GI Issues- Colonoscopy- possible Crohn's? Kinda complicated and very worried

Hi everyone. I am usualy down in the Lyme forum as I have chronic Lyme disease for the last 5 months.

I visit you today because I am having serious GI issues. I have had chronic diarrhea for at least a year and a half. 98% of bm is diarrhea. I never really bothered to get Checked out for it as I either just thought it was the way I was or got used to it. I did have a Toxoplasmosis infection/exposure last year.

Basically I have a fever every day they are calling it Fever of unknown origins. I have diarrhea all day everyday. They have found a lot of white blood cells and lactoferrin in my fecal samples over the last year. No parasites, C. Diff etc.  I have had about $8,000 easily in labwork nothing major there. My medical bills are about $100,000 so far (thank goodness for ins).. I also have a PCP/ID doc, GI doc, and Lyme/ID doc (controversial) so I am stressed out.

I have already had upper and lower GI barium studies a few months ago supposedly normal. I saw a GI doc yesterday and he says he knows something has to be going on in my colon due to the fecal tests. I also lost 25 pounds (I am overweight) without trying. I have severe nausea and no appetite. I have joint pains and muscle pains etc. My regular blood work is all normal except C-Reactive Protein is constantly really  high (despite taking a strong NSAID) sed rate is ok.

It is hard for me (and I am sure my docs) to distinguish GI issues from Lyme issues. I am worried about any treatment of an inflammatory colitis issue, as such things as steroids and immunosupressants are contraindicated in Lyme disease.

I am having a colonoscopy in 2 weeks. I am just wondering if anyone has any opinions as to could I have Crohn's? Can you have Crohn's and be obese? Does it cause pain all over?  I also have gas, bloating, urgency and explosive movements (sorry TMI). I know this is a bit premature, as I have no idea what may be going on, but I would like to research as much as possible. The Lyme complicates everything!!!!

I am disabled from Lyme at age 29 for the last 5 months. Just worried! Thanks in advance

Melissa

 

Post Edited (merrygirl) : 9/18/2007 11:46:25 AM (GMT-6)

It is possible to be overweight and have Crohn's.  I am.  I lost 30 lbs this summer with my first flare.  Still overweight.  It's not as common as underweight, but it can happen.  And don't worry about TMI- we spend a lot of time discussing bms around here!

Good luck with all the tests. 

Hi Melissa, I ignored my "d" for years because I was told it was IBS. I too am obese and couldn't imagine I could have Crohn's since everything I had read said that weight loss was a symptom. My daughter would lose weight everytime she flared. I guess I'm the exception that proved the rule. I just knew I didn't have crohn's. Until I developed a fistula to my bladder and had to have an emergency resection. Even the surgeon said only a 5% chance it was caused by Crohn's, even with my family history. 90% it was diverticulitis and 5% in was cancer. opens me up and hello Crohn's. At least I got an eyeball account on what was going on. LOL

By the way, I've been able to lose 60lbs since last August since I now have energy to exercise. Only 40 more pounds to go. Fatigue was probably my biggest symptom besides "d". Never lost weight, never had blood, and never ran fevers.

Good luck on your colonoscopy and let us know how it goes.

---

Vicky / 47 years old

DX'd with Crohn's during a resection August 2006

DX'd with Steriod induced Diabetes November 2006

Considered in Clinical remission but have minor signs of disease activity

 

Daughter (26) also has Crohn's since she was 12.

 

Currently on 4000mg of Pentasa only for Crohn's

No longer able to take 6-MP because of Bone-Marrow Suppression

Cymbalta, Metformin, Lipitor

Thanks for everyones opinions and comments. I actually started to get diarrhea before any NSAID usage a year and a half ago. It may not be helping now.

I don't think I should change anything I am doing prior to the colonoscopy, do you guys/gals?

It is only 2 weeks away.

I definitely have Lyme. I see a Lyme specialist and have positive lab work for what it is worth. I also worked in animal hospitals for 10 years so it is a high risk job for Lyme.

Lyme causes a ton of symptoms that possibly overlap other illnesses. I don't know what is what at this point. All I know is that I am sick and disabled.....sigh

Thanks again Melissa

Some folks with Crohn's have c instead of d. 

Is there a particular reason you must use NSAIDs?  If it were me, I'd consider switching to something else for a while, if at all possible.  Even if you don't have Crohn's, NSAIDs can tear up your stomach and intestines.  Giving your system a rest could help.  I know it sucks.  I miss my Advil- especially during that time of the month.  Since I started to flare my cramping is even more miserable than usual.  But the pain relief, for me, isn't worth the extra Crohn's aggrivation.