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Constipation vs Diarrhea

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 4/5/2023 8:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I've posted a few times. I was initially thought to have UC, but then the Dr started saying Crohns. The last biopsy stated indeterminant I believe (still haven't seen a report, but I see the Dr tomorrow).

Anyway, I ne ER get diarrhea any more. Back after my gallbladder was removed (2011) I did, but I am totally opposite now (have to take Linzess for IBS-C). I was getting urgency and feeling like I might get diarrhea but most of the time I don't get it. I'm taking Mesalamine and had Stelara in mid February. I'm just wondering if you can really have IBD if you never have diarrhea. I don't see blood either. I have had mucus, which seems to have cleared up. I'm just so confused. I do have major issues with digesting certain foods. I also have had Iritis (had to be treated in May 2020 & May 2022, but just in one eye and I've had sone unexplained joint pain.

I'm just wondering if I should even stay on Stelara if I do not have the diarrhea or bleeding (that O know of). I have had to get iron infusions for low iron/ferritin was 6, but I have had this issue since childhood. I know some said they do not have diarrhea either. Im just so confused. Not sure if I should stay on these meds.
Posted 4/6/2023 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
To answer your main question. You can certainly have IBD without experiencing diarrhea. You did state that your biopsies were "indeterminate", but yet they did start you on a treatment plan of Stelara.

As for your condition now, your symptoms may very well be controlled by the Stelara you're taking. Hard to say what your severity would be unless you were on no meds at all. I would consult with your GI and certainly question your scope results, or perhaps schedule another scope to see what changes have taken place post Stelara.

Low iron, (anemia), is a very common issue with IBDers. Usually when Crohn's is present in the TI section of the small intestine. Iron absorption is interfered with there.

Hope you can get further answers here, but particularly from your GI. Hope you're feeling better soon.
Posted 4/6/2023 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
I remember reading your posts in the UC forum & I posted to you a couple of times in that forum. 73Monte is correct about the diarrhea/constipation thing. People can have different symptoms with either disease.

I also remember you had spoken to one of your friends about Stelara & that friend told you a horrible story about someone that tried it & supposedly had a bad reaction. When I was first diagnosed with crohns years ago I was scared to death & scared of the medications used to treat the disease, this is normal. However, I am forever grateful that we have medications today to treat these diseases.

I suggest you sit down & have a talk with your gi dr. No one can stop you from going off medication, however, be up front with your dr. Usually when a person goes off of their medication within 6 months they end up in a bad flare & then it takes months to get things calmed down.

Good luck.
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