Chron's Disease?!
Question: I'll save the "I'm embarassed saying this" for later.
Anyway, I'm 15 years old, and, for the past few months, I've had several symptoms that seem to add up to Chron's disease. Recently I've noticed blood in my stool, I've had extreme swelling and pain of my joints (mostly in my fingers and toes, but also in my elbow and knees). I've had stomach pains, diarrhea and...I would just REALLY like to know what it is.
I do have a colonoscopy scheduled for next week. But my work up is tomorrow and I'd like to ask a couple of "smart" questions. Could anyone help me who is perhaps familiar with this condition?
Thank you for all answers. And this is very embarassing.
Answers: I'll save the "I'm embarassed saying this" for later.
Anyway, I'm 15 years old, and, for the past few months, I've had several symptoms that seem to add up to Chron's disease. Recently I've noticed blood in my stool, I've had extreme swelling and pain of my joints (mostly in my fingers and toes, but also in my elbow and knees). I've had stomach pains, diarrhea and...I would just REALLY like to know what it is.
I do have a colonoscopy scheduled for next week. But my work up is tomorrow and I'd like to ask a couple of "smart" questions. Could anyone help me who is perhaps familiar with this condition?
Thank you for all answers. And this is very embarassing.
hello your, I am a female crohn's survivor dxed at the age of 12. You are doing the right thing by having a colonoscopy done to see if it is definitely crohns.
Questions you can ask after the scope is done and you get the results: what did you find exactly? if it's in medical terms just say, "please repeat in layman's terms so I can understand what you are saying", will a Prometheus test (blood test to dx Crohn's) be needed, what kind of medication will be needed to get things in remission.
ok, for the work up: what will exactly be done and why, what do you wish to accomplish/expect to find, will any other tests be done while I am under sedation such as polyp removal, will there be a biopsy if polyps are found, will I be sedated at all, will I be on any restrictions once the scope is done such as diet, going back to school, etc. will I be expelling blood after the scope, if so, for how long, what warrants an emergency call to the GI-- fever?? cramping?
abdominal pain? can I have something for pain mgt. when I go home pls.
The crohn's and colitis of america site has more information. I provided it below. the live chat with a healthcare professional is M-F 9 am - 5pm (EST).
feel free to email me if you have questions. I went through the exact same thing so I truly understand what you are going through. I also provided another site that is just for kids w/IBD and their parents. hope this helps. good luck 2 u.
Since I am an RN who works for an Gastroenterologist, I suggest you keep your appointment with the MD and get the scope done...biopsies will be taken if the MD see anything wrong with your colon up inside of you. Don't be scared, you are sedated and asleep...you will have a MD, RN and OR Tech with you at all times. These biopsies will be sent off for microscopic exam by a qualified pathologist who can tell if you have any problems with you colon. Be patient! Trust your MD.
First, don't worry about the colonoscopy. They will give you something to relax and it will be over before you know it. (I think I fell asleep...) Anyways, you will not know what you have until after the procedure. If they don't see anything, you may have other tests (a CT scan) which are definitely less invasive. They may diagnose ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. (Sometimes they are not sure.) A smart question to ask is, "Are you sure?" and if there is a toss up, ask how the treatment differs between the possibilities.