Sorta Newbie?

Hiya!

Well, I am usually not around this forum. I'm typically over in colitis world, because up until my last doctor's visit, I thought that's what I had. Now, we're not so sure. According to my latest visit, the guess is that I actually have regional enteritis of the large intestine. Which, from what I've read, is Crohn's. I haven't been able to talk to my doctor about it yet...I just found it on a slip sent to me for a blood test (talks about my dx being B12 deficiency and Crohn's). Then, I went online to read the records (I can see everything...good and bad!), and found the "regional enteritis of the lg intestine". I googled around, and found out what's what. So, I think I know why my doctor responded strangely to my previous dr's diagnosis of colitis! (This is a new doc, by the way! Sorry, I should've clarified that earlier :) ) So, I'm popping in here for a bit while I wait for my next colonoscopy, hoping to get some new answers so I'm a little more prepared if I do find out it's Crohns.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed it's not, but I've done a little reading on reputable sites, and everything seems to make more sense. I have arthritis, inflammation issues, and now, I suffer from heartburn. It seems that all of those things are more prone to occur with Crohns. So, I hope y'all don't mind if I lurk around a bit and ask some questions. I'm a little scared that it *is* actually Crohns, because I guess in my mind, Crohns is a game I don't want to play. At least with colitis, I could take my colon out, and be done. With Crohns, not so much. So, thanks for letting me ramble here. I'm hoping I'm just worrying about nothing, and that his diagnosis is wrong...but he's apparently one of the best around, so if anyone will know, I think it will be him.

So, hello all! :) Nice to meet ya! :)

Hi girlzilla! I am also one who took a while to be "labeled," and I'm not even sure my GI would agree that the evidence is conclusively Crohn's. But, like you, my issues are all over my GI tract. Personally I found the UC possiblity more frightening than the Crohn's - isn't that funny? I was focused on the increased risk of colon cancer with UC. But I guess when you have chronic inflammation cancer is a risk, no matter what the "name" of the inflammation is. I've given up trying to worry about the label and have focused on managing the thing, whatever it's called.

I notice in your sig that you're still using aspirin to treat headaches. I'd recommend you stick to tylenol - aspirin, like other NSAIDs, is a likely trigger for IBD. I will occasionally pop a naproxen for really awful headaches or joint pain, but only one, and only that one day. If your headaches are really bad and last several days, please talk to your GP about getting treated with migraine meds that are not NSAIDs.

Welcome!