Dear all,
Phew well here goes! This is the first time ive ever done anything like this ...Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I greatly appreciate any advice!
Since 2007 on average twice a year I had severe stomach pains, issues with diarrhoea and constipation, resulting in me needing a couple of weeks of work. These first bouts were diagnosed as increased stomach acid/upset stomach etc.
From 2009-2010 the bouts were getting worse, blood in my stools, continuous deep stomach pain (not even being able to get out of bed), constipation, diarrhoea, tiredness, unable to eat etc. I was then diagnosed with IBS and given various drugs, after each bout a new drug was given me when the old one failed to work. 2010 I was referred to a gastroenterologist, who did bloods stools and urine samples, told me they were all fine and kicked me back out the door.
2011- had more bouts. Novembers was particularly bad and I was off work for over 4 weeks. January 2012 I had another bout, which I managed to still go to work through and March this year saw me signed off for another 4 weeks. After Marchs episode I was referred to a different gastroenterologist who did the following tests. Bloods, urines and stools all came back normal. Endoscopy and celiac tests - normal. Colonoscopy - all clear in the colon but found lots and lots of ulcers and red/swollen areas. On the review with the consultant afterwards he explained that the biopsies of the large intestines came back as 'non specific inflammation' and he acknowledged that although he found ulcers he was reluctant to diagnose me with Chrons as I don't have the problems all the time and my current symptoms are not necessary all compatible with Chrons. He believes I have 'early onset of Chrons' and then gave me no further advice!
In may, I had another milder bout and went back to see the same consultant. I had an MRI scan of my smaller bowels which came back fine. After reviewing the results with the consultant his conclusions and advice were the same as previous.
Now 2 months later I have started another flare up. However this is one of the serious ones which I believe I may need signing off for again. I have made an appointment to go back and see the same consultant tomorrow but am unsure what to say or do???
Feel very depressed, lost and uninformed on the whole thing, and desperate for answers as I can't keep having all this time off work.
Apologies for the waffling and the inevitable life story!
Thanks in advance
Liz (25)
Phew well here goes! This is the first time ive ever done anything like this ...Thanks for taking the time to read this, and I greatly appreciate any advice!
Since 2007 on average twice a year I had severe stomach pains, issues with diarrhoea and constipation, resulting in me needing a couple of weeks of work. These first bouts were diagnosed as increased stomach acid/upset stomach etc.
From 2009-2010 the bouts were getting worse, blood in my stools, continuous deep stomach pain (not even being able to get out of bed), constipation, diarrhoea, tiredness, unable to eat etc. I was then diagnosed with IBS and given various drugs, after each bout a new drug was given me when the old one failed to work. 2010 I was referred to a gastroenterologist, who did bloods stools and urine samples, told me they were all fine and kicked me back out the door.
2011- had more bouts. Novembers was particularly bad and I was off work for over 4 weeks. January 2012 I had another bout, which I managed to still go to work through and March this year saw me signed off for another 4 weeks. After Marchs episode I was referred to a different gastroenterologist who did the following tests. Bloods, urines and stools all came back normal. Endoscopy and celiac tests - normal. Colonoscopy - all clear in the colon but found lots and lots of ulcers and red/swollen areas. On the review with the consultant afterwards he explained that the biopsies of the large intestines came back as 'non specific inflammation' and he acknowledged that although he found ulcers he was reluctant to diagnose me with Chrons as I don't have the problems all the time and my current symptoms are not necessary all compatible with Chrons. He believes I have 'early onset of Chrons' and then gave me no further advice!
In may, I had another milder bout and went back to see the same consultant. I had an MRI scan of my smaller bowels which came back fine. After reviewing the results with the consultant his conclusions and advice were the same as previous.
Now 2 months later I have started another flare up. However this is one of the serious ones which I believe I may need signing off for again. I have made an appointment to go back and see the same consultant tomorrow but am unsure what to say or do???
Feel very depressed, lost and uninformed on the whole thing, and desperate for answers as I can't keep having all this time off work.
Apologies for the waffling and the inevitable life story!
Thanks in advance
Liz (25)
