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Hi, I think I might have crohn's or IBD. I'm 25yo, female. What i thought was "IBS" has been getting worse and worse. It used to be that I could take lactose pills if i wanted to eat dairy, but they don't seem to work anymore, so i (tried) ti completely eliminate dairy from my diet. Also, I' ve been noticing that I'll get sick if I eat meat sometimes.. so i've been trying to avoid that. I usually get a "flare up" at least once a week, with shooting pains in my gut, and then I have to run to the bathroom. It usually lasts a couple hours. 3 weeks ago, I noticed dark black (blood) in my stool, so i made an appointment with my PCP, and she did some blood tests for bacteria and did a rectal exam where she reached up there and then swiped the poop on a piece of cardboard or something, to see if she could find blood. She didn't find anything then. Everything seemed normal--except for my symptoms, so she reffered me to a GI and i have that appointment next tues.

Just last night though, I got sick (i ate an auntie ann's pretzel), and there was bright red blood in my stool-- I've never had that before and I got really scared and started crying. I have my appointment next tues, so I don't know if this can wait until then or not.

Do people with crohn's get this often?

I called the GI office where i will be going, and they said to go to the ER if it gets worse. Does that mean, more of the same, or if it's gushing out?? EVer since last night my gut has felt just sore. I'm scared to death of going to the bathroom again :*(

I'm trying to prepare myself for the line up of procedures/tests that I will have to undergo.. and i'm scared to death!! My husband is trying to be supportive, but I don't think he knows what to do. THis is so crappy because I'm in school, and i'm having trouble focusing when i have to worry about this.

Welcome to the board stephanie there are alot of people your age or around it on this board. Im 22 but will be 23 friday woot! It is good that you have an appointment scheduled so you can figure out what is going on and get it under control. There are alot of tests that you may have to undergo but of all the one I had to do there was no reason to worry. The worst thing for any of them is the prep which usually is just some discusting drink. As far as the blood goes, I am a bleeder. Just keep in mind tat the water makes it look alot worse than it is. Good luck on Tuesday let us know how everything goes. -Jason

also, i had a hard time getting through the holiday (thanksgiving). i brought my own semi-safe type food with me. my inlaws were not very receptive, even though my husband had called them prior and told them that i've been having stomach problems and it's not a personal attack!

how do u guys cope with the holidays and food??

First of all, blood with the poo is common. It can be due to a few different things.
As far as food, my friends and family are used to me being difficult, as I not only have Crohn's, but I'm a vegetarian. They've all adapted and I talk to them in advance and ask them if they'd like me to bring something, thereby being courteous AND knowing that I'll have at least one thing that won't kill me.

Like someone else said, each person's disease is different. It may get better, worse or stay the same. Your symptoms will vary and you'll have to figure out what treatment works best for you.

As for the sex...I'm right there with ya. NO sex drive, but luckily my husband is a very understanding man.

Make sure your doctor LISTENS to you and that you understand the answers to your questions!

Best of Luck,
Claudia