IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CROHNS RELAPSE WITH BLOOD, MUCUS AND DIARRHEA BUT NO CRAMPING?
I am a 47 year old woman who was surprisingly diagnosed with Crohns Disease at age 35. I had experienced abdominal cramping and loose stools for many years (since childhood) but, at the time, there wasn't a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so I was told I had "spastic colon," etc. Later, without benefit of a colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (which I do agree is probably part of my problem). However, when I suddenly started passing large amounts of blood, I did undergo a colonoscopy which indicated Crohns Disease. I later found out, that because of my very strong family history of colon cancer on both sides of my family, that I should've had a colonoscopy even before the age of 35.
My last colonoscopy about 1 1/2 years ago showed no active disease, and for the most part, except for episodes which I do feel are more IBS rather than IBD, I've been doing okay. Now, for the past couple of weeks, I have suddenly started passing a lot of gas, diarrhea, bright red blood, and a LOT of mucus. And, what seems weird to me, is that the smell of my diarrhea and gas is extremely foul (not saying that any of that is pleasant, but this has a very, distinct, foul odor). But here's the kicker: I don't have any cramping. That may sound great, but the fact is, I know have no warning either! I'm not waking up with cramps or diarrhea, but I lose some stool, mucus and blood which I stand up or bend over. This has become very disturbing to me and I'm afraid to leave my home--just as I feel when my Crohns disease was active.
Has anyone experienced a Crohns relapse without the cramping? I know the obvious answer is to call my GI doc and I will do this on Monday, but I'm really worried about this. The mucus and extremely foul odor is a bit new to me. The only other problem I've had which I have been told can be a part of Crohns is my frequent mouth ulcers. I am prescribed Mary's Magic Mouthwash for those, and the mouth ulcers clear up very quickly.
If anyone can advise me, I'd so much appreciate it!