Can I have both Crohn's and Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

[mercurygirl31]

Help!

I have been researching on the internet to see if it's possible to have both these conditions, but have not found the answer.

History:  Was diagnosed in 2000 after weight loss of 20 pounds, bloody diarrhea, SEVERE cramping, fatigue, joint pain--w/Crohn's.  On Colonoscopy, there were focal ulcers.  I've been on Remicade, Prednisone, 6-mp, Asacol, etc!  There has been some relief; however, I continue to have excruciating cramps and diarrhea (not bloody), yet my repeat colonoscopy doesn't show anything except scarring from the previous ulcers.  

I'm at my wit's end trying to figure out why I am only partially responding to medication, as far as symptoms go, yet on testing everything appears okay. I'm beginning to think my physician thinks I'm nuts!

So, please, to the question--can it be possible to have both IBS and Crohn's?  Anyone else in the same situation?  Are there any tests available?

Thanks in advance,
Jill

[INALOTOFPAIN]

..........Reading from the "archives" in this site under both, Crohn's and IBS, Doctors "have great difficulty" in creating a precise diagnosis. They claim the following:

1- That weight loss is not consistent with IBS

2- That blood in the stools is consistent with Crohn's

3- That it is possible to have either or but not both

4- That the inflamation (inflammation) of your small intestines is the cause
   of your pain, diarrhea, and weight loss

5- That through a Small Bowel Enema (Enteroclysis) such in-
   flamation can be excluded therefore ruling out the possi-
   bility of IBS.

6- That a great majority of people with lactose intolerance
   are more likely to suffer from IBS

7- That you have got to hang in there, we are not crazy it is
   the desperation of this god damn disease that drives you nuts.

Hope that helps a bit......

[Dmarch]

I have also been told that I either have IBS or Crohn's but I have only specifically been diagnosed w/ IBS.  Usually what happens is that I eat something and within 30 min. I have terrible stomach cramps and horrible diareah.  I posted on another site earlier today about the drug colestid.  I started taking it 1 1/2 years ago and it has changed my life.  I take 1 gram per night before I go to bed.  If anyone suffers from terrible cramping, horrible diareah, back pain or adominal (abdominal) pain, then this will save your life.  If you have any questions, you can e-mail me at ***@****.

dmarch

[mercurygirl31]

Thank you to both of you for your helpful letters.  I have been through so much, like all of us it seems, and I am so grateful for your input :)

To INALOTOFPAIN: That was a fantastic list that truly helped me.  It's interesting to note that all this time, I've been through hell and back, yet only a colonoscopy has been done.  No inspection of my small intestine, yet the dx of Crohn's.  I guess if it was in my small intestine as well, it would explain why they can't find it anymore in my lower intestine.

To all of you:  I guess this disease has just frustrated me so much, because I've been hospitalized 5 times this year already with dehydration, diarrhea, and blinding cramps.  My doctor just looks at me and seems to imply that I must be imagining things or something, because someone with Crohn's doesn't get sick this often.  Well, geez, then if it's not Crohn's, then find out what it is and why I can't stay healthy.  I use to run marathons, cycle fervently, and now I'm just trying to get through a week.  UGH!  It's hard enough to deal with the physical part, but then the physician part, that is so trying for me.  I don't feel like I should have to convince someone, you know?  Plus I wonder why after 2 years, still no definitive diagnosis.

Okay, I've vented.  Thanks for reading!  And a big thank you to both of you for your help and posting.  I really appreciate any info you come across that you might think I could use.

My e-mail address is ***@****

Take care, and best of health straight to ya!

[katec]

My cousin and my best friend both have Crohn's and IBS, I have heard of many people who do, it is quite common because the system is under great stress because of the Crohn's, and stress is a major trigger for IBS.
Good Luck.

[woeisme]

I think you can have both. I beleive I do. Has anybody also had
twitching and spasms? I do and I wonder if it somehow related to
the crohnes. I am presently awaiting MRI of head and C spine but I expect nomral results. I get so tired. I owe it to my family to atleast do some minimal research. Thanks

[colitis42long]

I am a 38 year old female that has had ulcerative colitus for 15 years.  I have been hospitalized 4 times with it.  I went in yesterday for a routine colonoscopy to check and see how I was doing following a severe flare up.  I learned that I now have a stricture in my sigmoid colon that is so small it will no longer allow the scope to pass through.  I have a few options but the one I am leaning toward is removal of my colon.  My advise to anyone suffering with this terrible disease (or any other )is to find a good gastrointeroligist.  I went to the same Dr. for the fist 14 years and loved him!!  I continued to travel 150 miles on way after we moved 3 years ago because he was so good.  He retired in October and I was forced to find another Doctor.  It took me two attempts but I found another doctor that is wonderful!!  Don't stop looking until you find the doctor for you, you deserve that at least that much.