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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 8/18/2009 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,

I have written here before. I was recently at my GI dr's for severe lower to mid right quad. pain, diarrhea, and what felt like pain in low back/bladder area.

I had been to the ER SEVERAL TIMES and nothing came back other than blood in urine and some elevated platelet counts, white count a bit elevated and a low grade fever (100 deg).

GI dr. ran blood tests and the ASCA test came back suggesting Chrons disease. GI suspected it could very well be Chrons since some family members have it as well and I have all the syptoms.

Did colonoscopy and NOTHING showed up. Now DR. wants to do the Small bowel series, but i don't know if I should do that b/c I keep hearing the pill cam is the other best way to see Chrons.

Can anyone help me decide what to ask my Dr. about these tests???? I have been through so much testing lately (and over the past 5 years for many other problems) that I can't keep doing tests that arent' going to find anything. The PAIN I AM IN IS SOOOOOOOO BAD. Dr. has me on Vicodin right now to control the pain. However, I can't keep relying on that. I NEED A DIAGNOSIS. I can't keep living like this. I am confined to my home, and not really living ANY TYPE OF LIFE.

My husband is so sad seeing me like this. I haven't seen my friends in so long and can't even work a job. :(

Waiting on biopsy results from Colonoscopy too since I have heard sometimes that the biopsy results can show Chrons.

ANY ADVICE ON WHAT I SHOULD DO? Advice on if I should go thru w/ Small bowel or ask from Pill cam test first??

 

Posted 8/18/2009 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
I have had the pill cam test 3 times, and the SBFT more times than I can count. Personally, I have better results with the SBFT. The pill cam sometimes requires a prep, depending on your doctor, but the SBFT has the barium, so neither is ideal from that point of view. I think I would go with the doctors preference understanding that you might end up doing both test either way.
Posted 8/18/2009 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUGGESTION!!!! :)

julie
Posted 8/18/2009 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
I would do the pill cam to be honest. It is less invasive and you are not being exposed to any new bacteria. I am suprised that your doc would have you on Vicodin. Vicodin tends to be constipating for a lot of folks, and why complicate an already compromised bowel. Go to another GI and get what you need from that doctor. I wouldn't wait on it too long, untreated bowel probs only get worse without treatment. I wouldn't give you this advice were I not a nurse. I have seen what you are going through way too often. I know of a few wonderful GI docs in the Bay Area if you are local. Just post a reply and I can give you the name to the GI specialist that I saw. He has completely helped me with my dilemma (Celiac Disease). Feel better.
Posted 8/18/2009 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and thank you for the info. I do love this Dr. and have been with him for YEARS. HOwever, I do agree w/ you about how left untreated these probs can get much worse. I was surprised about the Vicodin too, however it does work on the pain as it is pretty severe at times.
I will see what he says about doing the pill cam instead. unfortunately he is not in the office for awhile b/c he is on vacation.
thanks again!
Julie
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