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Not your typical Crohn's symptoms

Thu, May 31, 2018 10:13 AM

Hi. I have just received my Crohn's diagnosis this month. However, my gastro says I am in the 5% - 10% of patients who do not have the typical symptons of diarrhea, stomach cramps, etc. I only have those occasionally. Instead, I have had chronic constipation my entire life and have suffered with gas, bloating, hemmoroids and anal fissures. Every doctor I've seen about my constipation has always just told me to eat more fiber. It wasn't until I had to have surgery this year for a fissure that Crohn's was first mentioned. Because of my late diagnosis (I'm 41), I have a possible fistula and am fairly close to have a blockage. I'm about to start Remicade. I feel relieved to finally know what is wrong, but scared and overwhelmed at the same time.

Does anyone else have these symptons? If so, how do you handle the constipation? And how has medication helped you? It's been hard to research and understand since everything I find talks about the diarrhea, cramps, etc. I can't find any information about the disease with my symptons.

amartin
Joined May 31, 2018

Sun, June 24, 2018 7:19 PM

Reply posted for rhondah726.

Just an observation but I've noticed from replies and other forums that most people who suffer from constipation seem to also suffer from abscesses/fistulae/fissures. Wonder if they are somehow related???

rhondah726
Joined Jun 24, 2018

Sun, June 24, 2018 7:13 PM

Reply posted for amartin.

I suffer from a cycle of constipation with extreme pain and bloating alternating with uncontrollable diarrhea and bowel incontinence. I've also had more ano rectal abscesses than I can count, including fistula surgery. There are many different ways symptoms present depending on the person. I started my first loading dose (4 shots) of Humira today and am praying for some relief! Wishing the same for you!

rhondah726
Joined Jun 24, 2018

Fri, June 15, 2018 8:42 AM

Reply posted for juliedecker.

Hi. Thanks for the replies. Miralax was suggested for me as well. A relief knowing I am not the only one out there. I am scheduled to have my first infusion on July 3rd. Would love to know how your son does on the Remicade.

amartin
Joined May 31, 2018

Thu, June 14, 2018 3:45 PM

Reply posted for amartin.

I was diagnosed with Crohns in 2013 and have suffered with constipation before and since. Started seeing a new primary Jan 2018 and had a bone density test. I have osteopenia a precursor to osteoporosis so i was started on a vitamin d therapy that included magnesium supplements, I have had a bowel movement every day since. Mentioned this to my primary last week and she said it must be due to the magnesium. No gi or previous primary of mine ever checked for difficencies of basic vitamin or minerals. Gi Drs told me to take miralax everyday that it won't hurt but wont check levels to see what is causing the problem. Trial and error for us crohnnies!

Gaymorrison
Joined Jun 14, 2018

Mon, June 04, 2018 9:49 PM

Reply posted for amartin.

Hi,
My 15 year old son was diagnosed 6 weeks ago and he does not have the typical symptoms either. He had weight loss, fatigue, constipation, anal fissures and mouth sores. No diarrhea at all. And he eats a good diet especially for a teenager. Right now, our doctor is having us do Miralax every day to try and manage the constipation. He will be starting on Remicade in the next few weeks.

juliedecker
Joined May 1, 2018

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