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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 9/15/2012 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone! This is my first time using this site so hello! I'm an 18 year old female.

The reason I put this under Crohn's Disease is because after some internet research my symptoms are constantly leading me to the result of "Crohn's Disease". I have had moderate-to-severe pain above my belly button for the past few hours. I've had severe diarrhea for about 4 days and no appetite whatsoever. For the past, I'd say month?, I've had a day or two or constipation (with stomache pains) which followed with diarrhea. For around 2 years I've felt nauseous for no reason. It's a guarantee that when I wake up in the mornings I will feel like I'm going to be sick. My period has also been very irregular. This month it's +6 days late (maybe more, I still haven't gotten it yet.) I am 100% POSITIVE I'm not pregnant.

Within the last 2 weeks I've suddenly lost about 7 lbs because of lack of appetite and diarrhea. I am not underweight though. I've also been experiencing severe fatigue. Like during the day I feel like I could just drop. I sleep the entire weekend away and still don't feel refreshed or relieved.

I haven't gone to the doctor for a few reasons:
1. I'm terrified of them! I know I shouldn't be, but I am. I don't want to get a colonoscopy or CT scan or anything! Ah!
2. I have no health insurance so unless I'm basically dying, I won't go to the doctor/ER because I just can't afford it.
3. I don't have anyone to go with.

Sorry this is long, but does this sound like it could be Crohn's Disease? Or maybe Celiac? I don't think it's my appendix because I don't have sharp pains on the bottom right portion of my abdomen. It's centralized specifically (at least right now) to about an inch or two above my bellybutton. Should I take any pain killers (Advil, ibeuprofen, etc.) or just leave it? I know the only way to find out the cause is to go to the doctor's office, but until then this is my step forward!

Thank you so much to anyone who replies!

-MrsGrinch
Posted 9/16/2012 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Mrs Grinch,
Sorry you don't feel well and you are so frightened. There are a lot of different digestive problems that have similar symptoms. You may have a bacterial infection, for example, and just need antibiotics. You need to see a doctor though. You can't diagnose yourself based on symptoms. If you see a doc, s/he will probably start with some basic blood tests and stool samples. Do you have a community health clinic that you can go to? You just need to start with a primary care doctor to get started. Are you in the US? Sometimes medical residencies have clinics with sliding fees. Call your local hospital or health department to find a doc that will see you with no insurance. Don't take any Ibuprofen...it it is Crohn's, it will make it worse. You can try eliminating all gluten from your diet to see if it stops the diarrhea, but it takes a month to see if it will work, and I don't think you should wait so long to see a doctor. Lots of young women at at 18 have irregular periods...try not to let that freak you out. So you absolutely need to see a doctor, and that would be way less expensive than going to an ER. I hope this helps....feel better soon!
Posted 9/16/2012 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
I get pain in that spot- I also get constipation often too. I don't know much about the us health system since I am in Canada however, I think it is imperative to your health to try to figure out what is wrong. I think the sooner you catch things the better for long- term health.

It could be crohn's but there are a lot of digestive diseases, problems and illnesses.

In the meantime maybe you should just follow a very basic diet as well as write a food diary donyou can see if anything triggers your symptoms.

I get it- I dislike doctors too but knowledge is power and you need to know what is going on.
Posted 9/16/2012 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
Since you are only 18 why aren't you on your parents insurance? You can remain on their insurance until you are 26.
Posted 9/16/2012 3:17 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the replies everyone!

I know I shouldn't self diagnose - I just felt a bit better thinking my symptoms resulted it something. For a while I thought all my insides were falling out! I'm not on my parent's insurance because unfortunately they don't have any either. My dad lost his job last year.

Luckily, though, my brother has offered to pay for me to see a proper doctor so I'm going on Monday.

I took half an ibuprofen and went for a nap, but about an hour into it I woke up with pains twice as bad and I had to sprint to the bathroom. I feel completely horrible now. Lesson learned! I wished I would have checked replies on here sooner. I've been throwing up and had diarrhea for the past half hour. I'm also down another 3 pounds from yesterday.

Thanks again everyone for the replies...I will keep you updated!
Posted 9/17/2012 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
There are lots of things this could be. One thing that could help with diarrhea fast if it is more of a stomach virus, etc. is to go on the BRATY diet - Bananas, Rice (white), Applesauce, Toast (white bread), and Yogurt. These are really low-fiber foods. Just don't mix them with fruits and veggies right now. I was on this for about two weeks when I got parasites when I lived in the Dominican Republic. It's also what I eat during a flare. haha, I actually can't eat yogurt anymore without feeling nauseous because I associate it with the flares.

Keep us posted, and PLEASE see a doctor. Don't be afraid to do tests. I know it's hard without insurance and it feels like it can add up, but most of us on here can tell you that it's so much better to get diagnosed quick and on medication fast, even if tests take money, because if you don't get treated the right way in time then if it is something like Crohn's or worse then it can really bad really fast and you could end up owing tens of thousands in hospital bills.

I'm not trying to scare you, I promise! I just would hate for you to not do a test or medication because you're trying not to spend too much but have it end up worse. Many doctor's offices will work with you if you don't have insurance in charging less or coming up with payment plans. Please keep us updated! Good luck!!
Posted 9/17/2012 5:47 PM (GMT 0)
Ok so I went to the doctor this morning! He asked me some questions and pushed on my stomach a bit. I gave a stool sample to the lab because he seems to think it is E.Coli or Salmonella. The test results should be ready tomorrow! In the mean time he gave me some meds. One for the pain and bloating; one is a probiotic that should help my intestines; one is for the diarrhea.

I feel like the whole visit was really brief though? He didn't ask about blood in my stool or my bum (which there is and he didn't see the sample I gave) and he didn't seem too concerned about the 11 pounds I lost in 10 days. Should I have asked for blood tests? I don't feel any better yet, but I just took the pills so only time will tell!

scifigal2k- Thank you for the diet advice! I wrote it down so if the test come back positive I will slowly introduce those foods into my diet. For the past few days the only thing I can get down is maybe some broth for the entire day.

Thank you everyone so much!! Like I said, I'll keep you posted once I get the results! I'm going to assume I don't have Crohn's, but you all have been so helpful and kind; thank you for taking the time out of your day to help me. Feel better everyone!!
Posted 9/17/2012 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
Self diagnosis can be brutal. I went through tests for Gallbladder, and during the HIDA scan I started to get really bad pains, and I thought for sure it was my gallbladder. I spent the next week eating nothing but whole grain breads, fresh raw veggies, cereal, and taking Ibuprofn for pain. This diet was supposed to be good when your gallbladder is bad, however turns out mine was indeed fine.

1 wek later I was in the ER and got admitted for a coloscopy, where they diagnosed me with Crohn's. Heh, go figure. At this point I wish it had just been my gallbladder.

Anyway, hopefully you get a diagnosis soon and start feeling better. Make sure when you see your doctor to write down all your concerns and questions so you wont forget, and make sure to tell them to him. My GI is the same way, he doesn't really ask or seem concerned with a whole lot, but he definitely responds to my concerns and answers my questions. Every symptom is important, there may be something that is in fact a clue to him towards your diagnosis.
Posted 9/19/2012 4:05 AM (GMT 0)
@MrsGrinch, How did the test results go? It's ok that he didn't look at the sample - the test results will tell him that there was blood, etc. It can also tell if there's inflammation, which can be a sign of CD. And blood can be a big problem like Crohn's or it could even be from hemorrhoids because of so much diarrhea. It's really hard to tell. The meds might take a few days to kick in, especially the probiotics. A short visit is normal - most GIs seem to be a bit rushed sometimes. But if you have a list and you say you're concerned, a good GI will slow down and listen....especially if it's new or puzzling. Since this was your first visit and he can't tell much without test results, it's ok.

@stinky - ouch, I bet that diet just killed since it wasn't your gallbladder but CD. It makes me cringe just thinking about it. :(
Posted 9/21/2012 10:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone, thanks for the replies! I had my internet and phone cut off so I haven't been able to get on. It's been a tough week! I'm feeling a bit better; I think the meds are finally starting to kick in. I'm still losing weight, but not as quickly as I was before. The test results were negative. They tested for E.Coli, Salmonella, and a few other viruses. I'm both happy and sad with the news because I'm glad I don't have those viruses, but I also still don't know what's wrong. Very frustrating! I'm on my period now so I'm returning to the doctor next week to get some blood tests done. He wants to check my iron levels (along with other things), but we're waiting until I'm done to get accurate results.

What is a GI? I've been going to a regular doctor. Also any advice for period cramps? I obviously can't take ibuprofen, but a hot water bottle isn't cutting it. The cramps are horrible. They are normally this bad, but I can't take any meds this time!

I've also made a list like many of you suggested. I have questions, concerns, symptoms, everything.

@stinky634 that sounds horrible! I'm so sorry you had to go through that! I've been eating mostly broth and a little rice. I'm too scared to go on any specific diet.

Thanks again all!
Posted 9/21/2012 2:03 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad to hear the tests are negative, but sad at the same time....it's much easier to deal with those than a chronic illness.

"GI" is short for gastroenterologist, which is a doctor of the digestive system basically. It's the doctor that takes care of Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, and other diseases that cause problems in your intestines. Some blood tests can show if there's inflammation or if your immune system is off so hopefully your PCP (primary care physician, or regular doctor) is checking for things like that. Since results are negative for the bacterias and viruses you mentioned, then he might want to refer you to a GI. Ask him who he thinks a good doctor is, but I would also go in prepared. Ask around a bit if people know of a good GI. You don't have to explain why, just say your stomach has been upset and your dr might refer you to one. Also check out RateMDs.com. It's not a huge database, but it can help if a dr isn't very good. Or just Google the names you're referred to and see what comes up.

As for period cramps, I'm so sorry. :( I get them, too, and usually just have to tough it out. With CD, many of us have developed a fairly high pain tolerance the hard way....I would call your dr and see if there's anything he'd be ok with you taking.

Keep us posted!
Posted 9/25/2012 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Well I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. I had a colonoscopy and cat scan done and that's how the doctors diagnosed me. My new GI is a very nice man and he has answered all my questions so far. Because I haven't been too sick the past few days he said he is going to talk with an associate first about the best meds to put me on. Unfortunately with all the exams and visits I am in debt now. I am selling my tv, car, and a few other things to help pay for it. I also have to sell my laptop :( so this will probably be my last post. I may be able to check from time to time, but I doubt it because I got a 2nd job.

I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I've never encountered a more supportive group of people. I really do wish you all the best. Goodbye!
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