Has anyone ever heard of a link between IBD and blood disorders? Specifically, polycythemia (thickening of the blood). My doctor has noticed this increasing over my last few checkups, and I'd just like to know if it could be a common thing with IBD patients, or if it's just a one-off thing.
Sasquatch
Apr 05, 2018 6:02 pm
7afin
Apr 05, 2018 7:58 pm
I don't think it's a proven relationship since it's so hard to definitively say what goes on at that micro level in the gut. However, in my case too, I have a blood disorder and it happened pretty much around the same time that my Crohn's went haywire and I ended up with the ileostomy.
So I'm getting a stem cell transplant to cure the blood disorder (called MDS, a type of pre-leukemia). My GI doc said he has seen people's Crohn's conditions improve a lot after the new stem cells (basically getting a new immune system).
So I don't know if it's common, but I sure think there is a link. I know that's a not very scientific reply. Lol.
Why Join MeetAnOstoMate?
First off, this is a pretty cool site with 40,263 members.
But, it's not all about ostomy. We talk about everything.
Many come here for advice, others find lasting friendships, and some have even found love.
🔒 Privacy is very important - your profile is not visible to the outside world.
40,263 members
BayGal
Apr 11, 2018 3:51 pm
Hi, I am very happy to find someone the same age as me.... I am single and have 2 daughters ages 15 and 11. I had ulcerative colitis for 13 years and 2 years ago they removed my large bowel and now I only have my small bowel, but I have been having problems. I have had a hernia repair right above my stoma and now it is like a volcano... have you had anything like this happen to you...
Advertisement
Hollister
Ostomy surgery is stressful both for the patient and the caregiver, and creates a major life change for both people in a relationship.
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.
Learn how to care for your loved one, while still taking care of yourself.
Sasquatch
Apr 12, 2018 6:27 pm
Hi BayGal,
We are the same age, and it looks like we had surgery at about the same time as well. I've not had any issues with hernias. I thought I might have at the beginning of this year, but it turned out just to be an abdominal strain from coughing.
Becky60
Jul 19, 2018 6:54 pm
Hi, I also have Crohn's and had emergency surgery for a perforated colon because of my Crohn's. But it also perforated because of a lot of stress factors. My ileostomy was Sept 2016. I'm happy to be of support to you. Feel free to ask any questions. Take care, Becky.
Getting Support in the Ostomy Community with LeeAnne Hayden | Hollister
