Should I go to the hospital or call my doctor?

[macNcheeseable]

This is my first post, so bear with me. I was only diagnosed with Crohn's about two weeks ago, and I've been in a pretty bad flare for about five months now. My doctor put me on Entocort 9mg, which I have taken for 16 days. My shipment of Humira is actually supposed to come in tomorrow (or later today, its 5am :eek2 However, over the past weekend my symptoms have gotten worse. I'm in probably some of the worst pain I've been in, there's lots of blood in my stool every time I go (as well as what looks like tissue, has anyone experienced this?), D the entire time, and I've recently also had some problems with confusion and concentrating (which I'm worried could be due to blood loss).

Tonight, like most nights the past few days, my pain woke me up and I felt kind of nauseous and had chills so I checked my temperature and I have a low fever (100.8). I've been up about an hour and a half now and there's no sleep in sight since every time I try the pain starts up again.

Do these symptoms warrant a hospital visit, or should I just call my doctor in the morning to let him know? I've been avoiding calling them until I start the Humira and in hopes the Entocort kicks in. I'm not really sure what else they can do for me. I'm also not real keen on a hospital visit since last time I went it cost a lot and I'm a broke college freshman. Not to mention I have two big exams tomorrow that I can't miss. But I don't want to hurt myself either.

When do you guys go to the hospital and when do you just call your doctor? Also what can the doctor/hospital even do to help if I'm already on steroids and they just haven't taken effect yet?

 

[Lisa]

Usually when you are asking if you should go to the ER, it is already time to go.....

I would go to the ER, especially since what you are describing sounds like symptoms of blood loss.....you should ALSO give your doctors office a call...

 

[ronroush7]

I agree with Lisa. Let us know how you are,

 

[FrozenGirl]

The hospital can give you IV steroids, fluids, and do bloodwork to see if your iron level is low (due to blood loss) and check your electrolytes.

That said exams make it hard. I would put in a call to whoever you need to talk to about deferring exams to get that process started right away.

 

[leloupaccroupi]

I know the feeling and I hate the guessing game. I've always put the consideration of inconveniencing others ahead of my own necessity and up until Christmas last year I never paid for it. I don't do that anymore, listen to your body, if it's saying 'oh ****' take the time for yourself