Need Someone who knows about Crohns Disease - Crohn's Disease / Ulcerative Colitis Message Board

N2golf · 04-24-2003, 05:00 PM

I need some info on Crohns. Is it fatel? What are the symptoms? I read about it from Mayo clinic's site, but, the symptoms mimick other thing as well, so I thought I would ask someone who is in the medical field or someone who has it. I was told that if you have rectal bleeding with Crohns, you'll know it! It'll be in the toilet, on the toilet paper and in the BM...is that true? I was also told that you bleed often with Crohns...is that true? Do you have nausea, fatigue, fever, dizziness, lightheadedness???? I'm trying to differentciate the symptoms between Crohns and IBS, IBD, and even Colon cancer. They all have SOOO much similarites. Thanks for your response!!!

AA21 · 04-24-2003, 05:29 PM

It's only fatal in the most serious cases which is very very rare these days. As for the blood, you don't even have to have rectal bleeding with Crohn's. It depends on what part of your bowel is affected. If you do get rectal bleeding, there is no certain amount that you have to have. If you get mucus in the stools, a fever, diarrhea or loose stools, then these could be signs. Some people with Crohn's don't even get these, they might just have perianal disease with a fissure or fistula.

The only way to be certain that you have the disease is by getting an upper GI and a colonoscopy. A lot of diseases or conditions can mimic it.

AA21 · 04-24-2003, 05:32 PM

Also you can get nausea, and feel light-headed, and tired. A lot of people with Crohn's feel tired because they are anemic from losing so much blood, and from not having nutrients absorbed in their intestines. However, once again, this occurs with many other illnesses.

tattooedmonkey · 05-01-2003, 05:03 PM

I have Crohn's disease, a pretty serious case, and it is not fun. I bleed alot, horrible pain in the abdominal area, always weak, dizzy, tired, nausea every time I eat, you name it. My bowel is stricturing and my illeum is ulcerated. Probably won't get any better. Between prednisone and pain meds I keep it under control and can lead a half way normal life. Without them, my life can really suck!! Surgery is inevitable once the bowel scars more, but I'm trying to put it off as long as possible. With treatment, it can be controlled, but doctors are mystified by it. Often they push medicines on you that are extremely expensive that have side effects worse than the Crohn's. Getting it diagnosed is hard enough, have to have the colonoscopies, endoscopies, etc to make sure that is what you have. Hope this kind of lays it out... peace.

CrohnieToo · 05-02-2003, 06:55 AM

TatooedMonkey,

Has your gastroenterologist ever suggested Imuran or 6MP for your Crohn's disease? They are immune modulators that work specifically on the T-cells in the intestines.

I take it you have CD in the colon as well as the small intestine? Or just in the colon and the cecum/ileoceca valve area?

It sounds like you are steroid depenedent and the immune modulators are the ONLY hope for getting you off the steroids.

If you read this yet today 02 May there may be time yet for you to check the archives at the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America Ask the Specialist forum. Today is its last day. Yesterday was the last day you could post a question and today the Forum is shceduled to be GONE for good. It was still up and accessible at 7 AM today.

Good luck and God bless!