Undiagnosed-Thoughts on whether this is Crohn's?

[scf77]

Hello all,

This is my first time posting here. I'm hoping some of you can help/reassure me about the symptoms I've been having for a few years. Here's my story:

I've had GI issues my whole life. As a child, I suffered from terrible constipation and stomach aches. My parents tried many different treatments on me with only limited success. My problems waxed and waned over the years only to come back full force after I had my second son three years ago. I finally went to my doctor two years ago because the pain had become unbearable. She referred me to a GI doc who performed a battery of tests.

April 2011: Sigmoidoscopy up the descending colon and biopsy, clear
December 2011: CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, clear except for an ovarian cyst
March 2012: Pelvic MRI, clear except for cyst
March 2012: Ovarian cyst removed, insides look good

Over the past two months my symptoms have worsened and I now have bloody mucus in my stool along with lower left abdominal and back pain. I primarily have constipation but occasionally diarrhea as well. I'm going back to the GI doc next week.

So, does this sound like Crohn's? It is one of the options floated by my doctor. I'm trying not to let my mind go to worse things and my clear sigmoidoscopy has provided some reassurance.

Thanks for your input.

 

[muppet]

I don't think Crohn's has been ruled out, but I don't see anything in your post that makes it jump out as especially likely, either. If it were me I might want a full colonoscopy to check out the rest of the large intestine and as much of the small as possible looking for inflammation.

Severe constipation can certainly come with bleeding. Have you tried stool softeners? I was badly impacted once, in so much pain I ended up in the ER, and a simple soap water enema was the most amazing remedy.

You should definitely see a GI doc, and you've plans to check that box already. He'll likely be your best resource to discuss your concerns. Crohn's is not a thing you diagnose with one test or one symptom. You're doing the right thing by pursuing a specialist opinion.