Sunday, August 31, 2008 Sandi Z. asks

Q: Crohn's Flair up?

I was diagnosed with Crohn's about 12 years ago after extensive testing and hospitalizations. I had a bowel resection and several other related surgeries including removal of appendix and gall bladder. I have not had a "painful" flair up in many years, however, I have chronic diarrhea (every day) and loss of bowel control at times. In other words, I have not had a normal bowel movement in 10 years.

For about 2 days now I have had terrible GAS like pains on ONE side (left) and bad bloating into which i feel FULL and don't have an appetite which is unusual. More than Chronic muddy/watery like diarrhea which just pours out even though I have not really eaten a thing. Being that we have hurricane warnings and Labor day is tomorrow, I doubt I can get in to see my dr unless I go to the emergency room. Stress does cause flair ups for me, but i have not had this much pain in a while.

Would you consider this to be CROHN's related? I assume so but it's been so long since I have had any symptoms of this sort -

Answers (3)

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Hope Trachtenberg-Fifer

9/ 6/08 4:07pm

I hope that by now you're feeling better, Sandi, and that your symptoms were, perhaps, just the result of some sort of nasty GI "bug" that's been going around your neighborhood.

But, Maureen made a good point when she suggested that you go to an ER if the pain worsens, your belly gets bigger and/or "tighter," or you begin to vomit--especially if the vomiting starts suddenly, and is very forceful.

With your history of Crohn's disease and having had several surgeries either to, or close to, your intestines, there is the possibility that you may have a stricture, scar, or adhesion causing a partial bowel obstruction. Normal stool can not pass through, but diarrhea can leak out, in this kind of scenario.

Wishing you well.

Hope

gotguts

9/ 1/08 12:06am

Sandi,

I have 32 years experience with Crohn's and your symptoms are definetly Crohn's related.

if your abdomen continues to hurt and becomes distended along with nausea and vomiting you need to go to the ER This is the way my bowel obstructions have started, plus there are other serious problems that begin with these symptoms.

God Bless

maureen

9/ 4/08 9:47pm

i also have chrons and diverticulosis.(another disease of the colin which causes me horrible pain in my lower left side.) you should ask your dr. about it.

good luck,

maureen

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Q: Crohn's Flair up?

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