first flare or he was starting to have a flare and the weakened immune system was able to allow a hernia to happen easier then if not in a flare.

 

[dizzyd]

Is it possible he was misdiagnosed? Has he flared since? Maybe the hernia was some how causing pressure on the bowel? Long shot...I really don't know.

 

[butt-eze]

If he was taking steroids I would think that it helped to reduce inflammation in the hernia as well. Just my guess!

 

[Kev]

Esp. if what was herniated was part of the GI tract... Has he asked his doctor?

 

[BWS1982]

Well, she said specifically the hernia was in the intestines. The hernia was the first issue to come up, they didn't know about any IBD yet, that came up while hospitalized for the hernia treatment. They're sure it's Crohns, no misdiagnosis....she's not sure on the meds he's on for the Crohns, nor if he's still on them. I guess she said he's a little "different", so they at first weren't sure if he was just not taking care of himself and not eating right or acting up. So to clarify, the hernia was first.

I'll speak to her again to get more info, a better timeline. I'm not sure if she resides with him anymore, as she's got a newborn and may not live at home at the moment.

More info to come....

Thanks guys....