Crohn's Disease or chronic IBS?

Last August I had my gallbladder removed. Since about two months before that up until this point I have lost 45 lbs(8mo time). After my surgery I started to have chronic diarrhea with certain foods that I was eating as well as abdominal cramps and lack of appetite. Last Tues. I started to vomit straight bile(I never puke, not to mention never straight bile). I went to see my general surgeon that took out my gallbladder. He did some stat lab work as well as a CT of my abd and upper GI with small bowel. The CT showed a small fluid filled pouch in my small bowel that didnt show in the upper GI, which was normal. The CT also showed a 2-3cm left ovarian cyst. All lab work has came back normal. He first said that he thought I had Crohns. Two days later when I came back he thought maybe chronic IBS. He put me on Bentyl which didnt help my cramps Thur or Friday. Ive felt fine since then. Does anyone have input on what they think it is or what I should do? MUCH THANKS!

Hello. I am Kristie and I have Crohn's Disease and I have had my gallbladder taken out when I was 18 years of age due to my Crohn's. I had the same things you are having...I could be fine with rice but not with noodles...Umm, for your cramping and the nature calls try Symax Duo-tabs CR or you could try Amitriptylin( works for some and does not for others)...I would see a gastro for a follow up to see if they find the same findings your general surgeon found. You may have Crohn's and your CBC and CRP levels are normal because it is not in a flare stage. I wish you the best of luck and hope things work out for the best and you get an answer for what you are seeking.

I've had a similar problem. The problem u have is that there's too much bile in your guts now that your gb has been removed.

Chronic IBS would be where you get constipated, Crohn's is the direct opposite.

I suggest a marvelous drug called Colestipol that will help you have regular BMs again!

As for the abscess I think you have, it would be a good idea to get it drained. The process is not pleasant, but you'll be glad you did! I think you need a good old butt scope which will help sort it out.

hi lizzie, i am a female crohn's survivor for 29 yrs. dxed at the age of 12. We can have either constipation or the big "D". I was constipated alot as a child. Here is the information from the crohn's and colitis website:

What Are the Symptoms?

Persistent diarrhea (loose, watery, or frequent bowel movements), crampy abdominal pain, fever, and, at times, rectal bleeding: These are the hallmark symptoms of Crohn's disease, but they vary from person to person and may change over time. Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss also may occur. However, the disease is not always limited to the GI tract; it can also affect the joints, eyes, skin, and liver. Fatigue is another common complaint. Children who have Crohn's disease may suffer delayed growth and sexual development.

Some patients may develop tears (fissures) in the lining of the anus, which may cause pain and bleeding, especially during bowel movements. Inflammation may also cause a fistula to develop. A fistula is a tunnel that leads from one loop of intestine to another, or that connects the intestine to the bladder, vagina, or skin. Fistulas occur most commonly around the anal area. If this complication arises, you may notice drainage of mucus, pus, or stool from this opening.

Symptoms may range from mild to severe. Because Crohn's is a chronic disease, patients will go through periods in which the disease flares up, is active, and causes symptoms. These episodes are followed by times of remission -- periods in which symptoms disappear or decrease and good health returns. In general, though, people with Crohn's disease lead full, active, and productive lives.

For more accurate info check out the ccfa site. They have a live chat & a hotline that is run by healthcare workers well versed in IBD during the week.

Feel free to email me with questions. good luck to you.

It sounds a lot like what i went through before they diognosed me with crohns disease, if you arent sure insist on a colenoscopy, I knew what it was as soon as i woke up in recovery, no more tests. I spent months in pain before they decided on the colenoscopy and the only reason they did that was because they thought it may have been cancer. dont leave it too late!! get checked!! I'm glad they checked me out because now im on medication and im getting so much better!