Possible Colitis or Crohns?

Posted , 6 users are following.

I have always suffered with IBS issues over the years, however two weeks ago, I started with diarrhea and cramps which progressed to passing blood too. The blood is bright to dark red, there has been occasions where I just pass blood and mucus following an urge to go, and will have to go a few times in the space of half an hour before stool passes too. I get pain in my stomach and lower back during this, and burning/aching under my ribs. I've had blood and stool tests which came back normal, and also had an examination of my stomach/rectum which were also normal. I have been referred now to a gastroenterologist, with suspected inflammatory bowel disorder. Has anyone had similar symptoms? And can an IBD be there with normal inflammatory markers if it is newly presenting? Just worrying especially with there being a wait now due to the coronavirus.

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Charlotte,

    I do have inflammatory bowel disease, and in the past two weeks i've had exactly the same symptoms, my inflammatory markers are also down. When speaking to the IBD specialist they said it wont be a flare up as the markers are down, and it cant be an infection as the white blood cell count is low but it could be just food poisoning, but just because this shows as normal doesn't mean it can't be IBD. As i have a lot of gas due to the symptoms i was recommended to take either Lansoprazole or omeprazole this has actually calmed my symptoms down, so you could give it a try, they are sold over the counter so won't be hard to pick up. Hope it works for you, stay safe and healthy.

    • Posted

      My doctor also mentioned food poisoning, but due to being at home, I can't think what I have eaten that my partner hasn't that would trigger it. I just wondered if I could have it without inflammation showing right away. I will take a look at the medication you suggested, it does seem to be a lot of gas with the blood/mucus - not nice is it!

    • Posted

      hi would you know what calprotectin of 123 would indicate? -also is passing yellow mucus after diarrhea a sign of uc?

  • Posted

    Hi Charlotte,

    These sound similar to my symptoms when in flare and i have Ulcerative Colitis.

    Is the blood all the time?

    Fingers crossed you get it sorted soon.

    Carrie x

    • Posted

      Hi Carrie, thanks for your reply. Yes the blood has been with pretty much every bowel movement. I think today was the first time I didn't notice any in a week! Do you flares ease off without medication? As due to awaiting diagnosis I don't have any. Does your pain alternate between a stitch feeling and a sharp/burning pain?

  • Edited

    Your IBS was probably mild IBD all along. Your symptoms sound like classic UC, except for the "burning/aching under my ribs", which sounds more like reflux. When your digestive tract is mucked up there can be side effects. You need a colonoscopy asap, because they won't normally give you any treatment before you have one, as it will affect what they see.

    • Edited

      I was diagnosed with moderate/severe Ulcerative Colitis about a month ago now. Just in case anyone else checks this thread.

    • Posted

      Also, the doctors messed up my stool sample and they werent actually 'normal' but the inflammation levels were sky high.

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