Weight Loss Query

[RochelleRudolph]

Is it common to be slowly losing weight and losing interest in food during a flare up? But WITH no other symptoms of Crohns.

I was initially diagnosed 10 years ago, was on Prednisolone for a while, but have had no symptoms and been on no medication for 9 years now, but since about February this year have dropped nearly 2 stone, without trying and i wasn't that heavy to begin with (gone from just over 10 stone to 8 stone 6 pounds and i am 5 foot 5 inches).

I have been trying to eat a bit more recently, but the weight is still slowly dropping.

Is this normal for Crohns or am i barking up the wrong tree?

 

[David]

Hi Rochelle

While there's no normal for Crohn's Disease, I'd venture to say that it is more common to have other symptoms as well. However, unexplained weight loss is always a red flag. For example, you may have some inflammation that is causing malabsorption. I'd strongly suggest setting up an appointment with a GI to be checked over just to be on the safe side.

 

[HorseLover!!]

Hi Rochelle, David is right there is no normal with Crohn's, and you should go and see your GI to be checked over just in case.

 

[RochelleRudolph]

Thanks guys, i have been referred by my GP as i havent seen a GI doc for the last 9 years. It has been over four weeks now since i saw my GP and i still havent had an appointment to see a GI doc - it is very frustrating.

Since about October though I have been getting some other odd symptoms too, so i really want some tests done now, including a colonoscopy, which i might have to demand!!!

Do you think i should have been followed up over the last 9 years. Even if i have been in remission for so long (which is obviously a good thing) should i not have had regular check ups???

 

[David]

I'd call and fight for an appointment.

And yes, I think that somewhat regular checkups (even if it's just a yearly physical) are a good idea even if you're in remission.

 

[RochelleRudolph]

Just to add another query in,

Would another Crohns symptom be back pain, mid back and lower back and also when sitting down as in it feels numb and radiates down the back of legs??? and some hair loss??? (not a huge amount, but when i run my hands through my very short hair, i am getting a few falling out, which is not normal for
me).

I have mentioned all of this to my GP, but i am getting really paranoid about it all now.

any advice much appreciated.......................

 

[David]

Those are often side effects of medicine used to treat Crohn's Disease, but since you're not on any meds, I would suspect it to be related to vitamin and mineral deficiencies which are common in people with Crohn's, especially when flaring. In addition to regular blood work, I would request that, at the very least, your vitamin B12 and Vitamin D levels be checked as well. We're working on a vitamin and mineral deficiency database (it's not done yet) where you can learn about some of these. Click here for that.

 

[guest9933]

I had the same pain no hair loss and it turned into ankylosing spondilitis its a form of arthritis from the crohn's it is a very painfull form of arthritis i was i bad pain since I started remicade now the remicade is wearing of I can fell my back starting to hurt again but I have more pains than my back and at the moment its just a dull ache in my lower back doc said its the remicade wearing off so waiting for another infusion