Anyone have Crohn's or IBD?

[Slangevar]

Hi guys - get ready for some TMI!  Back in 2009, I had a few episodes of rectal bleeding, lower right abdominal "fullness", crazy bowel symptoms, bloating, etc.  A friend of mine with Crohn's disease suspected I had it, but my colonoscopy was normal. Official diagnosis: IBS and hemmorhoids (though he didn't actually SEE any).

Cut to this past week. My doc has me on an elimination diet to test for acid reflux I've been having. I'm actually feeling better reflux-wise, but my lower GI has gone crazy again! 

For the past three days, I've gotten lower abdominal pain about 2 hours after eating; more frequent bowel movements in all shapes, colors and textures; and - the worst symptom - I've had three episodes of mucus and blood clots that are about the color of a red pepper. The past two have been actually mixed in with the stool.

I've already set an appointment with my GI for next week... now I'm trying to manage my level of anxiety. I don't want Crohn's disease, but I can handle it over cancer, you know?  Any thoughts? 

[trainwreck]

You have an appt with the GI, so you will get diagnosed soon enough.  But it would seem pretty clear that the trigger here was your change in diet.  That could easily trigger an IBS flare up.  I would assume it could trigger Crohn's flare up.  But diet isnt going to cause cancer to flare up.   

[Slangevar]

But diet isnt going to cause cancer to flare up.   

Thank you for that, Trainwreck... that is exactly the kind of rational thinking I was looking for. I feel measurably better. 

[trainwreck]

Glad I could help.  Actually it wasn't my rational thinking.  I just went to the doctor a week ago with most of the same symptoms and fears. I am pretty much repeating what he told me. 

[Slangevar]

I just looked at your other post again (the one about your GP's advice) - we did share a lot of the same worries and symptoms! 

I suspect your doc would've been a little more worried if you'd had the bleeding I do, but the logic is the same... it would be an incredible coincidence if I were to develop such massive cancer symptoms right after starting a radical diet. (And also taking things like Mucinex, Advil and apple cider vinegar, which may be messing with my system.) 

Phew... okay, I think I can make it to the appointment. :-)

[trainwreck]

Plus, you have had a recent (4 years) clean colonoscopy.

[Slangevar]

Plus, you have had a recent (4 years) clean colonoscopy.

Very true. (But there's always that annoying voice in the back of our heads that says, "What about the small intestine or stomach?")