Still trying to figure out "the flare"

[prplkow]

Hi all, been on the Asacol for two months now since dx. The diarrhea has stopped, the blood and mucous stuff have stopped. That part seems to be much better. The cramping/burning in the LLQ has still not subsided, it is an on and off thing. Does that still mean I am having a flare? Is remission when the symptoms are 100% free, or will there always be cramping on and off?

Also I know this will be a ridiculous question, but I am still figuring out the acros on here, does "D" mean diarrhea in people's posts?

 

[2thFairy]

I would think if you are still cramping that you are in a flare. It's hard to determine that, as everyone is different. You will probably notice other small things that signal the beginning of a flare such as mouth ulcers, skin problems, altered taste of food, etc., as you get more familiar with your own flares.

Yep... D means diarrhea around here.

Do you have Crohn's, ulcerative colitis or other?

 

[Jennifer]

Check out the forum wiki for abbreviations. http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Abbreviations If you see any on the forum that aren't in the wiki let us know.

So far its been two months and the main symptoms have stopped. Right now it sounds like you could be in clinical remission (still have minor symptoms) but its unknown as everyone is different. Usually remission means few to no symptoms along with blood work showing a CRP from 0-4. If the pain never goes away then you may be dealing with a stricture from scar tissue which wouldn't mean that you aren't in remission but it very well could still be from inflammation.

Glad you're starting to feel a lot better. Hope it stays that way (and hope the pain goes away too)!

 

[tman]

i have been on asacol for two years now, cramps have stopped and D stopped sometimes but still get it fairly often.... still i think if you are still having cramping you should see the specialist again soon!!

 

[prplkow]

Thanks everyone for the responses. I got my pillcam results in the mail yesterday showing it in the distal terminal ileum too, but not in the rest of the small intestine. When diagnosed it was in the cecum and rectum. My follow up is in two weeks with the GI. Next week is my first appt with the primary. I don't know if he has experience with CD or not. I have figured out from this forum I need to have blood work done and to look for certain things such as B6, B12 and iron...now I see CRP (ty Crabby). Lots of learning to do for sure on my part.

Oh cool...thank you Crabby for the Wiki forum acros. I am going to check out that part of this forum now. There is so much to read and learn!