I have had Crohn's for 38 yrs, stable on weekly injections of 12.5mg methotrexate. Last 6-7 weeks suddenly got severe nausea,total loss of appetite, weight loss 14 lbs, bloating, steatorrhea, pain under right ribs spreading to right armpit,shoulder and neck after eating and pain in lower abdomen.I saw my gastro 2 weeks ago and he has ordered a CT scan of pelvis,abdomen,liver and pancreas June 26th, and an upper endoscopy under sedation 9th July. I see him in clinic 9th July for results. Meantime he has prescribed domperidone for the nausea and omeprazole in case ulcers in the mall intestine are the cause. I had an MRI Nov 2007 where 2 strictures were found in my small intestine (through adhesions), but I was asymptomatic, and nothing done. Don't really know why gastro ordered the MRI as I was doing well.
I am pretty convinced these symptoms are not a Crohn's flare, as I do not have diarrhea or a raised temperature. I also have slight constipation and unable to have a movement some days. What are the dx possibilities for these symptoms? Could it be pancreatitis (not had it before) or could the strictures be causing a partial blockage? Colon cancer has of course occurred to me, as my father died of this aged 59 yrs, and I am therefore at very high risk of cc, having Crohn's for so long, and father's cancer.
I also have breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma, stage and grade 2, 2 cm tumour with DCIS, with spread to the lymph nodes, had lumpectomy and total axillary removal, 6 x FEC chemo, 25 rads, on Arimidex for 4 yrs but stopped it recently due to bone pains and low bone density, on advice of my GP. I am currently waiting an appt with a new bc Oncologist for alternative adjuvant bc medication, as mine retired last year. My research, and experience of other bc ladies, leads me to believe that if the bc is going to metastasise, it is usually to the bones,lung, or liver and occasionally, the brain. Could it be possible for my bc to have spread to my intestines? (I have intractable PanCrohn's Colitis)
My mind is in a whirl.....I have a very positive attitude towards my diseases and believe I can cope with anything - just need a diagnosis, let me know what to do, and get it fixed please!
Any advice and/or experience with these symptoms will be most appreciated.
Liz,in England.