Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Support Group

Crohn's disease is a systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown cause, that results in chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, and can also cause complications outside of the gastrointestinal tract. There is no known medical or surgical cure for Crohn's disease, but there are many medical...

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Still no answers, Only getting worse

Babbit
Babbit
I posted on here not too long ago about how I was beginning to get checked for Crohn's, having a family history and a good number of symptoms affecting my everyday life, I figured it was time.

The blood tests and stool samples all came back normal. All but one stool sample that is. One did have blood in it, so we took another sample and that came out fine. So my doctor really didn't say anything else except there is no indication that anything is wrong with me.

The symptoms are getting worse. My tummy aches and diarrhea that occur about every other day or every three days has started getting more painful. Not only that, but for the past three days, every time I have gone to the bathroom there has been blood. Today there was a lot. And I have lost about 15 pounds in the last two-three weeks without changing diet or exercise routines.

I am supposed to be getting an apt. today with a GI dr. since my family doctor just left me without any answers or a game plan of finding answers. I'm frustrated at him for not helping determine what is wrong with me.

Any advice or support at this time would be greatly appreciated!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I hope you find answers soon. I know it's hard when no one has any, and when everything they try just makes things worse.

I'd pursue the GI doctor. When you see him, make sure you have a list of concerns/questions that you want answered. Don't let him leave until you have those answers. And if you don't feel like your doctor is treating your issues seriously enough, make sure you find someone that will.

I had the greatest respect for my family doctor. Until I got sick. He tried everything he knew to, and thought he could fix it all himself. IN the end, he realized he was in over his head. I can't help but think that I would have saved a lot of pain and suffering if I had been to a specialist sooner.

Hang in there. I know exactly what you are going through based on your description. Lately I have two good days, followed by one really bad day. Blood in the stool, and horrid cramping. Last night it felt like my stomach was on fire on top of the cramping I've been getting used to.

Good luck, and keep us posted!
deleted_user
deleted_user
WOW! The first time I said blood, my pc sent me to a GI. I'm on my 5th GI for various reasons, and I really like this one. He listens to me and that is most important. I hope that the GI will do a colonoscopy, that is the best way to know what is going on inside. Keep us posted, let us know what the GI says.
deleted_user
deleted_user
It's so important that you keep pursuing this. That's a lot of weight to lose in 2 or 3 weeks. Your GI may want to do a barium enema test or use a scope to see inside the colon -- perhaps the short scope or the full colonoscopy. Chances are, he or she will need to do one of those things to find the answers that you need.

I wish you the best. IBD is a challenge, but there is help out there. My best advice would be to find a GI that really listens and takes the time to explain your options and answer your questions.
rmb
rmb
It's not unusual that a PCP would try to find the answer first. This can save the patient time and money in some instances. So this is actually good that he's sending you to a GI because it's an aknowledgment that this is beyond his scope. The GI will find out what's going on. Hang in there!
Babbit
Babbit
Well I have an appointment with the GI dr. He wanted to see me as soon as possible... so that means my appointment is a month away. Oh well, at least I have one.

Thanks for the support. It helps when I feel all alone because my roommates don't understand what's going on.
deleted_user
deleted_user
While you are waiting for your appointment you might want to consider taking up walking and meditation. I don't mean anything too time consuming. Just a short walk and 10 minutes of meditation can be helpful. You also might want to look into taking culturell(a probiotic) once a day. You can get this at the drugstore. Good luck to you
deleted_user
deleted_user
I would suggest that you call every few days to see if there has been a cancelation. It worked for me!
deleted_user
deleted_user
my first doctor recommended I keep a journal of my symptoms. it would be just a calendar with checkmarks of bloody stools, or an actual diary type entry with a list of all symptoms, including when blood appeared, and weight for that day. that can help with the doctor needs detailed information, and you can only make general statements.
Also, are you on any meds? some can agrivate symptoms, and cause a flare up. amoxicillin made me backtrack for several weeks, even though I had only been on it for a few days.
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