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Always Diarrhea?


Wed, August 11, 2010 1:30 PM

I am trying to find out if you can have Crohn's without having diarrhea?  My son experienced severe abdominal pain when he ate.  This resulted in him not eating, which meant he lost A LOT of weight.  After being referred to a Pediatric GI, the doctor told us that my son has Crohn's.  Every time we went for a follow up with the Doc, the first thing asked was "How's the diarrhea?".  My son never had diarrhea, and even though we relayed this to the Doc each time it was asked, the answer never seemed to stick in her head.  We changed doctors, but are still going through the diarrhea questions.  Because of the persistence of these questions about his nonexistent diarrhea, I have started questioning the actual diagnosis.  If anyone has had a similar experience, I would really appreciate hearing from you.

FPO fullofdoubt
Joined Aug 11, 2010

Tue, September 21, 2010 12:00 AM

 Reply posted for FullofDoubt.

I always have soft stools. But rarely the runs. I mainly have cramps all day/ night with fatigue. Best of luck.

FPO gmarchlewicz
Joined Oct 7, 2009

Sat, September 18, 2010 11:01 PM

 Reply posted for FullofDoubt.

Yes it is possible.  I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease in 2005 and diarrhea was never a symptom of mine.  Abdominal pain was my worst enemy.  Every patient experiences their symptoms a bit differently, while diarrhea is common, it doesn't necessarily happen to every Crohns patient.

FPO radish
Joined Sep 18, 2010

Tue, August 17, 2010 9:53 AM

 Reply posted for FullofDoubt.

Although this is probably not the case with your son, it is worth mentioning that when I was first diagnosed with UC at the age of 18 I lied to my parents & doc's about the diarrhea.  Always said everything was normal b/c I was embarrassed.  I hope everything works out for your son.

 

Christine

FPO aquari1979
Joined Apr 8, 2008

Sun, August 15, 2010 11:23 AM

 Reply posted for FullofDoubt.

Hi,

I am an 18 year old male with Crohn's Disease.  I was diagnosed about three years ago and I have never experienced diarrhea either.  I have mentioned this to my doctor before, and he said that each patient presents differently and IBD patients don't have to have diarrhea.  I also have gastroparesis and some rheumatology issues so that may play a role in the lack of diarrhea.  In addition, it can depend on the location of your disease.  My disease has always been in the small intestine, which would be less prone to causing diarrhea than your large intestine. 

All that being said, sometimes I have doubted my diagnosis as well.  It seems like everyone who I've talked to with Crohn's has diarrhea.  I guess there are always exceptions, though.  Well I hope that helped!

FPO kid24
Joined Mar 24, 2009

Sun, August 15, 2010 1:34 AM

 Reply posted for FullofDoubt.

I have Ulcerative Colitis since 1991 and was recently told I now have Crohns, when my disease is active, I ALWAYS have bloody diarrhea.  Has you son gone through any tests, like a colonoscopy?  This is the test that would confirm your doctors diagnosis.  Keep asking mom and good luck to you and your son.

FPO groversm
Joined Aug 7, 2010

Thu, August 12, 2010 8:59 AM

 Reply posted for AZMOM.

I only have diarrhea when I react to a food or have a blockage/ stricture.  Seems diarrhea is a key progress tracking tool for the docs. 

Crohn's has many symptoms and manifestations.  We all seem to be slightly different and yet the same.  I actually have a surgeon that questions my diagnosis of Crohn's.

Hang in there Mom!  Ask, ask, ask. 

Breezy

FPO breezy
Joined Jan 5, 2009

Wed, August 11, 2010 10:11 PM

 Reply posted for FullofDoubt.

Questions are good and important to ask.  I do know that there are those out there with Crohn's that do not have diarrhea.  Some are even chronically constipated.  Was he diagnosed through a colonscopy with biopsies and bloodwork?


Ask your questions!!!  Moms are supposed to do that.

As for your GI, most patients have diarrhea and frequency is an issue.  So it could just be a bad habit and really, he should look at that chart BEFORE he comes in the room.  :-)

Blessings,

Claire's Mom

FPO azmom
Joined Jul 20, 2009

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