Diseases - IlCat.org

Greg Said:

why do I need a colonoscopy?

We Answered:

Generally a colonoscopy is done to rule out polyps or bleeding. Since you have had routine blood work done, and stool samples checked, they haven't turned up any blood issues...so there doesn't seem to be any concrete reason for the scope to be done. Unless they feel that rectal polyps might be an issue that is....but it doesn't sound like it.

If the diet, fiber supplements and acidophilus are helping, then carry on with them. See how things go for a few more months, and ask the doctor to put that testing off into the future a bit. You have the right to ask for that - you are not refusing it, so they shouldn't cop and attitude over it. You are merely asking for some time to assess how the diet is working.

If you find later that things change, you can go ahead with the scope and see what they find, if anything.

Good Luck.

Dennis Said:

Which disease is most likely, Crohns,coeliac or colitis?

We Answered:

hi jezz, i am a crohn's pt. for 28 yrs. when I was 12, I was tested for it but everything was normal as well but my GI went with his instincts based upon my physical symptoms, fatigue, low grade fever, bleeding at times, the big "D" or "C", abdominal pain, etc. He gave me the dx of Crohn's and started treating me accordingly. A few yrs. later, when I was really sick, it finally showed up on a scope.

It is a tough illness to dx. There is a new blood test out cld Prometheus. It is used to dx a pt. with either Crohn's or UC.

For more information on IBD, check out the crohn's and colitis website. There is also a live chat, a hotline, and an open forum where you can post questions. hope this helps. feel better

Julio Said:

Informed Consent for Infant formula.?

We Answered:

I think informed consent for use of infant formula is a good idea. I don't think the information you've posted in your question is defensible, however.

Charlene Said:

Dr. said my little bro has Crohn disease!? PLS HELP :(?

We Answered:

Hi LaRa, I am a crohn's pt. since the age of 12.

If you check out the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation's site, you will find everything you need to know as it even has a live chat and hotline run by healthcare experts as well as an open forum where you can post this question and get honest and accurate information from folks who have IBD (crohn's or ulcerative colitis).

IBD is not caused by a parasite. It is an autoimmune disorder where the body sees the digestive system, mainly the intestines as a foreign body and is trying to get rid of it. Thanks to the newer treatments such as Entocort, Remicade, and Humira, it is possible to get into remission faster than just being on prednisone. Many GIs are going away from this drug as the life time side effects are worse on the patient in the long run.

Definitely check out the CCFA site. Also, you will find information on where to locate a local CCFA support chapter near you. Attend a meeting b/c you can talk to others who have IBD and you get great information on where to go in your state for better treatment. Cleveland Clinic is widely known to treat crohn's pts. Many members from the local chapter here drive down there.

Folks can lead a normal life with this illness as long as they take their medications, keeps all medical and test appts., eat healthy when in remission, avoids smoking and alcohol, and doing street drugs as it can cause problems with the CD treatments.

I wish you both the best of health.

Benjamin Said:

can ulcerative colitis and crohn's disease occur simultaneously?

We Answered:

David S might be right about that, but I'm not sure. I do know that I've had a severe case of Crohn's disease for years that was originally diagnosed as UC. And unfortunately, it turned out to be Crohn's after so many years of doctors being 99% sure it's UC, and even biopsies pointing to UC more so than Crohn's. I even said this to my GI doctor before, that it seems like it morphed into a different disease. It's nuts! haha. Not to mention disappointing and depressing when you thought you had UC, but then years later you find out it's Crohn's.

I know I'm one of quite a few people though, who thought they had UC, and it really looked more like UC, but it ended up being Crohn's down the road. These diseases are so complex, it wouldn't surprise me too much if they find out that you can actually have UC and it really does morph into Crohn's somehow, like becomes another disease. But on the other hand, I'm open to believing that it's been Crohn's disease all along, and it just ended up manifesting itself in a different way. I hope this helps. :)

Lucy Said:

If you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's Disease, have you drunk a lot of Coffee?

We Answered:

I have Crohn's and hardly ever drink coffee. Also IBS is a completely different thing than Colitis or Crohn's (IBD).

Violet Said:

Is colitis a temporary ailment?

We Answered:

Unless you have some major surgery, Colitis is permanent. However, it can go into remission from time to time. Unfortunately, there is no pill to take and cure you from it where the cells are no longer in your body...currently.