I was diagnosed with Crohns disease at Cedars in LA. I have given up on Western Medicine. I have been to both Cedars in LA and UCSF in SF as well as multiple gastro doctors. All they want to do is shoot you with steriods and pump medicine. I have moved to Eastern medicine and had great results. I travel, take clients out to lunch, take public transportation and I am not always looking for a bathroom. All the doctors told me there is no cure for Crohns. Well, I feel much better. Good luck to you.
My husband (48 yo) had shoulder surgery in August 2005. Two days after surgery he developed neurological problems that lasted for about 3-4 weeks, undiagnosed. In September he developed severe abdominal pain, RLQ and about the naval, so terrible he was on the floor rolling in pain.After about 45 minutes they subsided. This has since happened 20-30 times, he has had workups with 3 GI docs, colonoscopies, endos, ERCP, hepatology with liver bx (liver functions were quite elevated as well), CAT scans, MRI, bloods galore. He has been ruled out for gallstones, gallbladder, liver disease, hepatitis A,B,C,E, pancreatic insufficiency, stroke, etc. Associated with the abdominal pain, he gets immense bowel gas and has anywhere from 5-10 bowel movements a day. He was put on Creon for pancreatic insufficiency which did make a dent in the bowel movements but not the symptoms. He is down 19 pounds since August, no diagnosis in sight, have visited 4 major Boston hospitals, hepatologist, pancreas specialist, GI. They keep mentioning some underlying Crohn's but no on is able to find anything. We are truly scared. Does anyone have any help for us?
You clearly have been through a comprehensive GI evaluation.
The diagnosis of Crohn's can be difficult, and pathology sometimes cannot give a definitive diagnosis. To help compliment the biopsies, you can consider some serum antibody levels to pin down the diagnosis of Crohn's.
This can include the anti-OmpC antibody which has a specificity in the mid 90-percent range. Also, the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (P-ANCA) and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) can also be obtained to further cement the diagnosis.
Although possible, Crohn's typically causes diarrhea rather than constipation.
To further evaluate the chronic constipation, you can consider anorectal manometry studies or motility studies.
These options can be discussed with your GI physician.
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.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
Sounds like you are deficient in Magnesium. You may need to start taking a highly absorbable supplement. This will also help the constipation. Good Luck