Facing a Crohn's Flare-Up: My Ongoing Battle
I recently experienced an intense episode of pain, which led me to seek immediate medical attention at the emergency room. The discomfort was unbearable, rated at a 10 out of 10, and affecting my bowel function significantly. Following a CT scan, the results indicated: - Narrowing of the small intestine (small bowel stenosis) - Dilation within the small bowel - Presence of liquid in certain sections of my small intestine, alongside a slightly twisted appearance of nearby mesenteric vessels. Additionally, my report included concerning blood results: Neutrophils at 89.8%, Lymphocytes at 6.1%, and an unexpected cystic formation near my left ovary, measuring approximately 25mm. Curiously, I found out I possess what is termed an "accessory spleen" – am I really dealing with two spleens? In the ER, I was given a series of treatments that provided substantial relief, including: - Butylscopolamine 20mg IV/IM/SC - Sodium chloride solutions (both 10ml ampoule and 100ml bag) - Hydrocortisone 100mg IV/IM - Ondansetron 8mg IV - Pantoprazole 40mg IV - Electrolyte and glucose solution (500ml IV) - Tramadol 100mg IV/IM - Diazepam 5mg orally (I was quite anxious as a solo foreign student in Portugal) - Methylprednisolone 125mg IV/IM I have been referred for an urgent MRI to assess the progression of my condition, scheduled for tomorrow. The prospect of my Crohn's disease returning is daunting, especially after being told for months that my symptoms were simply anxiety or IBS leading up to this. Historically, my diagnosis has been approached with caution. Crohn's is hereditary in my family, and I exhibited severe symptoms as early as 16, culminating in findings of microgranulomas and cryptitis in my terminal ileum and colon at 17, though these issues were never apparent on imaging until now—now that the pain has become unbearable. As a 27-year-old American student pursuing my master’s degree in Portugal, I was already planning to return to the US for my research, but I felt overwhelmed by the intense discomfort over the past months, wishing for more time here. This situation now dictates that I return to my gastroenterologist at home. Will my condition improve? Is this the end of normalcy for me? I feel utterly disheartened and undeserving; a burden to those around me. The prospect of escalating medical costs looms, and I have been warned that if Budesonide is ineffective, biologics may become necessary. I’m anxious about finding a job back in the US amid these uncertainties, especially with concerns about Medicaid stability. Though I secured COBRA coverage for now, it’s a temporary solution. Previously, Budesonide caused severe mood swings during treatment, raising concerns since I might have to manage it alone in Portugal until I return home. However, the doctors believe my reaction could differ now that I am older and have a bit more weight, despite my recent significant weight loss. Could anything about this whole scenario possibly be exaggerated? I sincerely hope that’s the case. I am a 27-year-old woman, weighing approximately 45 kg and standing about 1.6 m tall. My medication regimen is shifting, but I’m still managing with Pantoprazole 20mg, preparing to begin Budesonide, dealing with Crohn's disease, and questioning the state of my IBS now.
Answers (1)
7/28/2025, 9:31:11 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your Crohn's disease. It sounds like a very difficult time, both physically and emotionally. Your concern about managing your condition while being far from home is completely understandable. I want to provide you with some insights and actionable steps to consider.
Key Points:
- Your symptoms and recent imaging findings suggest a significant flare-up of Crohn's disease, which may require close monitoring and management.
- The presence of an accessory spleen is usually benign and doesn't typically cause complications, but it’s good to keep your doctors informed.
- The emotional burden and anxiety associated with your health condition are valid and important to address.
Explanation:
Crohn's disease can sometimes present with intense symptoms like you experienced. The narrowing of the small intestine (stenosis) is common in Crohn's and can lead to pain and bowel function issues. The medication regimen you received in the ER shows that your healthcare team is taking your situation seriously and addressing your acute symptoms.
It’s also natural to feel anxious about the diagnosis, potential treatments (like Budesonide and possibly biologics), and the change in your life plans due to health concerns. Mood swings from medications can be tough, so it’s vital to stay in close contact with healthcare providers about your experiences with new treatments.
Actionable Steps:
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary noting pain levels, bowel habits, and any side effects from medications. This will help your doctors tailor treatment effectively.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and consider small, easy-to-digest meals if you can tolerate them. Avoiding high-fiber foods during flare-ups can help reduce symptoms.
- Establish a Support System: Since you may feel isolated, try to connect with support groups online or join forums for students managing chronic illnesses. Sharing your experiences can be very helpful.
- Prepare for Your MRI: When you go for your MRI, express any concerns to your healthcare team—ask them about the urgency of your situation and what they recommend. This can clarify your mind and help reduce anxiety.
- Plan Your Next Steps: Discuss with your doctors any concerns regarding your medication, mobility, and potential work opportunities in the US. Knowing your options may alleviate some anxiety about the future.
It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed right now. Focus on each day, seeking the support you need from friends or health professionals. You are not a burden to those around you, and taking care of your health is your priority. Should you need more specific advice about aspects of your condition or treatment, please let me know.
Related Questions
Understanding a Nodular Finding on My Appendix: Seeking Clarity
I'm a 22-year-old female, standing 4'9", with a background of EDS and anxiety. Recently, on January 30, 2026, I visited the emergency department due to kidney discomfort, which turned out to be a kidney stone. While reviewing my CT scan report to recall the size and location of the stone—still lodged and proving quite troublesome—I stumbled upon a mention of a nodular area on my appendix. This detail was not brought up by my doctor during my visit. Although I suspect it may not signal a serious issue, I'm curious if this is something I should discuss further with my primary care physician. Can anyone clarify what a nodular finding on the appendix means? I came across some information suggesting it could indicate a tumor, but I’m aware that online medical searches can often lead to misunderstandings. Any insights would be appreciated!
Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked. Here’s what I've been grappling with: I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static. Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations. Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence. Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks. I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary. Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities. Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed: • My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions. • The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy. • EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures. • More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns. • Mild sleep apnea was detected. • Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory. • Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury. What has proven somewhat beneficial includes: • Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches. • Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks. • Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous. I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery. I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points: 1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results? 2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety? 3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom? 4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated? I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
Excruciating Nerve Sensitivity
Greetings, everyone. I recently underwent surgery to address a cervical rib issue on the left side, utilizing the transaxillary method. Today marks ten days since the procedure was performed last Wednesday. I was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning and felt fine initially, aside from the typical discomfort associated with surgery such as pain, numbness, and some swelling in my left arm, which limited mobility. My surgeon assured me this was normal. However, come Monday morning, I experienced a sudden sensation that I initially thought was pain in my left hand, predominantly affecting my pinky, ring, and middle fingers, extending to my arm and shoulder. A visit to the doctor clarified that this was not just pain—I was experiencing hypersensitivity, specifically involving the ulnar nerve. A week has passed, and the intensity of the hypersensitivity is unmanageable. It feels as if my hand is simultaneously being burned, stabbed, and electrocuted. I have been prescribed medication like pregabalin, yet it only provides temporary relief lasting no more than an hour or two. While the swelling in my arm has subsided, the hypersensitivity and numbness continue unabated. Although I can move my arm and hand to a degree, my strength is noticeably reduced, which may be a lingering effect from the surgery. I was concerned there might be a hematoma at the incision site irritating the brachial plexus, but an ultrasound revealed no signs of blood accumulation. I'm currently in a challenging predicament and would deeply appreciate any suggestions or remedies you might offer, as the discomfort has become unbearable; at this point, I'd even consider amputation of my arm over enduring this agony.
[30M] Intermittent Crackling Noise from Chest Area
Hello everyone, I've been experiencing a crackling sound that occurs occasionally when I laugh heartily or cough. It seems to originate from my chest, but I'm not entirely sure if it might also be related to my throat. Interestingly, there’s no mucus or phlegm that surfaces when this happens. Despite my attempts, I can’t reproduce the sound by quickly exhaling or taking deep breaths. I don't struggle with wheezing or experience shortness of breath. There’s a persistent cough I’ve had since dealing with the flu last December, but I can recall having these sounds before that incident. Additionally, I suffered from asthma as a child, which I suspect could be a contributing factor. I'm planning to schedule an appointment with my primary care physician for a comprehensive evaluation, ideally including an X-ray. Meanwhile, I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights you might have. Thank you in advance!
Seeking Answers: Unexplained Symptoms
Profile Information: - **Age**: 15 - **Gender**: Female - **Height**: 5'3 - **Ethnicity**: Caucasian **Medication Regimen**: - Lisdexamfetamine: 40 mg daily - Famotidine: 20 mg, twice daily - Cetirizine: 40 mg daily I have been experiencing persistent pain for as long as I can recall, even before I started taking any medication, so I am skeptical about the drugs affecting my condition. Below is a compilation of my symptoms that I can remember offhand. My family has been advised on multiple occasions to consider testing for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) due to the alignment of my symptoms with the condition. My latest physician conducted laboratory tests to evaluate my tryptase levels without an initial baseline measurement. This was taken roughly 1.5 hours post-flare-up, which came back low. Consequently, she concluded that I do not have MCAS, but after researching further, I found that low levels do not definitively rule it out. I am reaching out for guidance—can anyone assist me in understanding my situation? **Presented Symptoms**: - Persistent hives - Facial flushing - Cognitive fog - Recurring headaches - Abdominal discomfort - Irregular bowel movements (ranging from diarrhea to constipation) - Anxiety attacks - Low blood pressure - Episodes of dizziness - Rapid heartbeat - Chronic fatigue - Episodes of fever - Severe joint pain - Night sweats - Bloating - Elevated sensitivity to sunlight - Intolerance to heat I frequently experience multiple symptoms together during flare-ups, with at least one flare occurring daily. The hives tend to emerge 1 to 3 times each day, primarily triggered by sun exposure and heightened emotional states, although at times they arise with no apparent cause. These flare-ups can occur abruptly, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.