Could I have IBD?

[alice2800]

Hi!

I have had stomach problems for a long time now, but nothing has really been done. I’m just looking into everything and wondering if I could have crohns. If someone could let me know if it’s unlikely/sounds like it could be then please do!! I will put my current symptoms. Note: my GP said my inflammatory markers were fine but I’ve not seen the results myself

Current symptoms:

•fissures/burning pain when passing stools

•early satiety

•poor appetite

•nausea

•bloating/abdominal distention/swelling

•excessive flatulence and belching

•diarrhoea and sometimes constipation

•excessive intestinal noises

•regurgitation of foods and liquids

•extreme fatigue

•weird sensation of water pooling at the top of my belly - sounds like a hot water bottle being shaken when I press on it

•tender stomach and abdomen

•pain during sex

•lower right abdominal pain

[willow24 Administrator]

Hi,

Crohns symptoms are pain, diarrhoea many times a day - and night if in flare. passing of blood and mucus- with diarrhoea or on its own and weight loss due to poor absorption, diarrhoea and loss of appetite from pain. Just a few questions -

how many times are you opening your bowels?

constipation/sluggish bowels are usually from strictures/narrowing of bowel wall caused by scar tissue that has occurred over many yrs of flare ups, or from the use of opiates prescribed to help with the pain, constipation is not a symptom of Crohns in early years

are you passing blood or/and mucus?

the bowel naturally contains mucus to enable stools to pass but should not be in large amounts. in Crohns flare up mucus is produced in response to the ulceration and inflammation of the bowel. blood is passed from ulceration also.

Have you had any blood tests to check your inflammatory markers?

Crohns is an inflammatory condition and the bodys immune system reacts to this causing raised inflammatory markers.

[Sarahvit]

Well I can’t say you have Crohn’s with out you having both an endoscopy and colonoscopy. What tests have they run on you? I have had pretty much all those symptoms if not all 🤔....early satiety...I’m not sure what that is so can’t say one way or the other. I have a long history of stomach problems starting back in 92. In 98-2000 I lost 35lbs do to stomach problems. This is the long list of GI diagnosis: IBS, GERD, gastric ulcers with H-pylori, gastroparesis, esophageal spasms, Berrett’s esophagus, ulcerative colitis,... 🤔hmm? I think that is all. I may be forgetting something but you mention painful sex that would fall under interstitial cystitis which isn’t GI related but bladder related...💡oh I forgot about my gallbladder which wasn’t functioning tested at 14 when above 32 is normal so after surgery to remove it stomach was better then in 96 I had gallstones in my bio ducts. So I would recommend you see a GI doctor. I went through several GI doctors from 1998-2000 before getting relief. Protonix was my miracle pill. I have to watch what I eat and stay away from foods that aggravate it. Good luck and stay persistent on this long journey. My stepdaughter has Crohn’s and it was a long journey for her before finding the right doctor who listened and looked with fresh eyes. 💕❤️

[willow24 Administrator in reply to Sarahvit]

Hi Sarahvit,

A big welcome, its great to have new people offering their support

Unfortunately in the UK you have to wait for your GP to refer you to a Gastroenterologist through the NHS. there is the option of going private but this can mean a lot of travel and very expensive costs.

GP's tend to do blood tests and send you off for x-rays 1st, some GP's will send off a faecal calprotectin test - it depends if the local hospital trust runs the test (some trusts still dont!), If anything comes back abnormal they can then refer you

Pantoprazole (protonix) is also a prescription only med here - not sure if it is in states. we can only get low dose ranitadine and esomeprazole over the counter but they are expensive in comparison to what dose you can get prescribed and prescription charge

[Sarahvit]

Yes they have Protonix here in the US if I remember right it came out in the late 90’s. That is ashame that you have so much hoops to jump through before you can see the GI doctor. 👩🏼‍⚕️ I hope that your GP will realize you have too much GI issues that he will make a referral to see the GI doctor.

[feisty-girl]

Hi Alice I have crohns and you really need a colonoscopy to take biopsy.my inflammatory markers or stools tests never show anything .you need do a diary of times going to loo and consistency,what food you've

Eaten how much pain .how much weight you have lost.and be asked to be refered to a gastroenterologist any blood then get checked out at doctors or a&e.good luck