Crohns misdiagnosis

I was diagnosed with Crohns in 2002 after going to the ER with abdominal pain and vomiting. By the next morning I was scheduled for exploratory surgery which resulted in a resection of the ileum and part of colon. Since surgery I have had no pain and no other symptoms other than chronic diarrhea which I think is a result of the removal of the ileum. Has anyone else gone this long without symptoms. Also I stopped all medication six months after surgery in 2002. I am wondering if I was misdiagnosed.

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Crohn's Misdiagnosis NEW
by: Annette Young

Hi there,
Thanks for your question.
It's unlikely that the crohns has gone. To the best of my knowledge, this disease just does not go, once you have it, you will always have it. There is no known cure for it currently although they are developing new treatments all the time.

It's more likely that the cause of your pain has now gone following surgery and I would guess that your Crohn's is in some sort of remission. This can be anything from days, weeks to even years. I know some people who have led fairly normal and pain-free lives for over 20 years and then suddenly, a flare-up occurs out of the blue.

Usually, there is a trigger point - something that you have eaten differently that causes a reaction or, if you have had alcohol, smoked or even been through a very stressful time. It doesn't take much for the disease to affect your body again. It can come back feeling much worse - so although I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, just be prepared.

There are cases where Crohn's has been misdiagnosed but often, it's a case of an alternative IBD which was diagnosed when it should have been Crohn's all the time. If you have concerns do go back to your doctor but just keep an eye on things and if you suddenly develop any symptoms, then report it.

I hope this helps.

Annette

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