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crohn’s disease pain

Read and learn more about crohn’s disease pain. For more, visit the Crohn’s Disease website DrCrohns.org

Q: Crohn’s Disease Pain – - Help!?
I have had Crohn’s Disease for about 17 years. During a recent flare-up, I had a colonoscopy that showed I’m pretty messed up inside. But the doctor did not change my medication. So, now, I’m on the same meds that have NOT been working for me for the past couple of years, and I’m having severe pain in my gut. I called to see the doctor and they can’t get me in for a few weeks. Is there anything I can do in the mean time to ease the pain while I wait to see her? My HMO does not have any other GI doctors in it, and I don’t know that Immediate Care would do anything for me knowing it’s GI related…. Any advice on how to make it through?

A: hi kim, i am a female crohn’s pt. for 28 yrs. I can truly relate to the pain that you are going through. It is very frustrating to the point where you are in tears and feel so alone.

Call your insurance and tell them that you are not satisfied with the GI that they have listed and would like to see someone outside of their network. If you have to, tell them that you will report them to the state if they don’t comply. You have that right to a 2nd opinion or even a 3rd.

Go to see your primary MD and have him check you out. Tell him about the pain you are experiencing and ask him to prescribe something such as Tylenol 3 w/codeine, Darvocet, Demerol, etc. This is what I did: I have so many doctors myself and I didn’t want any confusion as to who was giving me my pain meds and muscle relaxer. So I asked my primary to give me the script and that we’d work together if things got worse, I’d see my GI. For stomach spasms, I go to my GI and ask him for a script for Bentyl.

You can ask your primary MD which GI he’d recommend sending his family members to or ask one of his nurses seeing as they deal with GIs all the time.

I found that when I take the muscle relaxer around that time of the month (we are prone to hormonal flares) and then a few hrs. later I take my pain pill, it takes the edge off. Mind you though you can’t smoke or drink while on this stuff.

Try a heating pad on your gut 15 minutes on, 20 minutes off or better, a Thermacare heat wrap for your back. Move the discs to the front and you can sleep with it for 8hrs. at bedtime.

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America has a site which has tons of information ranging from the latest treatments, diet, surgery, coping, to locating a local support chapter near you. They also have a live chat, a hotline (both run by healthcare experts) and a forum where pts. and family members can post questions to others in the same situation.

As for newer treatments–ask if you are a candidate for Remicade, Humira, 6MP, Imuran, or Entocort. If surgery is needed and you have to have a total colectomy permanent ileostomy (bag that nobody knows you have unless you tell them–i’ve had mine since the age of 17) email me and i will do my best to help you or give the untied ostomy assoc. of america a try.

I wish you the best of health and hope that you are pain free soon.

Q: Does smoking marijuana help ease the pain in crohn’s disease?
I want to know if medical marijuana helps with the symptoms of Crohn’s Disease such as intestinal pain due to obsturction, bloating, flagulence, and etc. I also would like to know if it helps with physical symptoms like arthritis pains and scoliosis.

A: It helps with alot of pain – that is why they have medical marijuana. It helps aids victims gain weight and take pain away. They also give it to terminal cancer patients. I went to school with a girl who had bone cancer and her parents finally let her smoke it to ease the pain. It worked.

Q: What pain meds can you take to help control the pain from Crohn’s Disease?
I have a really bad achy to sharp pain in my lower right side from my Crohn’s Disease and I am taking Tramadol and/or Vicodin as needed. Tylenol does not help at all whatsoever and I don’t want to become dependent on controlled drugs.

A: I use a medication called Sertal,When necessary, it’s composed of hydrochlorate 10 mg, Clonixinato 125 mg. I give the medical break down because I am in another country and its probably called something different where you are. This really stops the pain from the spasms.

Double coated peppermint oil capsules can really help with the pain.

I find the biggest help is change of diet. Since I have changed my way of a eating I no longer suffer with the extreme pain In the intestines. I’ve enclosed to link to a website that gives very detailed information on how to eat. It talks about irritable bowel syndrome, but it relates to Crohns disease as well. Study the different pages on this website by think you will learn a great deal.

Q: Help with Crohn’s Disease tummy pain?
I am 26 and have had Crohn’s for 11 years. I have had two operations and tried all sorts of medication – prednisolone, immuran, mesasal, entocort. I am suffering yet another flare-up and my stomach pain has been the most severe yet. I’m used to discomfort but this is the worst I’ve experienced – not even my hot water bottle is helping! My tests show chronic inflammation and my tummy has swollen so much I actually look pregnant (which I’m not). I am currently taking entocort (budesonide) but I am desperate to combat this pain somehow. I am usually a pro at dealing with my tummy pain but this time around it is constant and I can’t seem to get rid of it. Any suggestions? I don’t want to have a third operation.

A: I’m taking a gastrointestinal physiology class right now and we actually just learned about Crohn’s disease.

Our professor said Remicade and Thalidomide are some current medications that are used. Have you tried these?

Apparently Thalidomide has a great anti-inflammatory result, but is also associated with severe birth defects (read about “thalidomide babies” on google). Depending on your future child plans, etc. this could be an option for you.

Maybe ask your doctor about these as options.

Q: Coccyx Pain/Crohn’s Disease?
Hi, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease about eight years ago. I have been having incredible tailbone pain in the last three weeks or so. I have been waiting for it to go away, and it hasn’t. There wasn’t a specific time that I can remember that caused the pain, it just kind of developed since I have been running, that could be it, though I’m not sure. I have heard of some connection between Crohn’s and Scoliosis, is this true? Are their any other possible causes, like running, and it will go away?

A: It’s possible the Crohn’s is causing your Coccyx pain since the same nerves that innervate your digestive system also innervate you lower back. Could be weak core muscles. You could have a fracture. Go to doc.

Q: Is the pain caused by Crohn’s disease and endometriosis enough to justify morphine daily?
This girl I know in her early 20’s has morphine every day. We fear she is addicted. She always looks and sounds strung out, she doesn’t work and is mentally unstable. It seems like overkill to me – I know there are things that can be done for endometriosis, but what about Crohn’s? What do you think?

A: hi, I am a crohn’s pt. for 28 yrs. Some crohn’s pt. are in severe pain almost daily because the newer treatments just don’t work for them so they go under a doctor’s care for pain management.

Before you judge this poor girl, she may be suffering w/abdominal pain, fatigue, bleeding, the big “D” or “C”. You just don’t know unless you’ve been in her shoes.

Check out the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s site to educate yourself. There is also a live chat & hotline run by healthcare experts who can answer your questions as well as an open forum where you can post this question to others who have IBD (crohn’s or ulcerative colitis).

Don’t judge a book by its cover. I know many folks w/Crohn’s who are on pain management medications because they are not able to take the newer treatments. Check out the CCFA site and EDUCATE YOURSELF. If things get worse for your friend, then yes, definitely step in and talk to her family into getting her help.

It’s nice to know that some people actually care when a friend isn’t well.

Q: can you live with the frustration and pain of crohn’s disease?
there are days I don’t really feel pain but i feel like little things are too much. i want to scream. some noises are too much.. people need to shut up and leave me alone.
I don’t want to be bothered. and other days i feel like I have pressure inside and I want to explode and get it over with. or the pain won’t stop.. yet if i don’t eat i feel like my stomach will eat me.

A: One of the best ways to control the pain and other symptoms is to find out what foods set off the symptoms and control it with diet. Yeasts, processed foods (including white sugar, white flour, white vinigar, white rice etc), spicy foods and preservatives are often big triggers.

There are also medications and antibiotic type drugs that can minimize the effects.

Also if you are taking drugs such as paing killers, anti-inflamatories and anti cramp medication, make sure you eat before you take them or take them with milk (as long as you aren’t sensitive to lactose) so the chalk and acids in the medications don’t irritate your stomach.

Most of all, speak to a doctor and google-wack crohns disease support groups, there are sure to be online as well as local groupls that will be able to help you out with advice and understanding. Don’t underestimate the power of your friends too, tell them what you are going through and they will be far less likely to try and get you to eat things that set you off and they will be glad of knowing why you may be under the weather at times.

Good luck with it :-)

Q: How do you live with the pain of Crohn’s Disease?

A: I’m so sorry to hear you (or someone you love) has Crohn’s disease. I just read webmd.com about it. Doesn’t sound good, though it does appear to make a turn: “Abdominal pain may turn to a dull, constant ache as the condition progresses”. I can’t begin to give comfort or advice to such a horrible scenario other than perhaps some lame sentiment like… you might learn from it…

Consider this: America is one of the biggest meat-eating countries and also one of the countries with the largest population of digestive-track difficulties. It’s easy for me to advise more fiber and no meat or chicken knowing that relief is not in sight. But just know that there is someone in the universe who feels for you, has heartrending empathy because I too have some digestive tract problems that must be addressed. But I don’t think I have anything that serious, maybe stress bloating and cramping.

Write me if you need a hug morphola@hotmail.com

Q: Do you or someone you know struggle with the pain of Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis?
I was diagnosed 15 years ago, and this year I’m fighting back by riding my bicylce 210 miles in 3 days. To find out more, or to support me on this journey please visit www.ibdride.org/arwyatt

A: hi doc, i am a female crohn’s survivor dxed at the age of 12. Currently going in for outpt. surgery to have a fistula closed with surgical glue and stitches.

I hate this illness and wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. I am a local CCFA volunteer for our chapter but I had a stroke 3 yrs. ago so I can’t do much now.

Anyway, thank you for doing your part to bring attention to this disease. I hope to see a cure before too long.

God Bless You and may you have a successful ride and a long remission!!! :)

Q: Is there a connection between crohn’s disease and heel pain?

A: Probably not unless you are getting a second autoimmune disease-fibromyalgia, this is a possibility but it is slim. With the right supplements both can be improved greatly.

Q: My new boyfriend has Crohn’s disease. I watch him in pain all the time, how can I help him?
I started dating this guy I really like. He told me he has Crohn’s. He doesnt say much, but I can see his face twisted in pain ALOT. I feel terrible. I want to be wonderful and supportive, any advice??????

A: I have Crohn’s and I have trouble with the pain sometimes. There really isn’t anything you can do to stop his pain, you’re not a doctor and there’s no cure. Just help him, like don’t let him eat bad foods and stuff, and hold his hand…ya know? Let him know that you’re there for him, despite the embarrassment that comes with Crohn’s. I know, I’ve been there, I’ve lost friends because of how shallow people can be. If he’s feeling too sick to go out or whatever just watch a movie and relax. I don’t really know what else to say, because I’ve never really had a boyfriend to tell. It’s a big step that he’s telling you, because I know some people that have been dating and still don’t tell their boyfriend/girlfriends.

PS. If he’s having a stomachache, a heating pad is usually the best remedy to ease the pain. At least for me it is.
Hope it helps…

Q: Pain with Crohn’s Disease?
I’ve just recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s and just this morning when i wake up, i had really bad pain on my stomach and it would hurt if i move it or just touch it. Also when I lay down it would hurt really badly. When i breath it would hurt. So does this mean my Crohn’s is getting worse or is it normal because I had pain before but never this much.

A: hi tran, i am a crohn’s survivor. The pain you are experiencing is normal until your GI puts you on a maintenance drug like Remicade, Humira, Entocort, 6MP, or Imuran. Until it kicks in, you should have been given something for pain mgt. such as Tylenol 3 w/codeine, Demerol, Darvocet, etc.

If you are still in a great deal of pain, call the MD and request something for the pain. You are entitled to have something to make you feel better.

I truly understand all of the discomfort you are feeling as I have been through it many times myself. It gets to the point where you have to cancel appts. w/friends, are doubled over crying b/c you feel like noone else understands and you feel so alone. It does get better in time. You just have to take it one day at a time.

feel free to email me w/questions. feel better.

Q: does anyone else with crohn’s disease suffer from back pain?
lower back pain seems to be one of my main symptoms and i was just wondering if anyone else had this problem. some times it travels further up my back but usually its just at the bottom. What other symptoms do you have?

A: I’m sorry to hear of your suffering. I do not have Crohn’s but I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2005. Lower back pain has been one of my main symptoms as well. They have given me Ultram/Tramadol for it but I hate taking it. I literally have to wake up and take one before I can begin my day, otherwise I’m useless! My list of other symptoms is a long one, as I have multiple health issues. Pleurisy, stomach discomfort/pain, painful BM’s, the dreaded “D’ etc etc.
Healingwell.com has a huge forum support group for Crohn’s and UC. They are separated but usually members cross post or jump from one to the other because symptoms are quite similar. I hope this has helped. Feel free to contact me if you’d like further information or just a friend that understands. :)

~katsumi
If you haven’t joined a support group yet, I highly recommend it. It took me three years to become comfortable with the idea of talking about my yucky situation but they are so welcoming, supportive and quite humorous, which is nice when you’re having a bad day.

Q: What hurts more, Crohn’s disease or giving birth?
I’ve had the answer for a Caesarian birth (Crohn’s disease) but never found a girl who gave birth naturally that also experienced the pain of Crohn’s disease. So my question is regarding natural birth.

A: Having had crohn’s disease for 15+ yrs & given birth to 2 boys naturally both over 8 lbs., I will honestly tell you that my Crohn’s hurt way worse than giving birth (I had a complete obstruction), with birth you feel pain for a short duration of time 1-2 days, with Crohn’s it can be painful for years at a time, plus you don’t hardly remember the pain of childbirth, yes you can get better pain killers with your crohn’s verses birth but the Crohn’s pain is often very reoccuring. Good Luck!

Q: Is joint pain related to Crohn’s disease?
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease about a month ago and put on 50mg of Prednisone daily. I’m going back to the doctor on Friday, and he will probably start to lower my dosage then. Lately, I’ve been having pain in my lower back, and my tailbone feels sore when I sit down. Plus, today, my ankles started hurting when I walk. School started a couple of weeks ago. Because of my Crohn’s disease, I felt too weak to be very active over the summer, and so I’m thinking maybe I’m just sore from having PhysEd every other day. But if this is a common symptom of Crohn’s or a side effect of the Prednisone, then let me know. Thanks

A: Yes, during Crohn’s disease flares, some sufferers do experience joint pain. This is likely to be as a result of body wide inflammation, not the result of the prednisone itself. It may be that during flares you may need a physicians note for limited activity during physical education.
Feel better soon.

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