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When to speak up about a mild flare?

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Posted 5/11/2016 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
I don't know if it's due to the always-rushed nature of my GI or my silly concern about being an annoyance...

I *think* I'm experiencing (very mild) symptoms of a flare (been going on for a month or so.) I'm losing weight, I have no appetite, I have intermittent mild lower back joint pain, and my gums are sensitive/bleeding and were swollen last week. D is once a day if that, so that's not too bad.

I'm not horribly uncomfortable and wonder if I should just ride it out or if I need to say something to my GI. I'm a little worried I dont read my body well...the only time I know I flared was when I was diagnosed in '14 and I didn't get help until I had a large abdominal abscess which resulted in the placement of a drain and a fun stint with sepsis.

Do you reach out to your GI when you think you are flaring even if it's mild? Or do you wait until you're concerned and/or need help with very bothersome symptoms? I'm thinking this will just pass with a bit more time. Any thoughts?

((I realize I shouldn't be timid with my doc but he doesn't have the best bedside manner or communication skills -- so I'm searching for a new doc.))
Posted 5/12/2016 12:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Foster...you will likely hear a few times that you should find a new GI. It sounds like you are not entirely comfortable with yours and I feel it is very important to have a good "working relationship" with your GI. I had one with a bad bedside manner and it did not help in taking care of myself.

That being said...I can't really say what is a mild flare for you. But, losing weight would be more than a mild flare for me (depending on how much and how long this has been going on). From the tone of your post and my instinct alone, I would say it's time to talk about all of these issues with your GI. I say that...knowing that I usually wait too long to see my GI...so take me with a grain of salt :-)

I don't know what meds you are on, how regularly you are seeing your doc, and what type of Crohns symptoms are usual for you. Just the things you describe would make me at least start planning a visit.

Take Care
Posted 5/12/2016 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Since you've had indications of a flare that's making you lose weight, it's probably time for an appointment. I know how you feel, though. I've had doctors who lacked common courtesy, and where I live, there are only so many GIs to choose from.

Post Edited (JaSanne) : 5/12/2016 2:27:36 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/12/2016 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both. I feel like it's a silly question but I don't have a ton of experience with this disease and don't really know when to act or when it's best to sit back and see what happens. I don't want to be a nuisance patient but I don't want my insides to melt like last time haha. ;)

A "mild flare" is probably something most folks on this forum would be SO HAPPY to be dealing with.
Posted 5/13/2016 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
It was a perfectly logical question, and even for veteran Crohn's patient like myself, sometimes it's hard to know when it's time to seek help.
Posted 5/13/2016 7:55 PM (GMT 0)
Foster - not a silly question. Heck I have had this over 25 years and I still wonder if I should go to ER or not, if I'm really flaring or have a cold, and a myriad of other questions. It would be so much more simple if we all had those kind of answers.
Take Care
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