What Do I Tell My Doctor?

[ChiefsFan]

Currently, I am not yet diagnosed. But my primary said that I do have either IBS or Crohn's. I know that a colonoscopy is in my future, and I will suffice it to say that I am going to try my best to avoid it.

About 6 years ago, I began noticing that my stomach would hurt after eating, and I would often get diarrhea. This went on (off and on) for a few weeks to a few months, then it would subside. It was manageable until about 2 years ago, and that is when it slowly became worse. Then, just over a year ago, I came home to a discovery that led me to have PTSD. For a few weeks, anything and everything I ate went right through me, and I chalked it up to the fact that I had just witnessed a trauma, and I was also trying to recover from shock and deal with the grieving process, as well as living in a house where this event happened, paired with the fact that I couldn't walk through the front door without seeing it all over again. Then, things subsided. Now, I am back to my usual flares, with severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, mucus stools, and sometimes I have it coming out of both ends at once. This has been worse than it ever has been before, and it hasn't eased up over the past year. I feel weak and exhausted when this happens, and there have been countless times when the pain has been so intense that I have almost passed out. I never go to the ER, because my luck, I will be better by the time that they see me.

Can Crohn's be triggered/made worse out of nowhere? Or could this worsening have been triggered by the incident from last year?

Also, despite my best efforts at research, I can't find the answer to the question of what differentiates Crohn's from IBS. My grandmother has IBS, and my ex girlfriend has Crohn's, and it took persuasion from my ex to get me to mention this to my doctor; sorry, but that colonoscopy isn't exactly calling to me like a steak.

My doctor also seems hesitant to take these concerns.. not seriously, that's not the right word.. But I can't see a GI unless he refers me, and I happen to like him as a primary care doctor.

How did you approach your physician about this, and a I way off base here?

Thank you for the help!

 

[Joyful Franky]

I'm new here, and I'm no expert.

I'm not an expert on the illnesses and their difference. I believe the biggest difference is that Crohns cause inflammation, ibs does not necessarily. But I may be mistaken, and I apologize if so.
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The best I can say is, your primary doc is there to help you and guide you through finding a diagnosis. However, they do not control your medical situation and decisions. Tell your doc you are very concerned and that even if he doesn't agree, it will give you piece of mind recieving a confirmation of having or not having ibs or Crohn's. He can't deny you seeking addition help. If he continues I would pursue a different primary.

 

[ronroush7]

Yes. If he does not agree get a second opinion.

 

[More Than Pickles]

Crohns causes inflammation, the mucus you talk about. IBS is spasms in the colon, without inflammation. Blood work, discussing your symptoms and a colonoscopy will help the GI diagnose. Nothing to fear with a colonoscopy, quick and easy and you're knocked out the entire time. It's time you get to the bottom of these issues. Yes, stress will cause flares, despite what the doctors tell you, everyone who has stomach issues will agree with that.

Best of luck.

 

[Scipio]

As the others have said, the key difference between Crohn's and IBS is the inflammation. IBS is a functional disease, meaning that the gut looks perfectly normal but doesn't function properly. Whereas Crohn's is an inflammatory disease, meaning that the affected portions will look red, inflamed, ulcerated, and just generally chewed up by the disease.

In terms of symptoms, both commonly have diarrhea and both have abdominal pain. But it the case of IBS the pain is relieved by a bowel movement, but in Crohn's a bowel movement does not provide this pain relief. Repeated bouts of pain that is relieved by bowel movement is considered to be a hallmark symptom of IBS.

The colonoscopy, while unpleasant, is obviously crucial in getting a correct diagnosis. My advice is to stop trying to avoid the colonoscopy and instead go for it. The sooner you get a correct diagnosis the sooner you can start getting the correct treatment and relief from your symptoms.