Could it be Crohn's??

Hello urrosebud,

Last question first, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
I went undiagnosed for 7 years, had many hospital stays, weeks at a time so that physicians could perform numerous tests and still couldn't identify what had been wrong.
One evening I had been very, very ill, fever, vomiting, dehydration, massive abdominal pain and went to an ER. It was believed my appendix was about to burst, off to surgery I went. It was only then, when opened up to remove my appendix did they diagnose me as having Crohn's disease.

I'm copying this from another thread in which we discussed what tests are done for a possible diagnosis in regards to IBD.
"It is just as important for a GI to rule out other conditions since they may produce similar symptoms, for example, ulcerative colitis which may also cause abdominal cramping and diarrhea.
A physical examination by a GI, checking for tenderness or any inflammatory masses present at the lower right quadrant of the abdomen.
Also the GI should do a complete blood count test. This is to possibly reveal if Crohn's is present, Anemia, White blood cell levels, Differential, Platelet count and an ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Also Stool tests.
Then further testing to be included, Radiologic and Endoscopic Testing. Such as a CT, Ultrasound, MRI and Endoscopy. The Colonscopy has already been completed.

Also though our commonality may be having Crohn's (If this is definitely the case) what we take as far medications differs, our tolerances, at what stage we're at with inflammation, scar tissue build up, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and the other symptoms that comes with having Crohn's."

Hope this helps.

Hi Amber,

You're most welcome for the reply. You're right that it is definitely important to get a full work up to see what you may or may not have at this point.
That is why I listed the numerous ways for the disease to possibly be diagnosed or ruled out. Either way, you get the answers you're seeking and receive the treatment that you need.
The last Endoscopy procedure I had done had been the capsule, camera.
Head to the GI's in the morning, put on a harness that captures tens of thousands of photos (up to 59,000) being taken, swallow the capsule, go home and return about 8 hours later to the GI's office.

You can read more about it here or search Google if you like-
www.colonrectal.org/services.cfm/sid:6718/Capsule_Endoscopy_______________%28Camera_Pill%29/index.html

Speaking of the diarrhea when I first began having symptoms at 7, watery, very watery. Any substance in the diarrhea had been very stringy is the best way I can describe it. Nothing formed, no formation.
No abnormal colors to the diarrhea when I first encountered Crohn's symptoms.

I would recommend scheduling the Endoscopy to begin the process of seeing what you do or don't have.
Please let us know, updated and I wish you the best of luck. I truly hope you don't have any other additional issues.

You're very welcome Amber. :)

Are you taking or were you advised to take any pro-biotics (beneficial microorganisms) by chance? There's also yogurt.
List of Probiotic Yogurts-
www.livestrong.com/article/250430-list-of-probiotic-yogurts/
Here's some reviews on different probiotics by brand-
probioticsreviewguide.com/
The Best Ways to Use Probiotics-
www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/features/best-probiotics-use

There's also particular pro-biotics to take while on anti-biotics such as Flagyl. A good pro-biotic while on anti-biotics is S. Boulardii. This is a pro-biotic yeast that is immune to antibiotics, also S. Boulardii is particularly effective against C Diff.
When Does One Take Probiotics When Taking an Antibiotic?
www.livestrong.com/article/507055-when-does-one-take-probiotics-when-taking-an-antibiotic/

There is also Cholestyramine (Questran, a cholesterol-lowering medication) that is given to Crohn's patients after resection and also to people who suffer from chronic diarrhea. Lessening bouts of diarrhea, it binds bile acids, prevents their reabsorption from the digestive system.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholestyramine

There is also Imodium which is used to treat diarrhea. Imodium didn't help me at all.
www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-11084-Imodium+Oral.aspx?drugid=11084&drugname=Imodium+Oral

Note: Cholestyramine may sometimes interact with other drugs and compounds that are taken orally. Sometimes it can slow the absorption of medications into the body when taken at the same time. This effect can be mitigated by adjusting dosage times and drinking more water to help fully dissolve other oral drugs.