I am in remission of Crohn's, But have several major problems?

[mitzicollins]

I had 5 feet of large and 11 of small intestines removed back in 1992. I have had chronic diarrhea for the past 12 years. up till this year i had a great tolerance for the pain and cramping. I have had light test ran every 6 months. Nothing shows up. When I was sick in 1992 all my symptoms were pain, fever, and nausea. When they did exploratory surgery on me they found large tumors filled with liquid, that’s way they said they did not show up on the x-rays they ran on me. They removed some kind of valve; I don’t know what it does.

Here are my questions. Why is the diarrhea so bad? I go about 10 to 20 times a day. I have tryed every med. known to man. Nothing works.

As much as I go to the bathroom, shouldn’t I be loosing weight? I stay the same. I eat all the time cause I feel empty, cause I am. I am bloated all the time. One day I wear on size and the next another. WHY?

Is depression part of it? Cause I have it.

I am sleepy all the time. I can’t sleep at night. I am up on the toilet several times a night. I am fatigued all day every day. Why?

My eyesight has gotten worse. Why?

My stool is sometimes like pond scum and sometimes like sand. Why?

I have heartburn at least 3 times a week. Why?

I have colds and sinus problems. I catch at least 2 cold a month. And stay stuffed up once a month. Why?

Why do I have excessive gas? It’s embarrassing.

Please help me, I have lost my insurance because I had to quit work. The last time I visited the dr. He told me I was Cured of Crohn's. I think he is stupid. Even I know there is no cure only remission. But, it would be nice. He blames it all on .
Malabsorption. I don't have any way to go back and see him. No Money!!!!

I am at my witts end. I can't take it much longer. HELP ME PLEASE!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) It is unclear why the diarrhea is so bad (at least without me examining you).  Recurrent inflammatory bowel disease and malabsorption certainly may be possibilities.  A repeat colonoscopy as well as tests for fecal fat can be considered.

2) Weight loss typically occurs with increased diarrhea, but not always.  In these cases, you are likely taking in as much as you are putting out.

3) Many causes for fatigue.  I would start with a thyroid test and blood tests looking for anemia, liver and kidney dieases.

4) Depression can certainly contribute to your symptoms.

5) Unclear why the eyesight has worsened - I would suggest a referral to a ophthomologist for further evaluation.

6) Changes to the stool texture can be due to malabsorption.  In addition to the fecal fat test, you can consider a blood test looking for celiac disease.  

7) GERD, as well as ulcers and inflammation of the upper digestive tract can cause heartburn-like symptoms.  An upper GI series would be a reasonable place to start.

8) Chronic sinusitis can be a possibility.  To accurately diagnose this, plain films of the sinuses or a sinus CT can be considered.

9) Excess gas can be due to dyspepsia (i.e. GERD, ulcers, or inflammation of the upper digestive tract), malabsorption, or IBS amongst other causes.  The tests mentioned previously can help in the evaluation.

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.

[yoshi]

did they test you for yeast infection??

[mitzicollins]

Yes, on the yeast infection question, I also had something called Yersenia found in the intestines they removed. I don't even know what that is.

[unlike me]

I have a very similar history of crohns. Can I ask if you have taken steriods for long periods of time during your flare ups?
I will explain more if you confirm this. Crohns can lead to a vicious cycle of complications.

I hope I can shed some insight.