What is normal pain?

[MoCo]

I am newly diagnosed with Crohn's. Spent 5 days in hospital, released two weeks ago. Started Humira injections last week. Bowels movements were just starting to become formed, pain level was decreasing. Longer intervals between taking immodium and dilaudid. Yesterday I started up with the most horrible cramps and pain again. I am doubled over. No diarrhea, pain meds aren't touching it and I don't know if this is "normal" or not. Something I ate perhaps? Stress? I don't know what "flares" constitute. Is this normal? Should I be concerned? I see my general practitioner Thursday morning. Not scheduled to see GI dr. until end of April after weaning off of prednisone. It hurts and I don't know what to do. Is this to be expected? I guess I should have asked more questions about what to expect with having this wonderful disease.

 

[UnXmas]

Unfortunately it's very hard to say what's to be expected as this disease varies so much from person to person. But worsening symptoms is never good, and anything that strikes you as different - as this episode clearly has - is worth consulting a doctor about, so definitely discuss it with your GP on Thursday and he/she should advise you on whether it's ok to wait until April to see the GI, and may be able to prescribe different painkillers should this continue or recur.

But if the pain is really severe, consider going to the emergency department, especially if you develop other symptoms such as a high temperature, severe diarrhoea or vomiting, or if you're unable to have a bowel movement.

With time you will probably get a better idea of what your "normal" is, but never assume you have to put up with deteriorating symptoms. Always discuss any changes with your GI so they can try to treat them effectively, and ask for an earlier appointment if your symptoms change. Sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to figure out which treatments you respond to best.

How are the cramps now? Do seek medical help if they're not improving. Emergency doctors are also there to provide pain relief and reassurance, so don't worry about asking for help and this turning out not to be an emergency, it's better to be sure.

 

[brooklyn23]

You have to find out what your normal is. Everyone with this illness suffers differently. It can be alienating when you can't find someone who feels the pain you do, but we all come close.

You will have good days and you will have bad days. If you start to develop a high fever, I'd recommend the ER.

 

[MoCo]

Crap - lost the first reply I started to type. Ok, so two bad days of cramps, started easing up last night thank goodness. Today was much better. I am anxious to speak with the dr tomorrow and ask some questions. Looks like this might be quite a roller coaster ride I am on. Thanks for your comments and thoughts. They really were helpful. Scary feeling alone with this sometime...be well.

 

[Lady Organic]

maybe there is a GI nurse attached to your GI available to answer questions. I call mine whenever something is going wrong or if I have questions. When she senses my GI needs to be informed, she will pass the message to him or try to book an appointment for me rapidly.