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Diagnosis and symptoms

Hi,

I am new to this forum and would like some assisatance. I am curious as to the symptoms people suffer and over what period prior to a diagnosis of IBD?

And also can a diagnosis be made from blood tests and stool tests or only from internal examination?

I have had no prior symptoms until the last year where I developed problems with soft stools most days, and occasional D, very loud rumbling in stomach then developed and intermittent ache and pain in knees. On the first day I had D on one day about a year ago and problems happened since. Only occasional minor pain, no weight loss, no temperature.

Blood tests and stool tests show normal. Doctor said that intermittent ache in joints is wear and tear of getting old, I am over 40 but not old, and will come and go with stress. Doctor said that if I had IBD I would look and feel very ill but he thinks I look fine.

Do I have IBD or something else, will it get worse, should I insist on more tests? Am I worrying for nothing?
 
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Crohn's 35

Inactive Account
:welcome: Northerner to the forum! Sometimes it really helps what country you are in. That way people in your area can maybe more specific and can help you. Sounds like you could have problems but more likely could be a spastic colon. But that is a syndrome not a disease. Some people get arthritis a lot younger , depends on your lifestyle and hereditary factors. With Crohns disease there is no specific test to guarantee a diagnosis, some are better than others, but some one could direct you in your area. Having seen a Gi would be your best bet for a diagnosis, alot of GP's are not overly informative about it. It is a myth that everyone looks sickly and there fore his or her knowledge in Crohns is very limited. Many people have symptoms and have years of testing and still don't know. Pain is not always present, and early in the disease can be like playing hide and seek. Everyone is different, but sticking to a low residue diet and avoid dairy could lessen your symptoms. Worrying is stress, and stress will bring on alot of issues. You could have lactose, gluten intollerance , diverticulosis, spasms. Sorry I am not much help. Hope you get some answers soon. Welcome aboard.
 

Astra

Moderator
Hi Northerner
and welcome

Your doctor is very helpful isn't he? NOT!
You've not got an IBD cos you look fine? I look fine too! Bleeding quack!
ok, time to see an IBD specialist methinks!
First demand a referral to gastro, then let them decide on what tests, colonoscopy with biopsies, endoscopy, barium meal xray etc, bloods can't dx alone.
There are so many variants of this disease, it's hard to diagnose, but joint pain can be one of them, I've got that too, it's a Crohnie thang!
glad you found us, lots of support here, any questions, fire away.
lotsa luv
Joan xxx
 

Dexky

To save time...Ask Dusty!
Location
Kentucky
Hi Northerner, welcome!! If your pain is ongoing then you should definitely seek more testing to find out what is wrong and what can be done to alleviate the symptoms. If you let it continue, it could get much worse and result in more drastic measures to control it. Good luck!! I hope you get solid answers whatever tests you have done!! Unfortunately, it isn't always the case!!!
 
Hiya Northerner!
Welcome to the forum! I'm still new to Crohn's/IBD. And some days I think, na, I dont have anything wrong with me. Then reality sets in, and bam.. i get sick, feel fatigued, and my body goes nuts.. :) It's amazing the amount of information you will find here! Wonderful group filled with wonderful people!.. Not everyone suffers the same exact way, but we all do in one way or another. Please stick around, and I hope you find all the answers you have been looking for. And I agree with Pen, Joan, and Mark!! Get some testing done! It will give you some peace of mind, and may point you in a direction for some relief.
Best Wishes!! :hug:
 

DustyKat

Super Moderator
Hi Northener and :welcome:

My daughter had symptoms for 18 months that we know of and it was primarily upper abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss and headaches but she also had knee pain. These were all intermittent until about 1 week prior to emergency surgery. All her tests were normal so don't be put off by this, if you think something is wrong then it most likely is. If I were you I would pursue the testing.

I can't say I've ever been able to look at someone and know they had Crohns Disease. ;) My daughter did look ill but they still couldn't put their finger on her problems.

It may be a good idea to keep a diary, it is so much easier to track your symptoms and triggers this way.....

http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Diary-Inclusions

Stick around 'cause this a great place for support and info and please keep us posted on your progress. Good luck and welcome aboard!

All the best, :)
Dusty
 
Northerner,

If you are experiencing pain or are just doing poorly you should definitely push for testing to see what it is whether it is IBD or something else. You have a right to live a healthy life and settling and not doing all you can to figure it out just to suffer isn't a way to go through life. I went through 15 years of life suffering from bathroom issues because I thought I was being a baby and making a bigger deal out of nothing, but come to find out I have crohn's disease and I've been properly diagnosed for two years now. I'd reccomend getting a CT scan with contrast and a colonoscopy/endoscopy done so that they can really see the extent of your bowels and what is going on inside them. You really need to be able to see internally I think to make a diagnosis of IBD. Good luck to you and your search for answers.
 
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