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Woman to woman... I'm 45 years old and have been battling with IBS since 2001 then diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2005.

I've experienced numerous of prescriptions as well as several types of infusions not to mention a clinical trial. During my last visit with the Gasteroenterologist of 8 years; I was told that I was running out of options, blah, blah, blah.

Decided to take matters into my own hands and quit all my meds! Figured, what have I got to loose!

I gave myself 30 days to be free of meds and I decided to shift my focus onto my hormones. Gasteroenterologist wasn't happy with me!

During that time frame - I had experienced a painful intimacy moment and I knew something was wrong.

Checked in with my OB/GYN and discovered I had a bulging rectum into my vaginal walls. Also, learned that several of my hormonal levels were wa'ay down and chose to begin a custom made prescription.

It was at that time, I researched for a second opinion. Found a Gasteroenterologist who happens to be a female Dr and specializes in women with Crohn's. Setting up an appointment with that clinic was the best thing ever!

Learned that when a woman is menopausal or has been set into an early menopause along with having Crohn's Disease can set off symptoms to a whole different level. She confirmed (testings) that I do have IBD as well as IBS and put me back on two different drugs to take with my custom made one and I have noticed improvement. Granted - I do have IBS and IBD symptoms and will simply have to live with that, however; I don't have the strong headaches, joint aches, fatigueness, hotflashes, dizziness, etc. Still have the abdominal crampings (not as strong) and still plan to put a TV in my bathroom so I can enjoy my toilet a little bit more and can now have a smile to my face :)

Wanted to share this with the rest of you women in hopes in can help another as well.

 Reply posted for ODAT.

Hi nana and slydeborah...

NANA, I'm taking triestrogen (prescribed by ob/gyn) and will be testing the hormonal levels sometime in July to help determine if there will be a need for adjustment at those levels. I'm taking Entocort EC, Bentyl, and Canasa for my IBS and IBD (prescribed by gastro). Fibromyalgia makes it tough too, I'm sure. Was tested for fibromyalgia and lupus while at Mayo Clinic and was told I'm having some adverse reaction to Remicade and/or possibly a mix of other drugs as well. Thanks for sharing about the ultra sounds and cysts on your ovaries. Interesting - my daughter has been having issues with cysts on her ovaries and battles with IBS. Hmmm... Good luck to you!!

SLYDEBORAH, I googled other gastroenterologists in areas I was willing to travel to; is how I came upon this Dr. She is whom helps me with meds re IBS and IBD. An ob/gyn is whom works with me with bio meds. Of course, the gastroenterologists agreed. Don't give up! Keep searching and keep your chin up for what you believe in. Only you know your body. Too bad we can't just wake up the next morning and throw the toilet out and move on like everyone else around us! Those fistulas are a pain! Good luck to you!!  

 Reply posted for ODAT.

Hi - how did you find a doctor who specialized in this area for women?  I have tried to find such a miracle worker and to no avail.

I even found a family physician who specializes in woman's care and he had no idea.  He did not want to do anything with hormones either.  I was shocked when he has a specialization in woman's care and sports medicine.  That was why I picked him as I knew then I could work with him and my gastro to hopefully resolve my female issues.

I have tried to determine this with some of the doctors bio's and cannot find one like you found.  You are so lucky!

Thanks for the info as I have had issues with fistulas and problems between my vagina and rectum.

Again thanks for sharing.

 Reply posted for ODAT.

I'm 49 and just got out of the hospital from a huge flare.  The first big one since my resection 2 years ago.  I have Crohns and IBS as well and top it off with some Fibromyalgia.....

I've been wondering about the menopause thing too....because leading up to this last flare my periods were all wonky and I have been having night sweats like you wouldn't believe !!  Sometimes I don't know if some of my pain and cramping are menstrual or Crohns related...and I keep having ultra sounds for both (cysts on my ovaries)

What meds are you taking ??