New- Crohns

I started having problems with my stomach in late Nov 07, lots of D and a fever for a couple of days.  3-4 days later I started to have stomach cramps which were followed by a feeling of being really full after eating only small amounts.  These symptoms lasted a couple of weeks and then went away.  On Jan 3, 08 I woke up in the middle of the night with SEVERE cramps and D and a little vomiting.  Since that time the bloating feeling has come back.  I went to the Dr. and had CT with dye, Xrays, blood tests, and ultrasound, none of which showed anything. 

 

Finally last week I had a upper and lower scope.  The upper showed nothing but the lower showed a significant narrowing at the Ileum.  As many poster here stated they could not get the tube through.  A couple of biopsies were taken and I am nervously awaiting the results.  The Dr. does not think it is CD because I do not have D on a regular basis, I think he is leaning towards cancer.  But I notice there are several people on this site that do not have problems with D. Also my bowels have gotten thinner probably due to the blockage

 

Note I am 41 with no prior gastro problems before the Nov incident.  Also I live in Tokyo.

 

Please provide your thoughts and insights

Post Edited (Lou66) : 2/2/2008 7:31:43 AM (GMT-7)

I have never had D per say in the sense of loose stools, but D can also mean frequent stools. I lean towards constipation, so hang in there until the biopsies come back.

Oh please don't think of the worst. I had problems off and on for 13 years before an official diagnosis was finally given me of CD. I too had narrowing at the terminal ileum that they caught during an upper scope. Biopsy from the lower scope revealed the CD....but I had only had D once in those entire 13 years. I would instead of episodes of fever and chills, some cramping at times severe, but it would always go away after a few days....therefore everyone tended to think it was all stress, and "in my head" ......My worst "flares" prior to diagnosis was during my second pregnancy but baby was born at 8 lbs and perfect.
My prayers are with you....that you may get the "all clear" .
Mary

I received the biopsy results and they were inconclusive, no crohns or cancer. However, since my terminal ileum was shut so they were unable to see or grab anything in there. My Japanese Dr. is recommending resection of the terminal ileum.

I am really starting to shut down but I am scheduled to fly from Tokyo to Seattle tomorrow where I will be immediately admitted to a hospital.  Hopefully I can make it.  Any suggestions, like should I risk flying?

Also any suggestions on over the counter stuff that might help free me up a little?

Thanks for all of your support!

I agree with the above, try not to eat anything, except for liquids and I'm sure you already thought of getting an aisle seat if it was available.

My daughter never gets D but does have narrowing at the terminal ileum.

Your ileum can be blocked due to swelling and inflammation, Did the Japanese doc put you on any meds like steroids? You may be able to take meds if crohn's is suspected. A small bowel follow thru can tell about how long the blockage is and the diameter of the lumen most times. Yes, fly and get back here ASAP. Staying on liquids is the best idea. Anyway, glad there is no cancer and keep us informed of the US opinion.