Should I Get Second Opinion?

[Anonymous User]

I am a 19 year old male. I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 6 months ago by a colonoscopy, which I had because I had rectal bleeding and hemorrhoids was suspected (I wish). I take pentasa. My parents and I are wondering if I should get a second opinion if it's Crohn's or not, because most of my blood work was normal. Wouldn't I get weird results from Crohn's? How often should I get lab work anyway? Also, I've lost 7 pounds over the past 2 months, and the dr. isn't concerned. I usually don't feel too bad, but worry about the future.

 

[NatalieMT]

There are a few people here who have mentioned relatively normal blood work yet have still been diagnosed with Crohn's, it is possible. My first blood tests about a year ago didn't show up half as many abnormalities as they do now.

Honestly though if you'd feel better and have more peace of mind getting a second opinion, go for it, it's important you are happy with what the doctor you are seeing is saying to you. You have every right to want to consult another specialist and get things firmed up either way.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[Mazen]

I was the same when I was first diagnosed. so I took a second and third opinion which more or less confirmed it.

So to have peace of mind and to make sure, I advise you see another doctor. Just remember to take the test results you did with you.

If you are taking Pentasa, at first about every month to check that your liver and kidneys are OK, and then about every 6 months if you are in remission.

 

[Agent X20]

Can't argue with the "peace of mind" approach. I think you should get a second opinion.

 

[D Bergy]

What kind of Doctor diagnosed you?

 

[JillianB82]

I had normal blood work 8 times while the Dr's were trying to figure out what was wrong with me. It was not until I had the colonoscopy that they found the CD.

 

[seaside]

The inflammation markers in the blood will vary depending on how active things are. When you say 'most' of your blodwork was normal, what do you mean by 'most'?

Why don't you try talking more to your current doc first? Ask them to explain how they arrived at their diagnosis, and raise your concerns re the blood test results. At least this way, if you decide to see another doctor, you can give them more information too. And if your doc had other factors in his decision, it will give you a clearer picture.

Rebecca

 

[acuisle]

If they saw granulomas in the biopsies, you have Crohn's. That's a kind of scar tissue characteristic ofCD.

 

[Anonymous User]

thanks for your advice

Thanks to all for your advice. To answer some of your questions, I was diagnosed initially by a GI doctor through a colonoscopy and I believe that granulomas were found in the biopsies.My abnormal bloodwork was high lymps (55%)and low neuts(36%), and only slightyl low MCH and MCVH, total WBC was normal. I was never told to have my blood work checked after being on pentasa for a month, however. I think I will go ahead and look into a second opinion.