Suspected Crohns

[kasparky]

Hi,

My Dr suspects I have Crohn's. It started as an investigation about tingling hands and feet where they discovered a B12 malabsorption neuropathy, I was started on monthly B12 shots and now quarterly. Now my blood tests have come back suggesting Crohn's. Positive ANA (Homogenous), Positive ASCA, Negative pANCA and cANCA, Negative ENA. I've gained alot of weight as well which Drs keep putting down to having a toddler and working night shift but no matter what I do I can't shift it. Does anyone know if this sounds like Crohns or if there is something else we should look into???

Thanks

 

[gatheringroses]

Hi Kasparky, sorry to hear you're not feeling well....

I am not a doctor/new to all of this, but the positive ANA is interesting to me (it can indicate a lot of things, I think). Do you have any GI pain or symptoms? The weight gain is also interesting. Have you been tested for Celiac? I gained a lot of weight with Celiac (Which is atypical), and the low b12 could be connected to that. I don't think ANA is related to Celiac, but I suggest to EVERYBODY experiencing "new and interesting" symptoms of any kind (there are 200+ symptoms of Celiac) to go 100% gluten free for 2 weeks, and to see if it helps symptoms. In most cases, it won't, but it's sometimes tricky to find. Plus, two weeks gluten-free won't hurt you... it will just be annoying. Plus, the positive ASCA could be celiac... Anyways, I'd suggest trying it for two weeks, and seeing if you feel better. If you feel better, immediately eat gluten again for 2 weeks (if not more), and go get a biopsy done of your villi in your small intestines. Once you stop eating gluten, it's not possible to test for Celiac anymore. Celiac and Crohn's are often comorbid (which is what brought me here!... in hand with where my pain was located, and my fever).

Otherwise, have you had your CRP tested? That's a pretty good maker of inflammation in Crohn's.

Has your doctor ordered any imaging tests? That would be, from what I've learned the next step.

Anyways, welcome! I hope you get your dx soon!

 

[dannysmom]

Hi and welcome.
What symptoms do you have? Has the B12 shots helped your neurapathy?

 

[alex_chris]

Crohn's can be hard to diagnose. The most usual route is a colonoscopy, gastroscopy, biopsies of tissue samples, inflammation markers such as CRP in the blood test, sympthoms that are usual for inflammation (diarrhea, recurring pain in the intestine, gasing, fatigue, etc.). A GI specialized on IBD is the best way to go.

 

[kasparky]

Hi - Thanks for your replys. I do not have what I would consider major symptoms of Crohns - I have fatigue, joint aches, stomach pain and usually diarrhoea with every now and again getting a lot of nausea and vomiting. As a kid I was lactose intolerent and most of my gastric symptoms were given to that. My celiac tests were negative and I'm told the area of the bowel that is affected by celiac is not where B12 is absorped so they've ruled that out totally. My neuropathy has definitely improved with my injections to the extent I barely notice it now. Since posting I've spoken to the Dr again who has said he believes it is a diagnosis of Crohns and is sending me to have a colonoscopy and biopsies done to confirm.

 

[gatheringroses]

Good luck! Keep us posted on the results!

 

[bozzylozzy]

Hi kasparky.. good luck witht the colonscopy :hug:
Im glad the injections have been helping and fingers crossed you will get answers that can lead to successful treatment xx

 

[dannysmom]

I am glad you are getting tests Good luck!

 

[araceli]

Hi. I had the same symptoms and a few more when I gave birth to my first kid. It was thyroid problems.

 

[kasparky]

Thanks. My mum has hashimotos so they did initially test my thyroid function but it was normal. I love the support and new ideas though guys thanks!!!