I am curious - crohns or ibs

by Toni Samuels
(Spokane Washington)

I think I may have crohns or IBS, it started what I was twelve and I am now 49. I have never seen a doctor about it. I would like to know the realy symptoms of crohns? I have not lost weight, gained it if anything. I have wattery or very soft bowel movements, very urgent (I have not made it a few times). Foul smelling, 2+ times a day( most days). Stomach cramps, mild fever, headaches, gas, and an acidy stomach. I want to know the real symptoms, the true nitty gritty, someone please???

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Crohn's or IBS symptoms NEW
by: Annette

Hello,
Thank you for your post.
I am sorry to hear that you have been suffering for so many years. I really do believe that you should go to a doctor and get officially diagnosed one way or another.

Sometimes it can take a while to have the diagnosis made and this is because many of the symptoms for Crohn's and IBS are so similar.Some people are lucky and may only have one or two symptoms, others have more. The diseases vary from person to person.

The symptoms of IBS are usually worse after eating and include:

Abdominal pain and severe cramping.
Difference in bowel habits - constipation, diarrhea or sometimes both.
Swelling or bloating of the abdomen
Flatulence
Urgent need to go to the toilet
Passing mucus

For Crohn's the symptoms are as follows:

Abdominal pain and cramping - often worse after eating
Extreme fatigue
Recurring diarrhea

Less common symptoms include;

Vomiting
Nausea
Joint pain
Inflammation of the eyes
Rashes
Blood or mucus in stools


It certainly sounds as if you have a definitive health problem and you certainly need to seek advice. Either disease can be completely disruptive to your life and can make you feel very isolated during aggressive bouts known as flare-ups.

If you are embarrassed about the disease and the symptoms, please don't be. There are so many people out there who share similar symptoms and often it can be controlled by taking regular medication.

There are some things that you can do for yourself. Create a food journal and monitor the types of foods that you are eating. You need to eat plain foods and plenty of natural water - no fizzy drinks, no spicy foods etc. Make sure your food is as easy to digest as possible. You may discover that you are eating or drinking something that acts as a trigger.

Medical advice will have you feeling better hopefully soon so please do go. Either condition is serious but can be eased once a diagnosis has been made. At least then you know what you are dealing with.

If you are feeling isolated, then by all means use this forum to keep in touch and to ask any questions as necessary.

Wishing you good luck and better health.



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