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New Guy (Me!)

D

Doc

Guest
Hello, I'm Doc. No, I'm not a doctor, it's a nick I picked up in college.

I'm 20, I've had chronic back pain since 2005, with no helpful explanation. Over the last year or so, I've developed the symptoms of IBD and RA, leading my GI specialist and Orthopedic surgeon to believe I either have Crohn's or a combination of RA and IBD. I'm being tested over the next two weeks to determine what's up.

I'm a sophomore in college, I did a year at the Word of Life Bible Ins't, and am now home and attending Wester Governor's U. online for Social Science and Education.

I know a lot about meds, and if I don't know it already, I can probably find out, so feel free to ask me stuff on that subject.
 
hi doc, and welcome to the forum :)

sorry to hear about the numerous health issues you're suffering from. it could well that your GI is right, and all these conditions tie up into one diagnosis. good luck with the tests, and let us know how you get on.

and thanks for the kind offer to help with meds info. :)
 

Kev

Senior Member
Hey Doc... We meet again... Hmmm, have they bloodtested/imaged you for any pancreatitic issues? Couple reasons I toss that out.. (based on personal issues)

First, crohns can access gallbladder (leading to liver, pancreas or both issues) via common bile duct. Pancreas issues can sneak up on one... but pancreatitic cysts from same can cause extreme back pain... all depends on where the cyst develops. Been there, done that... Elevated enzyme levels in bloodtest are one indicator. Diagnostic imaging can be another... x-rays N ultrasounds aren't the most reliable ways to see if any cysts are there... usually require CT or MRI. But the bloodwork screen is the 1st step... It's a longshot, but if you are going to have bloodwork done anyway, wouldn't hurt to ask if it's being tested for, and if it isn't .. then request it is (unless 'they' offer a darn good reason for why not)

Speaking of imaging, the RA issues... those are from all over, specific sites, or in the back? Images of RA, unlike Osteo, are pretty blatant, with radical changes over time... Ask your ortho or rheumo for copies of any images they gather.. I gather that the damage to the afflicted joints is severe enuff already that you are seeing an ortho surgeon as opposed to a rheumotologist. Surgery in the near future? Too late for immuno suppressors or even a radical gold therapy?

All the best. Good luck with the tests. Let us know how you make out, okay?
 
Welcome to the forum.

Sounds like some typical symptoms, but the testing should take care of a diagnosis.

Hope it turns out it is something more desirable. I hope they check for Spondylitis.

Dan
 
D

Doc

Guest
As to the RA symptoms, it has been centralized in my back for years, but has recently spread to mt hips, shoulders, elbows, knees and fingers. Thank you all for your support, I see my Rheumatologist in 45 minutes, bloodwork probably later today.
 
R

RYANP

Guest
hey,
I have both crohns and ankylosing spondylitis, the as was diagnosed after nearly 10 years of miss diagnosis as it is apparently easy to do. get them to check for as to see if you have the gene by a blood test. crohns and as are a common gene pool so you may have both like me ;-)
regards
ryan
 
M

Methofelis

Guest
Welcome. Good luck with the tests today.

They believe I have some form of arthritis as well (probably RA) that goes along with my Crohn's. It is also in my lower back/hips/knees left shoulder and left hand.

Hope you like it here.
 
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