Questioning My Diagnosis: An Unexpected Journey
At 23, I experienced my initial flare-up in December 2023 while at my job. Being lactose intolerant, I made the unwise choice to consume dairy and spicy foods throughout the day. As my shift concluded, I began to feel discomfort in my lower right abdomen. This prompted a visit to the hospital where a few tests led the doctor to suspect diverticulitis, although he expressed uncertainty given my young age of 21. He subsequently recommended that I see a specialist. After undergoing a colonoscopy, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. However, the doctor did not seem entirely confident in this conclusion. From then until April, my diet was severely restricted to just potatoes and rice. By early evening, fatigue would set in, and I lost weight not due to choice, but from a lack of appetite and fear of eating. Fortunately, after April, my health improved significantly, and I was able to resume my regular diet, albeit with increased caution regarding lactose consumption. In May, I also found out I was pregnant and welcomed my baby in January. During my pregnancy, I naturally gained weight and everything appeared normal—my lab results were good, and my baby is thriving. Personally, I've always carried a few extra pounds, but I make it a point to maintain an active lifestyle to manage my weight. Occasionally, I do experience a mild pinching sensation in my lower right abdomen, but it’s not unbearable—on a scale of 1 to 10, I’d rate it a mere 2. I share this because I have a lingering suspicion that my initial diagnosis may have been incorrect. I am not on any medications currently, nor have I made significant changes to my diet. I rarely feel fatigued anymore, and my husband often remarks on how energetic I seem. Is this experience common? Do others have insights or suggestions?
Answers (1)
9/12/2025, 12:40:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you've been on quite a journey with your health, and it's understandable to have questions and concerns, especially regarding your diagnosis. Your experiences highlight important aspects of managing Crohn’s disease and living a healthy lifestyle while balancing it with recent motherhood.
Key Points:
- Crohn's Disease Diagnosis: Your potential diagnosis of Crohn's disease at a young age can trigger doubts, especially since symptoms can vary widely.
- Ongoing Symptoms: The mild pinching sensation you occasionally feel should be monitored, but it’s good that it’s manageable.
- Lifestyle and Diet: Your focus on maintaining an active lifestyle and monitoring your diet is beneficial, especially in managing potential symptoms.
Explanation:
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, fatigue, and changes in appetite. Diagnosis can sometimes be challenging, and experiences vary significantly among individuals. It’s common for people to question an initial diagnosis, especially if their symptoms improve over time or if they lead a healthy lifestyle post-diagnosis.
The mild discomfort you’re experiencing might relate to your digestive system adjusting or may not necessarily indicate a serious issue. Your active engagement with your health is commendable. However, it's also natural to seek confirmation regarding your diagnosis and management strategy moving forward.
Next Steps:
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Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a journal of your abdominal sensations and any other symptoms. Note when they occur, how intense they are, and any potential triggers (like specific foods).
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Dietary Caution: Continue to be cautious with your diet, especially with lactose and spicy foods, as these can flare-up symptoms. Consider working with a nutritionist familiar with Crohn’s disease for tailored dietary advice.
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Follow-Up: Although you're feeling better, consider arranging a follow-up with your healthcare provider or a specialist. Discuss your concerns about your Crohn's disease diagnosis, especially if you wish to explore further testing or management options.
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Community Support: Connecting with support networks or groups for Crohn’s disease patients can provide emotional support and practical advice from those who understand your experience.
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Regular Health Check-ups: Continue regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to keep track of your overall health, especially as you balance your new role as a parent.
Remember, it's essential to trust your instincts about your health. You deserve to feel confident in your diagnosis and management plan. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further assistance!
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