Recently diagnosed with Crohns

[Miles Davis]

In September, I caught a terrible virus, followed by the runs. Withn a few days I had blood in my stools. Had a colonoscopy in October and biopsy was indeterminate. Put on Salofalk, which worked for two months, but caught an ear infection and took ten days of Amoxicillan. Within a week the bleeding resumed. Had another biopsy and the doctor said it was suggestive of crohns. Now on my third day of Entocort enema in additon to Salofalk but nothing has changed. How long does it take for Entocort to work? I can only hold the fluid for about two hours and then it is out. I have no other symptoms except the bleeding. Also, should I assume that the Salofalk as failed? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Angrybird]

Hello Miles and welcome to the forum :bigwave: it's great have decided you have decided to join us. I have not had any experience with either of these meds so could not advise, I am sure there will be someone along shortly though who can. Also check out our treatment forum as there will definetly be info there about these. Hopefully it is just a case that it takes a few days for the Entocort to settle in and the bleeding will stop soon. Other than this you feel well in yourself?

 

[Miles Davis]

Hi AngryBird,

Thanks for the advice. I am feeling a bit anxious. Not completely convinced by the diagnosis, though the reality of blood in my stools since September, with a brief reprieve for two months with the Salofalk, has certainly put a bit of a scare in me. I am a bit older at 68 but very active as a writer and teacher. Would hate to see this disease progress to where I could not function in my job. But maybe I am being a bit too dire here. In any case, thank for responding.

Miles

 

[Jessi]

Hello and :welcome: to the forum, Miles.

So the doctor said it's "suggestive of Crohn's"? You mentioned that you had the runs and the bleeding, at first. But now just the bleeding?

I haven't used Entocort or Salofalk, but a lot of people here have. If the drugs don't seem to be helping, make sure your doctor knows about it. It might be an indicator that you need to try something different.

Again, welcome to the family here. I hope you're able to get some answers soon for your question. And sorry I couldn't really help. :hug:

 

[Miles Davis]

Hi Jessica, thanks for the note. Actually, I had the runs just before the bleeding started in September. I had caught some dreadful virus. Soon afterwards the bleeding started, but from that point on I never had the runs. In addition to taking salofalk and Entocort, I am also taking one packet of VSL#3 a day. Will have to wait to see where this all goes. Have another colonoscopy slated for May, but my first challenge is to stop the bleeding.

 

[CLynn]

Miles, I have never taken either of those meds. But was diagnosed more than 20 years ago with Crohn's, and even when it was at it's worst with me, it has never rendered me unable to go on with my life as far as working full time, going out with friends, etc. It has many times gotten me down as far as my mood, and may have at times changed my diet and/or drinking certain things. Maybe I have just been lucky, and I also feel a positive outlook goes a long way. Good luck finding out about the meds!

 

[Miles Davis]

Hi Clynn,

Thanks for the very important supportive advice. I need it at this point in my life. Is there any significant difference between getting crohns when you are older as opposed to being younger. I have heard that the disease is less aggressive if you get it in your sixties. But I am not sure about this given the different ways in which crohns effects people. Delighted to hear that you have been able to carry on with your life, in spite of rightfully being down on occasion.

 

[Angrybird]

I am pleased in a way that you do have another scope booked in a few months, it's good when a doc is doing proper follow up testing to see if things have gotten worse/better inside. Colonoscopies are not the best but they do give such a good picture on wether the meds are doing the job. Will have my fingers crossed that the bleeding stops soon, keep us updated!

 

[CLynn]

Miles, I am not certain as to any differences of age of diagnosis. For me, it was one thing that I was finally on time for, lol! Young adulthood is a common time to be diagnosed, one doctor even told me it had been referred to as "college finals syndrome", due to stress making it all the more likely to flare. I would assume there are differences, but just don't know them. Has your doctor taken a biopsy during the scope? I was told a biopsy is the only way to know for sure it's Crohn's.

 

[Miles Davis]

Hi Clynn, how do I actually post a question? Can't quite figure it out.

 

[CLynn]

Miles, I am very new to the site myself, haven't gotten to play with it enough to find out yet!

 

[CLynn]

Click the tour button, Miles, and go thru that. It will explain.