No, GI doc did not do a biopsy because the illeum was so constricted, he could not get the scope to the area to do it. Since that is a symptom of Crohn's, that's why he said it is "probably" Crohn's. Because he cannot say I definitely have it, I asked him if I could stop the steroids. He agreed, and prescribed something else...WelChol. It is typically used to lower cholesterol, but can also help with IBS symptoms. I have to see him again in a month, and if I cannot get a clearer picture of what's going on, I will ask my Oncologist to refer me to the teaching hospital where I had my TAH. Thanks for telling me about the blood test. I will ask him about that next month.
Gail :)
Thank God, I've never had Crohn's. However, early on in the testing on the mass that will be removed next week, the docs were saying that it's possible that I had IBS. I'm still frustrated at similar IBS and ovca can be.
Enjoy the beautiful weather!
peace,
Anne
You cannot be diagnosed with Crohn's without a biopsy of the area that is in question. Check to see if your doctor took a biopsy or not. I was told that I probably had Crohn's too and was treated with steroids for awhile then went on a sulpher medication. Several years later I went on anti-depressents after my mom died and my intestional problems calmed down. (It's ow 20 years later) On my recent vistit to my liver doctor (have polycystic liver disease- no more room for them to grow) and after a colonoscopy which was fine I questioned him about Crohn's since my test was fine. Crohn's can be dorment and may not show up during a colonoscopy so he took blood and sent it to a lab in California it took over 3 weeks for the results. I do not have Crohn's disease and never did!!!!!
Ask your GI doctor about the blood test before you keep taking steriods- hope this helps- Kathy
Just curious...have either of you been diagnosed with Crohn's? I see my GI this afternoon. He did a colonoscopy about a month ago and his best guess is that I "probably have Crohn's." Saw my Onc. this morning, and he is unhappy with the treatment regimen the GI put me on, and wants me to get a second opinion at a teaching hospital where he feels I would get a better diagnosis. My Onc. doesn't like the fact that I am on steriods for the Crohn's. If you do have it, what treatment are you getting?
Thanks....
Gail :)
I'm a big supporter of taking/making notes. Get a small memo pad and just write everything down. If you can't get someone to accompany you on visits, that's a big help. Of course, it's a great thing when getting information over the phone, too. As far as the bp going up with age...not too sure about that. I was really excited about hitting 50...now, well...I'm still "trying" to be excited.
peace,
Anne
Yes, same with me. They did not elaborate though, I presume it's the pain and/or stress. But I wonder if it goes up as you age ?When I see my gyn I'm going to ask about that...well, if I remember...have lost my ability to remember much so that's a problem too!
Just curious...did they give you any insight as to why the bp is up? Mine is normally very low. For the past 2 months or so, it's uncharacteristicallly very high. They keep telling me its because I'm in pain. Somehow, I think they could come up with a better reason.
peace,
Anne