Looking for Advice
Hi I’m seeking some advice from individuals who understand it. I’m 21 and I’ve been getting stomach pains and bowel issues for years as well as joint pains. Around 2 years ago I went to my GP as blood in my stool was becoming very frequent, almost every time I went. She done a very short exam and said it was probably haemorrhoids and IBS. She had me start the low formal diet. We done a stool sample and I had slightly elevated calprotectin . She referred me to a Gastroenterologist who didn’t take me very seriously in my opinion, she told me it was IBS, diet related and that I wasn’t drinking enough water. She didn’t request any further tests, not even a blood test or stool sample. I missed the review appointment for personal reasons and they discharged me. Flash forward to the past few weeks I’m with a new doctors, I’ve been getting a lot of pain in my knees and i noticed my left knee was really swollen and it looked like fluid on the knee. The same week I had awful stomach pains and a lot of blood in my stool. I had a blood test done, I have low iron and B12 and the antibody test come back “weak positive”. I explained to my doctor that I have a lot of stomach issues too and I think it could be Crohn’s, she immediately dismissed this and said it’s just IBS and has sent me for another blood test for arthritis to explain the joint pains.
I feel at a loss, I think Crohn’s could explain all of my symptoms but I don’t feel listened to by my doctors and I’m not sure where to go from here.
Hi
. Your distress at feeling unheard, even as you are suffering with symptoms, is certainly understandable. The diagnostic process for IBD can be difficult and is largely one of elimination. You may already be familiar with much of this, but this article from our editorial team discusses the diagnostic process: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/diagnostic-tests-and-procedures. You mentioned doctors saying you have IBS. Did they ever treat you for this? Also, did they treat you for the specific acknowledged symptoms? I ask because treatment not working would seem to indicate a need for further investigation. From what you describe, it certainly seems like there are further diagnostic steps that could be taken. I don't know if it is possible for you to seek another opinion (see our patient leader Julie Marie discussing second opinions here: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/crohns-second-opinion). You deserve to be heard and to get answers. Please don't stop advocating for yourself - know one will look out for you like you. This community is here for you and feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how things are going and to ask further questions. Best, Richard (Team Member) 
My heart goes out to you. This is very frustrating. Blood in stool needs to be treated in a serious manner. The next step for you should have been a colonoscopy. I'm surprised the Gastroenterologist didn't do this? When I told my GI I had blood in my stool, he immediately had me do a colonoscopy and I was then diagnosed with Crohn's. Are you able to see another GI? I would try to see a different one, let them know you are very concerned and would like a colonoscopy with biopsy. -Elizabeth (team member)
