Do I do or do I don't

Good day to you all.  This is my first post and I am not sure where to begin.  In 1995 I was diagnosed with anal cist (is that how it's spelt?) and following many surgeries, procedures and tests the doctors have said that I may have Crohn's.  The bowel from time to time indicates this but the blood works always come back negative.  What are they testing for anyway?  All I know is that periodically I get boughts of frequent diahorrea with stomach cramps.  This coupled with anal surgery to repair the fistular I had in 1998 and the butcher that removed part of my muscle down below makes for a very uncomfortable life!  I also need to go to the toilet 5  - 6 times every morning before work.  Can anyone confirm / deny the doctors theory regarding my 'Crohns'?  In Germany the medical facilities treat Crohns differently from England, if you aren't sick with Crohns then you don't need regular reviews!  Never mind, maybe some countries.  TTFN.

[Thrill33]

I truly feel your pain. I was diagnosed with chron's a year ago. Since that time, it has been day to day. I have had nasty hemorrhoids (had to undergo a not so pleasant removal procedure), which has definitely made bowel control a challenge. The dr discovered a fistula during procedure, and implanted a drain to prevent  infection. Some mornings I must also use the bathroom 3-4 times before leaving for work. To make matters even better, I have developed mouth swelling, making it hard for me to talk and eat when it flares up. And my GI is pretty clueless - he actually told me that the mouth symptoms appeared to be Bell's palsy (neurological disorder). Had me so worried about it, I actually went to see a neurologist who quickly shot that theory down. I am now in the process of looking for a new GI who specializes in Chron's/UC. I have been on Asacol for over a year, and while  it helps symptoms, it does not do much to treat underlying disease. Also use probiotics (align and culturelle), which help withe the incontinence.

[CertaFide]

Hi, I can sympathize with your mouth problems and may have at least some way to alleviate your mouth problems.  I saw an ear, nose and throat specialist who prescribed Vitamin E Complex which works in soothing the mouth swelling and over sensitivity.  The complex normally comes in a powder form, a little like sherbet and you only need to take it for a few days before noticing a marked improvement.  As I say it is only a temporary resolution to the problem but it means I can eat 'normally' and experience less symptoms.  Worth giving it a try if nothing else.  Good luck.