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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Can I be Sure I Don't Have Crohn's Disease?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Can I be Sure I Don't Have Crohn's Disease?
by laagme8, Mar 26, 2004 12:00AM
For about three months I was concerned that I had Crohn's disease, so I finally went for a colonoscopy and the doctor said my colon was perfect, he thinks it's just IBS. I researched on the internet and found that sometimes colonoscopies can miss Crohn's disease.
I called my doctor with my concern and he sent out paperwork for me to have a barium upper GI series. My question is, if this test comes back negative can I be fairly certain that I do not have Crohn's disease? I have read quite a few stories where doctors missed Crohn's disease even after all of these tests.
My symptoms include a change in bowel habits from once every other day to once a day (no diahrea, but very soft stools). I cannot seem to gain any weight...lost about 5 pounds over the last few months. A few times a day I get sharp pain in the right side of my stomach...under my naval.
What do you guys think? Could it be the early stages of Crohn's disease? I've heard it takes years for it to fully develop. Would these tests catch it in the very early stages? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Lisa
I called my doctor with my concern and he sent out paperwork for me to have a barium upper GI series. My question is, if this test comes back negative can I be fairly certain that I do not have Crohn's disease? I have read quite a few stories where doctors missed Crohn's disease even after all of these tests.
My symptoms include a change in bowel habits from once every other day to once a day (no diahrea, but very soft stools). I cannot seem to gain any weight...lost about 5 pounds over the last few months. A few times a day I get sharp pain in the right side of my stomach...under my naval.
What do you guys think? Could it be the early stages of Crohn's disease? I've heard it takes years for it to fully develop. Would these tests catch it in the very early stages? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Lisa
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Mar 29, 2004 12:00AM
, Mar 29, 2004 12:00AM
Crohn's disease can be difficult to diagnose, and can be missed by a colonoscopy. The upper GI series would be the most reasonable next step if this is suspected.
Capsule endoscopy can also be considered if Crohn's disease is still suspected despite negative tests. A number of autoantibodies have been detected in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, some of which may be clinically useful for establishing the diagnosis and differentiating Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis. Two of the most commonly used antibody tests are antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (P-ANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA).
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Bibliography:
Peppercorn. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Crohn's disease. UptoDate, 2004.
Capsule endoscopy can also be considered if Crohn's disease is still suspected despite negative tests. A number of autoantibodies have been detected in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, some of which may be clinically useful for establishing the diagnosis and differentiating Crohn's disease from ulcerative colitis. Two of the most commonly used antibody tests are antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (P-ANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA).
These options can be discussed with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
Bibliography:
Peppercorn. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of Crohn's disease. UptoDate, 2004.
