General discomforts and problems

[MrBellows]

Hi, this is the first time i've visited this site after having recently been to the doctors with several problems, not knowing if they're related, but i never really get any opinions from the doctors, all they seem to be doing is taking tests. So i thought i would post on here to see if i could actually get a useful response.

Ok, well when i was 14 i had bloody stools, this continued for a couple of years and it was something that i didnt feel i could talk to my parents about or want to get help with. This stopped when i was 16. I experienced deep pains in the abdominal area when i wore tighter trousers at school, like there was trapped gas. This would not be relieved until a few hours after school once i had changed into something more leisurely.
I'll skip forward to now as these symptoms persisted. I am getting very achy joints and a very bad back, all of which are relieved for roughly 45 minutes by "clicking" them. After eating and when i lie down i can see my abdomen moving to the rythym of my heartbeat. Also after eating i get bad shortness of breath, leaving me very anxious that there's something more serious going on.
I would really appreciate any advice from anyone.
Thanks.

[coughting]

There is a blood test for chrons gene.  This will definately show if it could be crhons.  First I would have a colonscopy.  Also a test where they put stuff into your colon and watch it go through.  This test showed I had chrons and the blood test show I have the gene.  
Yes, see a gatroenterologist and be tested.  Sounds a lot like chrons.

Jayne

[researchaholic]

Just wondering what particular tests your docs have done.  I agree with Ticked- you need an colonoscopy/endoscopy to rule out crohns,colitis, diverticulitis and other things not evident on blood tests.  I would start a detailed food diary, esp. since you have symptoms after you eat I would also ask for a h.pylori test and a celiac panel although some people can be gluten/wheat intolerant without having celiac disease.  If you are very thin it wouldn't be unusual to notice your heartbeat in your stomach but if that is a new development it could be (rarely) an abdominal anuerysym(sp?) Have you had weight loss? You are young to be having achy joints and back-are those worse in the am?  You might want to request a rheumatoid arthritis (rheumatoid factor) test.  If you do have a malabsorption or other gi problem, you could be difficient in numerous vitamins, mineral, electrolites that could be causing symptoms.  I can't tell from your post- are you still having blood in your stool?  Have your stools been normal (size, color,odor)?  That can give you a lot of clues.  Mostly- I would find out exactly what tests (and results) have been done and exactly what they think is wrong.  Would be interested to hear what you find out.  Good luck and Namaste

[ticked]

Okay so ask to have a colonscopy done.  Is there really blood tests for Crohns and Colitis?  I never new that..hmm

[MrBellows]

I had bloods taken for colitis as my mother has it, however it came back negative. They would've have looked for elevated monocytes i think, which would have also shown up chron's, i've just started studying biomedical science. neglected to say in the previous post that i also get bloated and experience sharp pains in various places in my abdomen.
and to ticked: im male so i don't think that applies :p

[ticked]

Have you been tested for Celiac, Colitis and crohns?  

Do you have bad menstrual cramps?

[dewdropjw]

You might try looking up crohn's disease on the internet and see if it fits any of your symptoms I thought of it  when I read about your symptoms my uncle had it and had similar symptoms I'm not sure that offers you any help but I thought I'd suggest it. Have you ever seen a gastroenterologist? I've seen two ,one was I am the doctor and your the patient type however I let him know yes he was the doctor but it was my body so I out rank you, the other was a woman and she was always nice and took the time to answer my questions which is the way they all should be but very few are. I hope the suggestion helps.