What is flare up, how to figure it out?

[runlikeagirl]

I have just gotten diagnosed last summer, my Crohn's was found by accident during a colposcopy. The problems only showed sometimes and it started with joint pain, that has been constant form 2008. So no one made connection, but then I started bleeding after long runs, therefor the colonoscopy. Got some entocort for about 3 month, and after the MRI showed absolutely clear gi tract with no more signs of Crohs. Yet things feel the same to me. ( it all goes away with entocort). doctor is super frustrated and said to come back when I have a flare up. And also said it is going to be several years before I should need to call her again.At this point I am just confused. I am going full speed forward with my life including the running, as if all of this never happened and see where is lands me next.
I don't get what is Crohn's and even more , what is flare up ad when do you call your doctor?

Do you have any examples?
Thanks

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Hi and welcome to the forum! :welcome: I am so sorry you are faced with this challenge. But, you have come to a wonderful place for information and support. For the moment, I am sending you some examples in order to help with your questions. Please feel free to look into our wiki section too as well as searching around in the forum. I am here for you as well. :hug:

http://www.crohnsforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=56

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crohn's_disease

http://www.crohnsandme.com/crohns-information/crohns-disease-management.aspx

 

[UnXmas]

Is it the joint pain that is the main problem? Some of the medications used to treat Crohn's are also effective at treating other medical conditions. I wonder if it's possible that you have another condition in addition to Crohn's, which was helped by the same medication and which is causing your joint pain?

Is it possible for you to see another doctor, specifically about the joint pain?

Are you still bleeding? Bleeding is much more likely to be a sign of a Crohn's flare, but it can come from other causes, such as haemorrhoids. Definitely call your doctor if you are still bleeding.

 

[SarahBear]

Hi, runlikeagirl!

Essentially, Crohn's is chronic inflammation affecting any part of the digestive tract. It causes symptoms such as rectal bleeding, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, etc. Joint pain, eye inflammation, mouth ulcers, and skin rashes can also be symptoms of Crohn's, although they may initially seem unrelated. They are caused by the inflammation affecting other parts of the body. Unfortunately at this time, there is no known cause or cure. There are various medications used to treat it, and many find success in treating with diet and/or lifestyle changes as well.

A flare up is when the condition becomes active. Crohn's goes through flare / remission cycles. A period of remission is when the condition is inactive - unless there is scarring from previous disease activity, tests may come back completely clear, showing no sign that there ever was Crohn's. Assuming you were properly diagnosed, this does not mean you don't have it, it's only in remission.

You can tell you're flaring because your symptoms return or intensify. You may have mild symptoms while in remission, but you should be able to notice a difference if you start to flare. You may lose your appetite or lose weight quickly, as well. In your case, it sounds as if joint pain might be a pretty big indicator as well. Rectal bleeding / blood in your stool is always a sign of a flare and you should always contact your GI immediately if you notice it (and if it's severe, go to the hospital).

I don't understand your doctor's attitude. They treated you with three months of Entocort, then seemed surprised to find no signs of Crohn's? That's the entire point of treatment. Furthermore, an MRI isn't the most accurate test to see your intestines - a colonoscopy would be more effective. If it's possible for you to see another GI, I suggest you do so. A second opinion never hurts.

When they did the colonoscopy, were biopsies taken? If so, did they confirm Crohn's? Was a Prometheus blood test done?