Obesity and crohn's co-exisiting?

[susanrbaker]

I have been through a lengthy dx for CD. I had a peri-anal fistulotomy with a 6 week seton stitch placement (ouch), followed by several bouts of episcleritis, 70 lb weigh loss, hospitalizations for dehydration and upper rt quad. ab. pain. Even with the weight loss, I am still considered obese at 240 lbs at 5 foot 10. Capsule endoscopy looks good (it took so long to schedule I was asymptomatic at testing), MRI showed no strictures. GI doc at an Atlanta University hospital diagnosed my with Crohn's after Prometheus pannel was positive and I started 6 mp with some improvement. Still bouts of n/v and diarrhea with pain, urgency and cramping. Peri-anal fistula surgically closed has reopened twice. My dr. in my hometown is skeptical of the CD diagnosis given my weight. Emory says yes... dr. here says possibly. What do you think- btw.. strong family history of crohn's; my mother has extensive fistulas, anal disease, and surgeries- she was diagnosed in her twenties, me in my thirties. So.. What do you think? Obese crohn's patient. I have had some improvement with the 6MP but would like to try methotrexate with the return of the fistula and occasional flares.... any thoughts?

[coughting]

No, weight loss is a symptom of the flare up.  Chrons and obesity don't go together when the chrons is active (flare up).  

[pearl19]

So loosing weight helped with the flare ups?

I was just diagnosed with chrons...I'm 20, 5'1 and 215 lbs. Usually chrons abd obesity don't go together. I used to weigh 250, and I am still loosing and I wanted to know if your weight loss helped you.

[kimburge]

I was DX at 12 and my weight goes up and down with my disease flare up's before my resection I was 210 5'7 and now 148 and loosing

[jennybunny]

I'd say if the promethus came back as crohn's, then that's most likely the situation.  That test doesn't lie and doesn't pick up much else.  Getting a DX in your 30's would be in line with a higher initial weight, as crohn's is usually DX'd in early to mid 20's for a normal body type.  That being said, you are probably going to experience more severe symptoms and might do well on a course of Remicade.  As the years progress, your body will start becoming more "typically" crohn's-ridden, so try to nip it now.. you'll be battling a big case of catch-up if you don't.

[coughting]

If the Prometheus panel was positive you probably do have chrons.  Also, the fistula. You have lost 70lbs.  As the chrons gets under control or if it isn't flaring you wouldn't loose weight.