Very, very new

[BooBoo]

Hi, this is the first time I've ever posted on a forum, so sorry if I do anything wrong! I'm also new to being ill and am struggling horribly. Everything began in March, when one minute I was fine, the next in agony. Five operations later (for abscesses and fistualas) I now have a temporary colostomy and am struggling to come to terms with everything that has happened. The surgery was unplanned and I only had 12 hours to get used to the idea. My CRS has tested for Crohn's but tests keep coming back negative. I don't have any symptoms apart from the abscesses, fistualas and and a history of chronic constipation and he cannot find any underlying cause. I just wondered if anyone else was in a similar position. Anyway, thanks for listening.

 

[Grumbletum]

Hi ****oo and a big warm welcome to the forum. I'm so sorry to hear about your health issues. Sounds like you are having an absoloute nightmare :hug: There are fellow members on here who have constipation as a symptom of their Crohn's and many who have experienced a long wait to get the correct diagnosis. You might like to have look here
http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=75
at the Undiagnosed Club where there are many people in similar situations.
I'm very glad you found your way to the forum and be sure that we'll all help in any way that we can.

 

[Angrybird]

Hello and welcome to the forum I am sorry to hear that you have had so much thrown at you so quickly Out of interest what tests has your doc carried out for crohns that have come back negative?

Also do have a look at our stoma sub forum so you can chat with others and get some advice in this area: http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=46.

AB
xx

 

[BooBoo]

Hi Grumbletum, thanks for your reply and for pointing me in the direction of the Undiagnosed Club. I'll take a look now. Yes, it does feel like a complete nightmare as I've always been ridiculously healthy. I've only ever had an upset tummy twice in my whole life (I'm 43) and that was only due to traveling! I'm really lucky though as my husband and children are very supportive and I'm doing pretty well. I had my stoma surgery last Tuesday and am back at work and going out already, so must count my blessings. Thanks again.

 

[BooBoo]

Hi AngryBird, thanks for replying. Um, I'm not exactly sure which tests, but I know he took biopsies at my various ops and blood tests. I'm seeing him again on the 14th, so will ask. The stoma pointer was great, thank you, I'll definitely take a look. It's the thing I'm finding most difficult as I had no time to prepare and it's a huge shock to have your body so fundamentally changed. Thanks and I'm really glad I found this forum!

 

[David]

Hi ****oo and welcome to the community. I'm so sorry to hear of your recent health troubles. That must be so difficult to come to grips with

Out of curiosity, since everything is testing negative for Crohn's, have they evaluated you for intestinal tuberculosis, STD's (yes, some can lead to fistulae), or have you had any major radiation exposure?

Again, welcome to the community! I hope they get things figured out for you soon and your recuperation continues to go well!

 

[BooBoo]

Hi David, thanks for the reply. What you say is very interesting. It's pretty impossible that I could have an STD (been married for a very long time - was a child bride!). TB is an interesting thought, I wasn't vaccinated as when they did the skin test it came back that I had antibodies. Will definitely mention it to my DR. Very best wishes Boo

 

[David]

If your TB test came back for antibodies, DEFINITELY get evaluated. Intestinal TB can absolutely mimic the symptoms of Crohn's.

Give this a read so you can be better prepared to discuss it with your doctor. I'd even print it out and take it with you.