I went to my gastroenterologist yesterday. It was a follow-up appointment for my colonoscopy. My doctor told me that even though the colonoscopy didn’t show any signs of Crohn’s Disease, I could still have it. The reason is that a colonoscopy only goes through part of the small bowel, and if the symptoms are manifesting in the areas that weren’t scoped, then he wouldn’t know. He said it’s very unlikely that I have it, though.
For the time being, he’s giving me a prescription for an anti-spasm medicine. I’m supposed to take it for three months to see if it does anything. He’s also having some blood work done. He wanted to check my vitamin D level again. My prescription for the high dose of vitamin D was only for eight weeks, and that ended about a month ago. He wants me to take an over-the-counter vitamin D supplement for now so that I’m getting at least 1,000 units a day. If my blood test results come back with my level being really low again, then I’ll have to be put on a higher dose.
He’s also checking for any inflammation in my body. I guess there are a couple of blood tests that can do that. If there is any inflammation, then it could be due to Crohn’s Disease or any type of inflammation completely unrelated to my intestinal issues. If I do show inflammation, then I’ll need to swallow a scope in pill form so they can get pictures of my entire digestive tract and not just the areas an endoscopy and colonoscopy can reach. That way, they can rule out Crohn’s Disease once and for all. I really hope I don’t show any inflammation because then it means I’ll have to drink my dreaded nemesis–Magnesium Citrate–so that the scope can do its job.
There’s a chance that the vitamin C supplements I’ve been taking could be causing some of my problems. If you overdose on vitamin C, which was thought to be impossible, then it can cause all kinds of digestive problems. My doctor doesn’t think it’s the vitamin C because I only take 500 mg a day. But, he still wants me to stop taking it for a couple of weeks to see if it makes any difference.
Finally, there’s still a possibility that this is SIBO or IBS. My doctor doesn’t want to diagnose me incorrectly, however, so he’s going through all these tests just to make sure he rules everything out first.
About Jenni Elyse
Poor Jenni! You sound like a lab rat. It’s too bad they can’t just take your blood and that would tell you right then. I wish it was that simple. Good luck with all your tests. I hope they find out something soon.
Having things figured out automatically would be nice. But, alas, I know from past experience (with Corey) that that’s not how it works.
I glad you have a doctor who is interested in really finding out what’s going on. All the tests are a pain, but at least once it’s over, you’ll be confident in the diagnosis. Hopefully it won’t be too much longer!!!
Leah Marie – I agree. I’m glad he’s trying to get to the bottom of this rather than just giving me an incorrect diagnoses.
Ugh. I hope they can get to the bottom of this soon! We love you.
Sheesh. It’s good he’s checking all the avenues but it’s hard to keep hearing, nope not yet. Sorry you’re having to go through this.
Ali – Thanks. I hope so too!
Debbie – Thanks! I’m sure it will work out. It’s just a matter of time. You can see that I’m trying to stay positive about it.
And the circle continues. Round and round. Hope you get some real answers soon.
Christie – Thanks. I hope so too!