Crohn's Disease???

[boppypanda]

For several years now I have been suffering from abdominal pain on my right side as well as acid reflux, nauseau, vomitting, constipation and diarhea.  Since 2001 I have had several surgeries to try and fix the problem.  They include: having my gall bladder removed, two surgeries for endometriosis, a total hysterectomy and my appendix removed.  The doctors that I see have done several tests including a pill cam, several ct's, xrays and blood work.  All my ct's come back showing a fat band wrapped around my intestines which the doc said was indicative of Crohn's but all my other tests have come back showing no Crohn's.  The pain is getting worse and I think I have been on at least twenty different kinds of medication to try and get this under control. I have tried Pentasa, Entocort, Prednisone, Nortriptyline and Imuran just to name a few. Also recently I have only been able to eat two meals a day because if I try to eat any more than that I vomit for the next two days.  

My question is if this isn't Crohn's disease then could it be the fat band that is wrapped around my intestines be causing this?  If so, should it be removed?  Any advice that you can give would be extremely appreciated.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a pretty comprehensive workup, and likely would have excluded Crohn's disease if present.

I cannot give surgical advice without evaluation, but there are a few antibody tests that you may want to consider to pin down the diagnosis.

This can include the  anti-OmpC antibody, ASCA, and pANCA tests. Some of them are investigational, but can be considered if the diagnosis is elusive.  

If the tests are negative, then I would pursue diagnoses other than Crohn's.

Another GI opinion, preferably at a major academic medical center, can be considered to discuss these options.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd

[boppypanda]

Thank you very much.  That gives me a start.  I have been to UVa for treatment as well and that is who concluded  that it wasn't Crohn's.  Again thanks, I will ask my doc to see if he can run those antibody tests.

[boppypanda]

I forgot to add that I am only twenty-six.  I had my gall bladder out at age 18, endo surgeries at 18 and 19, hysterectomy at 22 and appendix removed at 24.  I have also had an upper GI with small bowel follow thru, colonoscopy and an endoscopy.  All have come back with the same answer-the inside of my intestines are clear but the outside has that band.  I am at a loss as to what to do.