Crohn's Question

Hi HealingWell. So after nearly six months of not knowing anything about my health, I think I'm finally about to get a diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. I had an endoscopy which showed no signs of scarring or anything like that, and after my GI did a round of blood tests - I tested positive for the antibody which is present with Crohn's Disease. I'm not sure of the name, but I could look it up. ;-) I had a colonoscopy last week, and I can't really remember much of what my GI said because of the propofol, but my mom told me he couldn't find any inflammation in my large intestine - but he wasn't able to get into my small intestine/ileum; not sure if this was maybe because it was super inflamed or something? Tomorrow, or really today I guess, I'm going to do an upper GI series/barium swallow, and hopefully I will really know what's up. But, anyways, I'll cut to the chase. If t his test comes back negative will I just have a diagnosis of IBS? Or is it possible that I could still have Crohn's, but just develop inflammation at a later date? All answers would be helpful! Thanks.

Thanks lprdgrl, my GI has already ruled out Celiac Disease - so I'm hoping this test really does give me the answer I'm looking for. I guess if it's negative that'll be good news too, considering I won't have a chronic, non-curable disease!

Hi socialghosts, I'm glad you came to this forum.

If your colonoscopy did not show inflammation visually, it is possible that the pathology done on samples your GI took may show inflammation consistent with Crohn's. If it is true that your terminal ileum was inflamed and prevented the scope from entering, then that alone is probably enough information for your GI to call your problem Crohn's. If the TI was not inflamed, and the small bowel follow through that you're about to do does not indicate any changes in the shape of the small bowel, then you may be faced with open questions.

Crohn's typically causes inflammation in the terminal ileum as well as other places. Many of us here spent a lot of time trying to get to a diagnosis because our diseases did not present in the classical way. I'm glad you are in the care of a GI who appears to be doing a thorough job of investigation and I hope you will let us know what happens next. Be patient, and also be insistent that you get some helpful answers and advice from your DR.

One other test that folks here have done is called a "pill cam." You swallow a tiny camera and it travels through your small bowel sending images to the DR. You pass it in your stool. That may be another option for you if the SBFT is not conclusive.

Thanks for all the answers guys! It really puts my mind at ease knowing that there are tons of others out there going through the same thing as me. I just got back from my Barium tests an hour ago, and now I'm held up int he bathroom if you catch my drift. ): Everyone told me I'd be constipated, but it's just the opposite. Has this happened to anyone who officially got a diagnosis of Crohn's? Is it common in Crohn's patients? Sorry I'm asking so many Q's, I feel like the quizmaster lol. Almost immediately after I finished taking the Barium my stomach was hurting, but I wasn't sure if it was maybe built up gas from that fizzy shot they make you take - anyways, the Radiologist was a bit gruff and I really couldn't ask him a lot of questions because he disappeared right after the test was finished (and didn't reappear). I think he thought I was ignorant or something, considering I'm 18. Little did he know I'm a biology/pre-med major.

The technician I had was so sweet, and extremely helpful. He even told me he himself has Crohn's Disease! What are the chances... Anyway, when he was taking X-Rays every twenty minutes, he said not to quote him on it - but it looked like my small intestine was really inflamed.

My GI is really great by the way, I am so blessed that I found him. As much as I hate all the tests he puts me through, I know it's for the best - and he's really great at what he does. All the other doctors I've had in the past just prescribe me generic acid reflux medicine and call it a day - ugh. It can be so frustrating sometimes.

socialghosts...

Barium always - immediately - has the same effect on me, too (diagnosed with Crohn's/UC in 1992). I've been told by Drs/medical pros this reaction is fairly common. I've actually never heard of anyone experiencing constipaiton! Other than that "fun", it sounds like you had a successful procedure - now the waiting for results. Whatever your official diagnosis may be, always keep the positive attitude you've shared here - that alone will help you feel better!!! Best Wishes!