Symptoms of Being Awesome

When people think of Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis, the first thing that comes to mind is constantly running to the bathroom, and being doubled over in pain. These seem to be the "standard" symptoms for sufferers of these diseases, and sadly, that's as much as some people know about the disease.

But there are so many more symptoms of CD & UC, some of which are so bizarre, it seems to be a different disease altogether. I'll organize this list similarly to how I organized the foods list; here are the most common symptoms of Crohn's:

• Abdominal pain - it can affect just one area of the abdomen, or the entire abdomen. 
• Diarrhea
• Fever and night sweats
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Extreme bloating - makes you look pregnant
• Bleeding (internally, or in the intestines, visible only when you use the bathroom)
• Severe heartburn or acid reflux
• Extreme lethargy
• Open sores near the mouth or anus
• Sudden weight loss
• Joint pain and swelling
• Muscle deterioration

There are also some "side" symptoms that come with the disease:

• Anemia - iron, B12, and other nutrients that the body can not absorb naturally
• Depression
• Anxiety and fear
• Energy loss
• Low libido
• Trouble swallowing
• Stunted growth in children with the disease

When Crohn's really wants to be an asshole, these symptoms can take place:

• Fissures - sores or cracks in the intestine, usually near the anus
• Fistulas - one or more organs ulcerate and attach to another organ; most common fistulas are colon-to-skin (literally a gaping wound on the abdomen), colon-to-intestine, colon-to-bladder, and colon-to-uterus in women
• Intestinal blockage - the intestine becomes so swollen, it causes a complete blockage. Nothing can move through, and this usually requires surgery
• Perforated bowels - can spread infection throughout the entire body

All of the symptoms listed above tend to come and go with Crohn's sufferers. During a "flare," the Crohnie may have one or more, or even ALL of the symptoms listed. Typically, flares can be treated with medication, and eventually put in to remission so that the person can return to a somewhat normal life. Flares can last anywhere from a few days to several years. I, for instance, have had one of my fistulas for over 2 years. Medication isn't helping, so it's time for surgery.

Now, I want to talk about the not so common symptoms of Crohn's Disease. Some of these are so strange and seem like they can't possibly be related to Crohn's. But remember, Crohn's Disease is an autoimmune disorder. That means our immune systems are obnoxious little bastards who think it's fun to throw curve balls, just to confuse us (source: I made that part up). 

Here are some of the weird, bizarre, contradictory symptoms of Crohn's Disease: 

• Itchy hands and feet - it's the kind of itch that seems to be so deep inside, scratching is futile
• Erythema nodosum - painful, itchy red bumps on the calves and shins, usually along with swollen ankles
• Eye sores
• Psoriasis and/or eczema
• Nail clubbing - fingernails become too large and too curved; typically have pits and waves in them as well
• Sudden blisters on the hands and feet
• Excessive salivating
• Vertigo
• Neuropathy (numbing & pain) of the hands and feet
• Random, uncontrollable cursing and swearing

Ok, so that last one was just for fun, but it happens! The last list includes things I have personally experienced, and discovered to be secondary symptoms to my Crohn's Disease. As you can see, Crohn's can manifest itself in a myriad of ways. In no way are my lists complete, and I would love to hear from others what their symptoms are. Please feel free to comment below or use the contact box to let me know!