Undiagnosed

[Stu123]

Hi All,

My name is Stuart.

I thought I'd introduce myself and try and get some understanding with what is going on with me at the moment. Everything is very unclear, up in the air and confusing for me, so maybe someone can help and ease my mind.

I have a few symptoms that may or not be related.

I guess, this whole thing started at the beginning of this year.

I started feeling itchy. If you rub my skin it will turn red (no raised) but my whole body feels wrong with it hits hard.
Eczema developed on my anus.
My face gained red patches on the cheeks and forehead (mild and controlled with cream)
And occasionally my knees will ache (stopped when I began getting the train to work)
The above has continued, although anti-histamines have helped with the skin.

Then, probably about 5 months ago I started getting a bit of blood on my toilet paper. I originally thought it was an internal pile. It continued so I went for medical attention.

Nearly 2 months ago I got an inflamed eye. This is being controlled by steroids at present.

1 month ago I had a sigmoidoscopy, which was inconclusive but showed bleeding and some inflammation.

The doctor then called me up and said it could be crohns or UC.. but I will need a colonoscopy to determine what it is.

So that is where I am now. Stuck on no medication, completely unsure of what I have, with a bunch of symptoms that may or may not be related. Feeling lie crap.

I will say however, I have not felt any pain from my gut and although my stool is bloody and has some mucus, it is not very 'diarrhea' ridden. Everything is under control and I go to to the toilet 1 or 2 times a day.


I feel really frustrated at the moment; my skin is really uncomfortable and nothing seems to be working to make it better.Plus there is an underlying anxiety of what is wrong and what I should do.

If anyone has experience anything similar to this, I would really like to hear your thoughts.

Thanks a lot,

Stuart

 

[Crohn's 35]

Hi Stuart :bigwave: Well I must say you are taking the long route! You have symptoms that most people get after they are diagnosed with crohns. If it is red blood it could surface blood, black blood is the internal problems. I have to say in my experiences on here never hear of Ecxema on the anus. You do need a colonoscopy pronto, it is the best way to find out if you have UC or CD. Dont let it go too long, the longer you wait, the harder to treat.

Hope I helped, glad you are joining our motley crew!

 

[Stu123]

Thanks guys.

It was a really bright red until the sigmoidoscopy. Since then I have noticed some blood clots. Not sure is that is a good or bad.

The colonoscopy is in 3 weeks. They didn't seem that concerned at the doctors as they wanted to make it late Jan. All the damage seemed to be at the rectum (nothing higher than that from what they could see)
No pain must be a good thing?

I'm just confused about the treatment and what 'normally' happens to the average joe.

But is the uncomfortable skin normal? and does it go away once on medication?

Thanks,

Stuart

 

[Crohn's 35]

As for your treatment, either CD or UC most likely Asacol or Pentasa. That should help. Be grateful for no pain. As for the skin problems they are hard to treat, you may have to see a derm for that. Most people use a steroid cream and you can get that in any pharmacy. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Stu123]

Thanks Pen.

I have been given a steroid cream already. But should it be over my whole body? Is that usual? It may not be related at all. I am grateful there is no pain!

 

[xJillx]

Hi Stu and welcome! I am sorry you currently don't know what's going on with your health. I know how frustrating that can be.


Good luck with your upcoming colonoscopy. I hope you get some answers soon. Hang in there!

 

[David]

Hi Stuart,

I wanted to chime in and welcome you to the forum. Please keep us updated as to your progress. We're here for you any time you need us. Good luck to you!

 

[Jessi]

Hi Stuart. Welcome to the family. I hope things get figured out really soon. It's so hard not knowing. You are going through a lot right now. Relax as much as you can, and try to store up some energy. :hug: Keep us posted.