Brainstorm me please
I have been battling with the idea that I might have crohns for the past 6 months. It's probably health anxiety as my work relies on good health.
It all started when I got my appendix removed. I had long standing appendicitis that did not present with the normal clinical indications. It wasn't until I did a CT scan that I even knew. I walked myself into hospital, sat down with a letter and they didn't believe me until they saw the CT scan and went "whoa okay yea that needs to come out". At that stage the CT said "periappendicial inflammation is present and the terminal illeum is prominent in calibre. There are no inflammatory changes in the terminal illeum."
3 weeks after I got my appendix removed my symptoms started.
Reasons why I think I DO have crohns:
1. It keeps coming up when searching symptoms.
2. LRQ (belt line) pain occasionally with LLQ pain and ULQ pain.
3. Pain is a 1-2/10 and lasts 1-2sec.
4. LRQ gugrling.
5. Mucus on toilet paper occasionally.
6. Anal discomfort occasionally.
7. Softer stools but only occasionally true watery diarrhea (3 occasions over past 6 months and often after alcohol).
8. Often (6/7 days) waking up feeling a nervy/stomachy feeling that goes away after standing up and going #2.
9. Occasional nausea.
10. Psoriasis on scalp has started.
11. Bright red blood spots on toilet paper after taking 2x ibuprofen NSAIDs.
12. 6 weeks after appendicitis another CT scan showed "minor residual inflammation and reactive lymph nodes".
Reasons why I think I DONT have crohns:
1. Calprotectin was <5 ug/mL.
2. CRP 3 in January, CRP 1 last week.
3. October colonoscopy was normal (terminal ileum and cecum was vizualised - no biopsies). (pre-appendectomy)
4. October upper endoscopy was normal (biopsies normal). (pre-appendectomy)
5. WBC is normal on the lower end.
6. RBC is normal and hemoglobin stable.
7. I have days where I don't wake up feeling shit, and I poop a nice level 4 poo.
8. Alcohol (beer specifically) makes me worse, could be intolerance to gluten maybe?
9. Maybe theabdominal surgery could have triggered some sensitivity?
10. ASCA, ANCA negative.
11. MPV 11.8fL
Help me think this through. I have another colonoscopy booked in 2 months.
Well, let me first mention that I'm glad you have another colonoscopy scheduled in 2 months. That was going to be my first recommendation. Based on the quick research I did, it seems that getting the appendix removed can impact the digestive system. Apparently, the appendix stores the "good" gut bacteria in one's body; therefore, removing that safehouse might affect the good bacteria in the gut. With that stated, you might want to try a probiotic to help add good gut bacteria and ward off the bad. Other folks in this forum might want to chime in on their experience with probiotics. I've only recently tried them when I struggled with a UTI and needed a strong antibiotic. The probiotic didn't bother my UC, which was my initial worry. That's my only experience with a probiotic.
Now, I will admit that my gut cannot handle gluten. You mentioned that in your post. I would definitely try 1 week without gluten. I promise you, that's all it takes for your body. Notice how you feel physically during that week. Do you feel as lethargic? Do you feel a reduction of inflammation throughout your body? How are your bowel movements? Do you have any gut pain? One week gluten-free will offer some quick insight as to whether it bothers your gut or not. I read the book WHEAT BELLY by Dr. William Davis years ago and learned so much about the new "hybrid" wheat that the food industry uses. After reading, I tried going gluten-free just to see if it impacted my colitis. By golly, my symptoms immediately lessened. Now, I'm not saying this will happen to you. I'm only recommending you experiment as I did. One week will offer you a glimpse into whether or not your body is fine with it. I don't think I'm allergic to gluten, but I definitely have a sensitivity to it. So, that information might help you, too.
Also, I'm wondering are you seeing a specialist/gastroenterologist? Finding a good one is essential. It took me a few doctors to find the "right" one for me--one who is willing to listen well.
Obviously, I'm no doctor. So, my suggestions might not help. But maybe others will other ideas. Browsing through the articles on the website my also offer other suggestions for you. I love that this community forum provides different perspectives because no two bodies are totally alike. Do you know what I mean? What works for me, might not work for your body. I hope this helps. It looks as if you are being proactive, which is good!
Please stay in touch and update us. I'm sending your POSITIVE vibes on your quest to find answers. Hope you're having a pain-free day. Hugs!--Traci, UC-IBD Team MemberHi. I just come across your post. My son has had the same experience after his emergency appendectomy. He had some digestive issues leading up to the operation but ever since has had worsening symptoms similar to yours, although his calprotectin levels were 3200 at its highest. He has had colonoscopy and endoscopy both of which showed inflammation to his colon and thickening to his bowel connected to his appendix, but his biopsies both came back ‘normal’ I really hope you get some answers because it’s horrible not knowing. Best of luck with your further tests.
