Daughter may have Crohn’s

I have mentioned in other posts that my 18 year old daughter had told me a few months back that she was having some blood in her stool. No other symptoms. Of course I asked all the logical questions…any diarrhea, was she constipated, straining, any pain, on her period, etc. No to all. Her appetite has been fine, she has not complained of any pain or digestive issues. No fevers. Due to my unmistakeable and obvious symptoms of UC, I wasn’t too concerned at first and we took a wait and see approach for a bit. Ultimately she went to the GI in November. Bloodwork looked okay but FCP was a little over 700. Today was her colonoscopy and although I was somewhat prepared for a diagnosis of UC, or perhaps proctitis, I was not prepared to hear Crohn’s. My heart is broken. At least I was 34 before my life was changed and honestly I’d rather it be UC. I don’t know a lot about Crohn’s but it seems to me like it’s worse. I feel terrible. Although it’s not official, I think it’s pretty likely at this point. I should probably post this on the Crohn’s board, too, but if anyone can offer any input, things we should do or ask, I would very much appreciate it. I have a lot of knowledge about UC, of course, but that’s not so useful. I’m going to post below what I think is the relevant information from her scope report. What I understand is that the inflammation is at the end of the small bowel in the ilium and appendiceal orifice which is why the doctor believes it’s Crohn’s. My daughter does take ibuprofen for cramps during her period, but I wouldn’t think that kind of use would cause this. And of course I have spent all evening Googling and there can be other explanations, but Crohn’s is number 1. Everything else looked ok but she took biopsies to look for microscopic inflammation throughout the colon. Next step is MREnterography and possibly a capsule endoscopy. Here’s what I pulled from the report:

The perianal and digital rectal examinations were normal. Scattered mild inflammation characterized by erosions,erythema and aphthous ulcerations was found in the terminal illium. Biopsies were taken with a cold forceps for histology. Localized moderate inflammation characterized by congestion
(edema), erosions, erythema, friability and aphthous ulcerations was found at the appendiceal orifice. Biopsies were taken with a cold forceps for histology.
Biopsies were taken with a cold forceps in the entire colon for histology.

The retroflexed view of the distal rectum and anal verge was normal and showed no anal or rectal abnormalities.
- Mild inflammation was found in the ilium secondary to ileitis. Biopsied.
- Localized moderate inflammation
found at the appendiceal orifice
secondary to colitis. Biopsied.
- The distal rectum and anal verge
normal on retroflexion view.
- Biopsies were taken with a cold forceps for histology in the entire colon.

Depending on the outcome of the biopsy report you really will not know for sure. If indeed this turns out to be crohns be glad it got caught early. Medication wise there isn't much difference. While I know you are scared for her & understandably so, try not to let her see how upset you are.

The Cleveland Clinic is an excellent place to read about crohns.

Take care.

So sorry this was confirmed, Natty! I remember you wrote it on my post and I suspected this would be the outcome. At least she has you and hopefully an understanding doctor! My UC has always affected my ileum and appendix- every flare shows inflammation in both areas so I usually have to go on antibiotics for the appendicitis. It is tough honestly since they won't remove the appendix due to the tissue surrounding it being “friable” tissue. I did get one of those pill cam endoscopies many years ago and the rest of the small intestine looked okay but I did have a lot of stomach inflammation (gastritis) so that explained all my vomiting. Stomach biopsies did not show Crohn’s during an upper scope so it was just ruled as UC but a lot of my early papers say “Crohn’s Colitis” since my inflammation was so far up. Prayers that she gets on a treatment quickly to prevent further damage. Honestly, the medications are mostly the same for both diseases. My GI has Crohn’s and we always joke which one of us goes through more medications.