birth defect plus crohns

[abcdefu]

Hi Ladies:

I can't believe I'm about to post what I am about to post on the internet, but I am wondering if anyone else is suffering from the same issues.

I was born with Lypomenegicele, which is a form of spina bifida. Basically I was born with tumor wrapped around my spinal cord which has left me with nerve damage. I can walk, but I suffer from nerve damage to my bladder and bowels.

Over the last 3 years I have been hospitalized multiple times due to horrible stomach burning and pain. I always get the same diagnosis of colitis. Well since I was hospitalized 3 weeks ago, I am now being evaluated for crohns. I have had burning and pain in my stomach for the past 3 weeks and have been on the BRATT diet and I'm still suffering from diarrhea and pain.

 Because of the nerve damage, it is difficult to know when I have to go to the bathroom, which is obviously very embarrassing. I actually have panic attacks if I don't know where a bathroom is, or if I have to ride in a car with someone.  I had a hard enough time managing my bowels with just spina bifida. I can't imagine having both Crohns runs in my family so I'm guessing there is a good chance I do have it, but I'm waiting for an official diagnosis.

I am so frustrated! Does anyone else have the same issues and how do you manage?

[tacom]

I'm so sorry you have to deal with two huge medical issues. I do have Crohn's disease but have typically suffered from the constipation/obstructive side of the disease (though I do occasionally have issues with D).

if you don't mind me asking, what are they doing to evaluate you for crohn's?

[abcdefu]

Thank you for your response! I am getting another cat scan done and a colonoscopy. I have problems with constipation, but I can have D at any time. I can go from being fine one minute, to excruciating pain and burning in my stomach the next. It's so weird.