Guest guest Posted October 13, 2004 Report Share Posted October 13, 2004 Crohns is an autoimmune disorder that causes the intestine to produce antibodies to fight off infection that isn't there. The body starts its natural defense mechanisms, in abundance, within the intestine, because it thinks it's healing. In reality, there is no infection or disease. What this causes is a build up of mucous, and accompyaning gas, bloating and cramping. In addition, it can cause ulcers within the intestine that block passage of material. Often, surgery is required at some point to remove these blockages. That's the short version of Crohns. Keep in mind this is the information I've gathered, I'm not a professional. Now, with relation to Celiac. There is a growing theory in the medical community that a build a person can develop " celiac like " symptoms over time. As you probably know, most celiacs are born that way and suffer their whole lives. I am 30 years old and only had problems from age 26 on. I was always told I had Crohns or Colitis. I just recently found out what Celiac diseases and Gluten Sensitivity were. I started a Gluten Free diet and pretty much am totally cured now. My case is one of a growing number going to show the connection between Crohns/Colitis and Gluten. Now, as for your daughter. I obvioulsy don't know her situation, but I can tell you if she had Crohn's, you'd know it. A true Crohn's patient cannot eat anything without being ill. Trips to the bathroom, minutes after consuming food, constant bloating, cramping and painful movements, (from any food), weakness, malnutrition, and trouble gaining weight. The biggest difference is the food response. It is my understanding that celiacs can eat gluten free food without incident. This is not the case with Crohnns. Patients literally get sick from everything they eat. It's a constant struggle trying to balance life while constantly needing to go to the bathroom. As I mentioned before, things typically get worse for these patients, often requiring surgery to remove portions of the bowel. There is also a radical procedure to remove the entire colon. I hope this helps. Read my other posts about my situation. Hopefully there is a greater link between Celiac and Crohns because that would help gastronenterologists create a cure. Right now, they haven't a clue what causes Crohns or how to stop it. good luck, paul > Can I ask what is Crohns? Some people have asked if our daughter could have > that instead of Celiac Disease. Are they somehow related? > > Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 13, 2004 Report Share Posted October 13, 2004 , Thank you for your information on Crohns. I was never sure exactly what it was and if there was a relation or not. From reading your explanation of it I really don’t think she fits the symptoms of Crohns. We go to see a GI on Tuesday and hopefully he will be able to be a good resource since he has done some study in Celiac. The doctor that “diagnosed” her left us with the understanding that she may not have it so hopefully this doctor will be able to say yes or no and let us get on with life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 13, 2004 Report Share Posted October 13, 2004 Hi, First, I am not a Doctor, but this is the way I understand it... They are related in their symptoms. Both can cause short stature in children, diarrhea, bloating, gas, etc. Celiac causes villous atrophy usually in the duodenum and jejunum, along with infammation, etc. Crohns disease usually takes place in the terminal ileum and the the cecum of the large intestines. Both can cause "skip" types lesions in their respective areas - and neither is limited to their "usual" areas. Their are specific blood tests for each that can help to arrive at a positive diagnoses - although the Crohns test(IBD StepII) is only positive in 90% of the people with inflammatory bowel disease(Celiac testing usually includes testing for IgA and IgE antibodies, Ttg IgA and the gene test for DQ 2 or DQ 8. A person can have both diseases at the same time. I often wonder if they are related. I am celiac and my sister has Crohns. I hope this is helpful. Good luck. Suzie in AZ Crohns Can I ask what is Crohns? Some people have asked if our daughter could have that instead of Celiac Disease. Are they somehow related? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2004 Report Share Posted October 14, 2004 A correction to me previous post: Celiac testing usually includes IgA and "IgG" testing, NOT IgE testing, which is usually done for allergy testing. Sorry for the mix-up! Crohns Can I ask what is Crohns? Some people have asked if our daughter could have that instead of Celiac Disease. Are they somehow related? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 14, 2004 Report Share Posted October 14, 2004 I've been wondering about some of the same issues, and this was exceedingly informative. Thank you! > > Can I ask what is Crohns? Some people have asked if our daughter > could have > > that instead of Celiac Disease. Are they somehow related? > > > > Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 19, 2004 Report Share Posted October 19, 2004 The statement below fits me to a tee, its actually very scary but I wanted to thank you for posting this information. I have wondered for a long time why I am not improving on the GF diet and continue to lose weight. My GI doc checked me over a year and half ago for Crohns and the tests were negative but it may be worth checking again. Again thank you for this valuable information. Stacie " A true Crohn's patient cannot eat anything without being ill. Trips to the bathroom, minutes after consuming food, constant bloating, cramping and painful movements, (from any food), weakness, malnutrition, and trouble gaining weight. " > > > Date: 2004/10/14 Thu AM 12:55:40 GMT-02:00 > To: SillyYaks > Subject: Re: Crohns > > Crohns is an autoimmune disorder that causes the intestine to produce antibodies to fight off infection that isn't there. The body starts its natural defense mechanisms, in abundance, within the intestine, because it thinks it's healing. In reality, there is no infection or disease. What this causes is a build up of mucous, and accompyaning gas, bloating and cramping. In addition, it can cause ulcers within the intestine that block passage of material. Often, surgery is required at some point to remove these blockages. That's the short version of Crohns. Keep in mind this is the information I've gathered, I'm not a professional. Now, with relation to Celiac. There is a growing theory in the medical community that a build a person can develop " celiac like " symptoms over time. As you probably know, most celiacs are born that way and suffer their whole lives. I am 30 years old and only had problems from age 26 on. I was always told I had Crohns or Colitis. I just recently found out what Celiac diseases and Gluten Sensitivity were. I started a Gluten Free diet and pretty much am totally cured now. My case is one of a growing number going to show the connection between Crohns/Colitis and Gluten. Now, as for your daughter. I obvioulsy don't know her situation, but I can tell you if she had Crohn's, you'd know it. A true Crohn's patient cannot eat anything without being ill. Trips to the bathroom, minutes after consuming food, constant bloating, cramping and painful movements, (from any food), weakness, malnutrition, and trouble gaining weight. The biggest difference is the food response. It is my understanding that celiacs can eat gluten free food without incident. This is not the case with Crohnns. Patients literally get sick from everything they eat. It's a constant struggle trying to balance life while constantly needing to go to the bathroom. As I mentioned before, things typically get worse for these patients, often requiring surgery to remove portions of the bowel. There is also a radical procedure to remove the entire colon. I hope this helps. Read my other posts about my situation. Hopefully there is a greater link between Celiac and Crohns because that would help gastronenterologists create a cure. Right now, they haven't a clue what causes Crohns or how to stop it. good luck, paul > Can I ask what is Crohns? Some people have asked if our daughter could have > that instead of Celiac Disease. Are they somehow related? > > Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 20, 2004 Report Share Posted October 20, 2004 Just a note of hope... (I am not a doctor, or medical professional in any way.)Some people with Crohns are less effected than others. My sister, when she was VERY ill with Crohns, did spend much of her day in the bathroom. Now she has been properly diagnosed, is on Crohns meds, and very rarely has episodes like that any longer. Some Crohns patients do try to maintain a specific diet that relates to their own experiences, and what has made them sick in the past. It is recommended that you only restrict yourself from these foods with the guidance of your physician, and/or nutritionist. Many people do try to stay away from milk, seeds, nuts, and other very fibrous foods that require your guts to do a lot of work. But it is important not to deprive yourself of healthy foods that may not be the true culprit/cause. Crohns generally takes place in the "terminal ileum" (last portion of the small intestine) and first part of the large intestine, and is usually found during colonscopy/ileoscopy. It CAN appear anywhere in the digestive tract from mouth to anus, but this is where it "usually" occurs. Celiac disease is generally found in the duodenum and jejunum (although nowadays doctors rarely scope all the way to the jejunum,) via endoscopy through your mouth. I have often wondered about the link between these 2 diseases that have striking similarities in their presentation. I am a biopsy & blood diagnosed celiac, and my sister is a biopsy and blood diagnosed crohns. Both of us have had stomach problems all of our lives - we were diagnosed at 35(me, 2 years ago) and 36(my sister, 4 years ago.) Both of us improved considerably (completely symptom free even) while pregnant. They just seem like they would have to be tied together. I hope this is helpful, and hopeful. Good luck, Suzie Re: Crohns> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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