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Which pains, movements, sounds are "normal"?

Recently diagnosed with Crohn's, my s.o. has had it for 17 years so he's just used to everything by now. I'm not sure what to make of some of the insane noises coming from my tummy. It's so crazy to me how loud they can get! Also, quite often my belly button hurts immensely. Should I be concerned? Lately, when I start to feel the pains after eating, my sides actually become hot to the touch while the center of my belly is freezing cold. My s.o. says he feels the same things all the time. Was wondering if anyone else has any odd or specific "norms" ?

  1. Hi ,

    Whenever I was in a bad flare, I would get the most insane noises coming from my stomach as well. You are definitely not alone in experiencing this.

    As for my belly button hurting, I never experienced that one before, but I did experience my sides getting extremely hot.

    I've found essential oils to help me immensely. I use a high quality therapeutic grade essential oil that I can use topically. Whenever I have nausea or bad gas or just any weird feelings in my gut, I rub peppermint oil and copaiba oil on my abdomen. It is miraculous! Gives amazing relief. Maybe it will work for you?

    I hope you feel better soon, and don't be shy to reach out if you ever have any questions! You have a community here that cares!

    Always dancing,
    Elizabeth (team member)

    1. Hi ,
      I know that everyone's experiences are all different but it is somewhat reassuring to hear that I'm not alone in some things, especially when doctors just look at women like we're crazy half the time. I used to use peppermint oil on the back of my neck for migraines when I was in school, maybe I will give it a try for the abdominal pains and see how it goes. Any tips and tricks are much appreciated!
      Thank you!

    2. Hi ,

      Yes, definitely try the peppermint oil! It's amazing.

      And I can so relate to how your doctors react to you. Sometimes you feel so alone and it's so nice to hear that others experience the same symptoms--and no you aren't crazy! It's funny, because I feel like sometimes they just don't have a clue themselves.

      Always dancing,
      Elizabeth (team member)

  2. Hi , I probably won't have a popular answer with this is something to discuss with your doctor. The reason I say that is because IBD is sooo individualized that each person's symptoms -- like your pain and that disparate temperature are different for different people.

    The noises, while annoying is activity and your doctor can listen to see if that is something that can be addressed with diet or meds. I always feel self conscious when my intestines roar and gurgle, but I've learned to tune them out for the most part.

    One suggestion I can give you is to record your noisy insides. If you can get a good recording for your doc, that will definitely help; especially if you're having a quiet bowel day at your next visit. Also keep track of pain - frequency, dates and times are helpful. I sometimes draw a diagram to help her visualize where I'm feeling pain or discomfort when it strikes randomly. I am notorious for being in extreme pain for a short time, and blocking out the specifics once it passes. The most I can tell my specialist is that it hurt bad, then it was gone. So I started writing everything down in a note I keep on my phone.

    I hope I've been able to give you some decent advice and hope you can get some answers soon!

    1. Hi @Holland ,
      I understand that we all have a lot of very different experiences. There is just so much that isn't said about what to expect and some of the feelings are well, pretty indescribable. I haven't thought to record my tummy noises but that does make sense. Especially considering that I usually can't eat before doctors appointments and things are kinda quiet or just gassy. My s.o. also suggested I keep a journal as I am still figuring out which foods I can no longer eat or can only have small amounts of.
      Thank you for your advice!

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