Have I got crowns disease ?

My advice would be to discuss this with your GP or consultant.

Ive tried that , they just want to give me painkillers and Imodium . Docs are being non -commit all till I'm diagnosed with something . But thanks for replying .

Warm baths with some lavender oil drops in help with tummy pain spasms, help cleanse and sooth bottom as stools can be acidy and we all get sore, baths also help relax you ready for bed so that the sleep u get is deeper and more beneficial. Also gives those joints some relief.lavender drops on pillow help me too and slowing breathing and consciously relaxing from head down....sound like a right hippy eh?

Do you get enough sleep? Lorry drivers often do long hours and can be hard to switch off and get quality sleep and tiredness can make symptoms worse.Also the sedentary nature of driving feeds into the inflammation in joints so try to (safely) wriggle as much as possible, stretch before moving and try non weight bearing exercise like swimming ( if bowels allow!)

Can't emphasize enough that fluids are your friend because loose stools = dehydration. I know you don't want to he stopping to pee all day long, so think about ways to deal with extra wees in your cab...will leave that to you!! Dehydration could explain headaches , and you are probably stressed about investigation s, sickness leave, work, and money.but its early days try not to get low, there are loads of meds they can try once you get your diagnosis.

I was told to take paracetamol for my pain, as anti inflammatories weren't mixing well with the meds I was on, don't know if this is OK for you in would check with specialist once you get your diagnosis and referral.

Fatigue is horrid, just be gentle with yourself don't go mad the minute you feel a bit better, just take it easy.

Keep us posted about your situation you are not alone

Take care and drive safe

Thanks for your right hippy suggestions I have a bath every day but would never have thought of lavender oils , makes sense to me .... I do work long hours but wriggling and stretching is sound advice .... I'm not really down , I've been suffering for a year and feel I'm having to push to get a diagnosis . My big concern is safety and was concerned how this may affect me in the future ..... thanks for a caring reply

Hi Allan,

You are more than welcome, to me your symptoms do sound "crohns like", but most GP ' s have limited understanding about the variety and variable nature of the symptoms. I have a very supportive Gastroenterologist and specialist nurses at the inflammatory bowel disease clinic at Royal Cornwall Hospital (NHS), i would check if your local acute hospital has one of these clinics, and don't be shy about asking your GP for a referral to see a specialist.I used to be very scared to ask questions and would just accept things and then afterwards wish I had asked more/pushed for answers....not any more though!

Have you checked out the crohns and colitis association website they are very informative and honest...but don't freak out about some of the " Scarey bits" its early days yet.:-)

What tests are you going to have done and when ?

Final tip...keep a food diary from tomorrow and look for possible "unhelpful foods". Also do the sweetcorn test to see how quick your digestive transit is ( sorry gruesome) but useful info for your doctors. At the time I was getting diagnosis I was reading everything believing everything and fearing the worse but everyone is different and once you get diagnosis and find what is going to help life will get better!

Good luck

hi Allan

I had similar experience when I saw my own GP several times. He said he couldn't prescribe anything (other than paracetamols) as he didn't have a diagnosis from which to work. Bit of a catch 22.

I pressed him and eventually he referred me as an urgent case to see local gastroenterologist who performed a colonoscopy and described it as severe inflammation of large bowel Crohn's colitis. Then they prescribed steroids etc etc and you can start to come to terms with it and get on with your life.

Good luck mate.

regards

Pete W

Hi Sharon ... I've had the fancy camera work and test for wheat intolerance and colitis among others ... The consultant at my local hospital seems to know his stuff but your right about gp's having little knowledge of  Crohns . I keep being told I am overweight , which is true but not the problem . Food diary and sweet corn test are good ideas , will start tomorrow ....... Thanks again

Again no worries!

Fancy camera work....is that what you called it lol....!

I am also overweight and have yoyoed for many years, my gastro says not to sweat that as there may come a time I need the extra and I know a lot of people much worse off, part of the problem is fatigue, you will crave high fat and sugar food for energy, will only absorb part and have joint pain making it difficult to exercise. Steroids are brilliant for energy and pain relief, but add weight big time but do the course if you get prescribed asit will come off after( thank gawd).anyway I better get my sleep good luck.

Hi Pete ..... Docs had me on codiene , amatryplene and paracetamol for pains but they made me drowsy . I was told to take paracetamol for only 3 days at a time for headaches . Although pains are constant I don't take anything now . I have had a course of steroids but they didn't help , consultant has put me on other tablets now ... Hope they help

Thanks to all for advice ..... will reread  in morning and make some sense of it bye for now