As a long time Crohn’s patient, I am often sought out for advice on handling the disease by newly diagnosed patients and their families. And while awareness of Crohn’s is much greater than it was twenty years ago, most people really don’t understand much about the disease or the way it impacts a patient’s life. so I’ve decided to write a four-part document that hopefully explains to new Crohn’s patients and the general public what to expect and how to cope. these posts cover the medical symptoms tips for patients living with the disease and tips for people who know someone living with Crohn’s.

In this post, I’ll cover symptoms.

Crohn’s Disease is, without a doubt, one of the more debilitating medical conditions around right now. For those unfamiliar with it, Crohn’s is an auto-immune disorder that affects the digestive tract. Symptoms include weight loss, frequent (and often uncontrollable) bowel movements, diarrhea, nausea, bloating, intestinal discomfort and pain (which can mimic appendicitis) and fatigue. Symptoms also include the typical aches, pains and fevers usually associated with the flu. Because it is an auto-immune disease, people with Crohn’s often find themselves later developing other auto-immune disorders – for instance, I have rheumatoid arthritis and developed hay fever about 7 years ago. I’ve met other patients who developed even more severe types of auto-immune disorders, such as lupus.

Very little is really understood about Crohn’s. nobody knows why it occurs – there seems to be a genetic factor (an extra gene is found in about 90% of Crohn’s patients), but nothing has been completely ruled out. Ethnicity, diet and activities all may be related – or maybe not. likewise, there isn’t a cure. what has advanced since I was first diagnosed 20 years ago is understanding how the disease functions and causes other functions of the body to stop. that has led to better treatment options and generally, a better quality of life for those of us affected. once, the disease was thought more prevalent in women than men, but the rates of affliction, once adjusted for populations, are actually about the same. Almost every ethnic group is affected, although peoples of Asian and African descent have lower incidence rates than Caucasians.

Odds are if you’re a new patient, then you are in the 16-25 year old range: this is when about 80% of new cases are first diagnosed. (I was 6 weeks shy of my 26th birthday when first diagnosed). that being said, new cases are diagnosed in every age group. since I’ve no personal experience with pediatric Crohn’s, I won’t pretend to offer advice for anyone looking for information about Crohn’s and young children.

Symptomatically, Crohn’s is similar to Ulcerative Colitis. The similarities often confuse a person only cursorily aware of both conditions, which often leads to them confusing the two. I’ve had past co-workers and current friends often assume that because Crohn’s and UC are related and so similar symptomatically, that they are the same. but when I’ve had severe flare-ups of the disease, they are often shocked when they come visit and find me hooked up to dozens of tubes and wires, all needed to keep me alive and stable.

The symptoms are where the similarities end. both cause ulcerations (inflamed areas) to appear in the colon, but the ones from Crohn’s disease burrow deeper into the tissue and can appear anywhere in the digestive tract. In my particular case, the upper palate, gums, a section of the small intestine called the duodenum and another called the ileum are affected in addition to two spots in my large intestine and another in my colon. Another big difference: in severe cases of colitis, a type of surgery called an ostomy can be performed, curing the disease (although at a high price). For some severe cases of Crohn’s usually where the tissue is badly damaged), surgery is also done – but removing the affected areas doesn’t cure the disease. It will reappear in another area of the GI tract.

Since Crohn’s patients generally have difficulty digesting food, it isn’t uncommon to find them malnourished even when relatively symptom free (by the way, those of us in the Crohn’s community generally refer to these periods as being in remission). Unfortunately, the type of malnutrition can vary from patient to patient. The reason is because so many different parts of the digestive tract are affected and each part is responsible for processing different nutrients. regardless, the malnutrition is a major contributor to all types of related problems. since each part of the body relies on the digestive system to function properly, people with Crohn’s often suffer from other system breakdowns. Their hair, skin and nails can become dry and brittle; they may suffer anemia, dehydration, high blood pressure, osteoporosis – the list includes virtually every other organ in the body. Add in the side-effects from long-term use of some of the more common medications used to treat Crohn’s, and the results can be even more system breakdowns. For example, the use of Mesalamine drugs can lead to excessive (and particularly foul smelling gas). as for myself, repeated exposure to very high doses of corticosteroids has resulted in cataracts and osteopenia (the precursor to osteoporosis). The calcium deficiency from my Crohn’s along a Crohn’s inflammation in my upper palate and the drug cocktail I’m on, resulted in my losing all of my teeth before I was 30 (although, my dentures look damn good!).

This occurs when the appendix is inflamed and pus filled. The appendix is a pouch that is finger shaped and jets out on the right lower side of the abdomen from the colon on that side. This structure is very small and has no essential purpose that is known but this does not mean it can not cause any problems.

Appendicitis creates pain that normally starts near the navel as well as shifting to the right lower abdomen. This pain typically intensifies over a time frame of twelve to 18 hrs. and ultimately will become quite severe.

This can affect anyone but it mostly occurs in individuals in between the ages of ten and thirty. The standard treatment is elimination of the appendix surgically.

The location of this pain can vary, depending on the age of the individual as well as the position of the appendix. Pregnant women as well as young children can have appendicitis pain in places that are different.

Symptoms and signs of appendix pain or appendicitis can include:

If the individual or child has symptoms or signs that are worrying, call for an appointment to see your family physician. Abdominal pain that is so stark that an individual is not able to sit still or discover a position that is comfortable requires immediate attention medically.

What causes appendicitis is not always known. Often appendicitis can occur as a result of:

A blockade

Piece of hard stool – fecal stone – or food waste can get confined in an opening of the cavity running the interval of the appendix.

Infection

Appendicitis can also occur after an infection, for instance gastrointestinal infection, or can start after other kinds of infections.

In either case, bacteria can afterwards rapidly invade, triggering the appendix to be inflamed and pus filled. When not treated immediately, the appendix can split.

Appendicitis may create complications that are serious.

An appendix can rupture

If the appendix does rupture, the substances of the intestines as well as organisms that are infectious may leak into the cavity of the abdomen. This causes infections to develop in the abdominal cavity and cause peritonitis.A pus pocket can form in the abdomen

The seepage and infection of intestinal contents can create an abscess – which is a pocket of infection also known as appendiceal abscess. This abscess needs treatment before the abscess tears open causing a much more widespread infection in the abdominal cavity.

The appendix pain can over time change, making the establishment of a diagnosis often difficult. Additionally, pain in the abdomen region can come from a vast number of health problems besides appendicitis. in order the help with the diagnosis of appendicitis, the physician will more than likely first take a history of symptoms and signs and then execute a very thorough exam of the abdomen.

Procedures and tests can include:

Physical to assess pain

The physician can apply pressure that is gentle on the area that is painful. When this pressure is suddenly released, appendix pain will normally get worse, a sign that the peritoneum is inflamed. other indicators the physician might look for include rigidity of the abdomen and the tendency for the abdominal muscles to stiffen up in reaction to any pressure around the appendix that is inflamed.

Blood test

The physician will be checking for high white cell count that can point to an infection.

Urine test

A urinalysis will need to be done to make certain that a kidney stone or urinary tract infection is not causing the pain.

Imaging tests

The physician might recommend an X-ray of the abdominal area, an ultrasound scan or a CT scan in order to help to endorse appendicitis or to find any other reasons for the pain.

Treatment for appendix pain normally consists of surgical removal of the appendix that is inflamed. any other treatment can be needed depending on each individual situation.

Appendix surgery or appendectomy

Appendix surgery is executed as open surgery by using one incision in the abdominal region about two to four inches long. or this surgery can also be done laparoscopically involving several very small incisions in the abdomen. in the course of a laparoscopic technique, the surgeon will insert special tools as well as a video camera into the abdomen in order to remove the appendix.

Generally, laparoscopic surgery permits the individual to recover fast and creates less scarring. But, this type surgery is not suitable for everyone. if the appendix has burst and the infection is extended beyond the appendix or if an abscess is involved, the individual can need an open appendectomy. This allows the surgeon to un-contaminate the cavity of the abdomen.

An individual should anticipate spending one or two days in the hospital after an appendectomy.

Drainage of abscess before surgery

If an abscess is current, it can be drained by putting a tube thru the skin and into the abscess. The appendectomy may be done several weeks later when the infection has been controlled.

Tags: Appendix Pain, Symptoms, causes, Treatment, Diagnosis, Location, appendix pain in adults, children, diagram, back, left side, where is it located?

My father has had diabetesand been insulin dependant since he was 17, and he also developed chronic diarrhea and has had it since way before I could remember. Just about four years ago he began to get really sick and had severe recurring stomcah pain and nausea, he almost died several times because he couldn't eat for months. Doctor tried to say it was heartburn, appendicitis, gastropericus, or just blame it on his diabetes, and they haven't really helped him except by given him morphene to help with the pain. my father is only 41 and he is about six feet tall, but he only weighs about 90 lbs. He is so sick and my mom is so depressed because we can't help him. the doctors have done so many tests on him and they always come back negative.

Has anyone ever had some similar symptoms or if diabetes and liver failure really do cause this pain for people? I have known people on dialysis and who had diabetes who were never in this much pain? Please help.

I thinks it's an ulcer.

Have u tryed going to a specialist about this? or maybe looking up his symptoms online or in a library to see what u can find out. i dont know whats is wrong with him but im just trying to give u other places to look than where u have.

Has he ever seen a gatroenterologist? This doesn't sound good at all. With that much weight loss, it may point to cancer. Good luck!

Since your father has diabetes, he has a problem with his pancreas. in addition to the diabetes, he may also have Pancreas Enzyme Insufficiency.

Digestive enzymes from the pancreas are necessary to break down protein, fat, and carbohydrates in foods that are ingested. When there is a deficiency of these enzymes, nutrients are not broken down, resulting in malnutrition and weight loss. This condition is called malabsorption because the intestine is unable to absorb these vital nutrients.

The two major symptoms are diarrhea (frequently with fat droplets in the stool) and weight loss. This condition can result from any cause of pancreatitis, including trauma and infection. Pancreatic enzymes can be taken by mouth to replace those that are no longer made by the pancreas

If your father is not seeing a specialist (endocrinologist or gastroenterologist), he needs to see one as soon as possible. Any disease involving the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain. Insist your father see a different doctor.

has he been checked for H-Pylori…. I had it about ten years ago, and I also had severe pain with unrelenting nausea.. I also could not eat…

16 February 2011 last updated at 03:42 ET Share this page

Peter Ball had suffered from stomach ache for a while and at first thought he had pulled a muscle

A surgeon potentially saved the life of an old schoolfriend by diagnosing his symptoms for appendicitis on Facebook.

Rahul Velineni, from the Princess of Wales Hospital, Bridgend, saw Peter Ball's status update on his stomach pains and his trouble walking.

He sent the 30-year-old from Cheshire a message telling him he should see a doctor immediately.

He has thanked his old schoolfriend for offering crucial advice at exactly the right time.

Mr Ball had been suffering from stomach ache for a while and at first thought he had pulled a muscle.

As his symptoms became worse, he decided to put himself to bed, posting an update that he was "walking like an old man" on his Facebook page.

He said: "I woke at about half-three in the morning in pain and saw I had a message from Rahul asking me to call him and saying he thought I might have appendicitis.

Peter Ball says he owes his old friend Rahul Velineni a few drinks

"The message really hammered home how important it was that I get this checked out."

Deciding not to disturb Mr Velineni in the early hours, Mr Ball instead took himself to his GP first thing and was referred to Macclesfield General Hospital.

He said: "By 7.30 that night I was in the operating theatre having my appendix out.

"The doctors said it had already ruptured. it was surprisingly serious.

"When I got home I phoned Rahul and thanked him profusely – I definitely owe him a few drinks for this."

Mr Velineni said that appendicitis was often difficult to diagnose, but he had thought his friend's status update sounded "odd".

"At once a light bulb went off in my head and I took the decision to get in touch with him.

"Thankfully he went to see his GP and the cycle started, because he had a nasty appendix and it was taken out."

The surgeon remained modest, however: "I think the people in the operation saved his life – I just gave him a kick in the right direction."

Mr Ball said he generally only used Facebook for staying in touch with friends.

"something like this shows it can be about saving lives too," he said.

Something isnt right with me lately, (this is my symptoms) I have abdominal pain for 1 month now in the same area (lower right side) and pale yellow diarreah that is sometimes once a day to ten times a day…I am constantly tired and in pain.. they ruled out appendicitis, cysts, a hernia, and bowel obstruction….they think i might have one of these disorders listed above, I have a young baby to take care of and I feel like crap, any information would be greatly appreciated thank you!

Here are a couple of sites that you might find helpful to understand the differences and similarities of these two conditions:

mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-…
ulcerativecolitis.us/app/diet…

both sites speak to diet, symptoms, supports etc.

Good luck and take care of yourself and your little one.

Hi!

I started out with hives (a horrible itchy rash) when i was 16.
I also suffered with very heavy periods, and abdominal pain.
in 2000 after having three kids, i went to the dr. for the abdominal pain and they did a endoscopy procedure and i was diagnosed with endometriosis. I had a complete hysterectomy. after that for years i dealt with stomach cramps, extreme gas , and constant heartburn ,being tired all the time.
Then i started having joint pain, and trouble swallowing, due to an inflammation problem in my body.
In june of 2008 i started having a horrible stomach ache, cramping , and bloody diarrhea, so i went to the hospital for a colonoscopy.
and was then diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis.
I think all my symptoms from the age 16, are maby linked to this.

I am on Prednisone and Asacol.

You should see a Doc as soon as possible!

Good luck 2 you!