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10 years undiagnosed
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asphaltcwgirl posted:
I have been having "flares" and symptoms for 10 years now, I'm 28 years old and it's finally gotten to the point that I had to find a specialist. I have had many many minor flares, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and pain in my lower stomach by my left hip. I have had 2 MAJOR flares, the most recent one being now. The last one caused me to undergo an exploratory surgery looking for endometriosis. They thought there was something wrong with my uterus and didn't even look at my digestive system. This flare has been so bad I've had symptoms I'd never seen before, including "canker sores", really painful ulcers in my mouth and back of my throat. I wound up going to the ER and the doctor told me what my GI and I already suspect, that every symptom is indicative of Crohn's. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for August 9th, it's the third time trying to do it, I couldn't stomach their solution the first time and the second time I didn't have a ride. This time I'm determined it has to get done one way or the other. I've gotten so sick it's unbelievable. The ER doctor told me to go gluten free for at least 6 wks. What worries me is it now looks like I'm lactose intolerant, since I went gluten free a week ago I increased my milk intake. Since I've done that I've had all the symptoms of lactose intolerance. I'm so lost and frustrated right now, I guess I'm just hoping I'm not the only one and maybe someone has some insight for me.
2 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:10 years undiagnosedI have been having "flares" and symptoms for 10 years now, I'm 28 years old and it's finally gotten to the point that I had to find a specialist. I have had many many minor flares, diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss and pain in my lower stomach by my left hip. I have had 2 MAJOR flares, the most recent one being now. The last one caused me to undergo an exploratory surgery looking for endometriosis. They thought there was something wrong with my uterus and didn't even look at my digestive system. This flare has been so bad I've had symptoms I'd never seen before, including "canker sores", really painful ulcers in my mouth and back of my throat. I wound up going to the ER and the doctor told me what my GI and I already suspect, that every symptom is indicative of Crohn's. I have a colonoscopy scheduled for August 9th, it's the third time trying to do it, I couldn't stomach their solution the first time and the second time I didn't have a ride. This time I'm determined it has to get done one way or the other. I've gotten so sick it's unbelievable. The ER doctor told me to go gluten free for at least 6 wks. What worries me is it now looks like I'm lactose intolerant, since I went gluten free a week ago I increased my milk intake. Since I've done that I've had all the symptoms of lactose intolerance. I'm so lost and frustrated right now, I guess I'm just hoping I'm not the only one and maybe someone has some insight for me.
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Miserable_SOB responded:
Your symptoms differ a little than mine did when I had Ulcerative Colitis. Crohns has a lot in common with Ulcerative Colitis except it can hit you in more than one spot, unlike Ulcerative Colitis. What's weird is, since you mentioned being lactose intolerant, I do believe I became lactose intolerant right when my Ulcerative Colitis began. I couldn't separate the 2 because of that as the time. I did have more flare ups then too than I can remember. Hospitalization was the only way to cure them too. I became frustrated too and settled for a J Pouch. It's a compromise to lose your colon, but it does have its good points too. I don't believe J Pouch surgery would be helpful in your case though.
Report This| Share this:10 years undiagnosedYour symptoms differ a little than mine did when I had Ulcerative Colitis. Crohns has a lot in common with Ulcerative Colitis except it can hit you in more than one spot, unlike Ulcerative Colitis. What's weird is, since you mentioned being lactose intolerant, I do believe I became lactose intolerant right when my Ulcerative Colitis began. I couldn't separate the 2 because of that as the time. I did have more flare ups then too than I can remember. Hospitalization was the only way to cure them too. I became frustrated too and settled for a J Pouch. It's a compromise to lose your colon, but it does have its good points too. I don't believe J Pouch surgery would be helpful in your case though.
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HannahLeigh89 responded:
It's very common for people with digestive disorders to have trouble with dairy products. Unless you have a problem like Celiacs or something, gluten free shouldn't really help you that much. Have you been tested for Celiacs?
Report This| Share this:10 years undiagnosedIt's very common for people with digestive disorders to have trouble with dairy products. Unless you have a problem like Celiacs or something, gluten free shouldn't really help you that much. Have you been tested for Celiacs?
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