Is there other test than scope and biopsy?

Hi Lesa,

I copy and paste this to everyone who asks about proper testing and diagnosis for Chrohn's disease.

"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, Colonscopy, MRI and Endoscopy.

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."

Also a biopsy would be recommended, preferred to help rule out or diagnose Crohn's.

Sorry to hear you're having the issues you are, an all around attack it seems. I too get sinusitis, I use a neti-pot, antihistamine, humidifier (sit in front of it for 10 minutes and breath in the steam through my nose), very hot showers to breath in the steam through my nose too. I take anti-biotics as a last resort,
I don't want my body to build up a resistance to them. Also, it makes the pain far worse for a few days, having chronic sinusitis brings pain to the entire face. Teeth hurt, head, skin to the touch, terrible. I considered getting my sinuses scrapped but had been told by friends it was a temporary fix for them.

I hope this information helps, I hope you get a proper diagnosis very soon and feel better!

An upper scope? You are talking down the throat to check the esophagus, stomach and first two parts of the small intestine: the duodenum and the jejunem?

Positives biopsies are THE gold standard of Crohn's disease diagnosis.

I was diagnosed from an upper GI with small bowel follow-through test. Basically, you drink a barium solution and have a series of x-rays taken as it goes through your system. This will uncover areas that are narrowed and/or fistulas.

This test used to be done all the time, but I guess that it's fallen out of favor?

The colonoscopy and endoscopy that I had before my diagnosis showed nothing--because my Crohn's was restricted to my terminal ileum. It took five years and a CTscan to discover that I had CD and needed a resection. The CTscan is non-invasive, so it may be worth asking for. It is, however, insanely expensive--so make sure that your insurance will cover it before you agree to it.

The only tests I've had (and have repeated several times since being dx'd in 2001) are colonoscopy, upper GI series (small bowel follow through x-ray with barium) and complete blood work. The blood work has only had irregularities show up once but my colonoscopies and small bowel exams are always consistent with what I'm feeling. I have to say I dread and loathe them both, but consider them necessary evils.