What are your typical Crohn's symptoms? (Besides bowel movements....)

I wish THIS kind of raw information was out there under the medical sites that talk about Crohn's. The medical sites are just so "matter-of-fact". So when those people who DON'T have Crohn's and think it's all about the diarrhea would know differently.

I had someone once in the early years of my Crohn's say to me, "What's the big deal? You go to the bathroom, do your business, come back out and go on about the rest of your day! I just don't get it." Well, back then, I "just didn't get it" either. Now that I'm more educated, I'd be able to come back at a comment like that and explain the "extra-intestinal" problems that occur with Crohn's.

BTW, I experience most of the symptoms everyone else above has already mentioned.

oh yeah, skin tags, forgot about those. got those too.

Hi. I'm completely new to these forums. I found this thread while searching for info on my non-poo related Crohn's symptoms. I would say that it's nice to know that I'm not alone, but in reality, I wouldn't wish these things off on someone I was ticked at.

Here are my most common symptoms:

extreme joint pain (ibuprofen no longer cuts it)

fatigue

headaches

occasional pain in the lower right side (my doctor says this is where the ileum is which is narrowed by the Crohn's, and therefore you can feel stuff moving through)

I'm also in the camp of gaining instead of losing weight. And I don't even eat all that much. The joint pain limits exercise a bit.

I take fish oil in an attempt to alleviate joint pain. Still a little early to tell if that's helping.

All this results in sort of a depression issue. I keep asking hubby to take me out back and shoot me. (Kidding!) But I'm really so tired of all the pain...

Post Edited (~joy~) : 8/16/2008 3:52:43 PM (GMT-6)