This topic is about whether Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC) can be overlooked after someone has had an ileostomy. An ileostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the abdomen to divert waste out of the body, often used to help heal certain conditions. The person in question had an ileostomy to help with a perineal fistula and is now wondering if Crohn’s or UC might still be present but not detected because the colon is bypassed. Here are some insights and advice related to this concern:

- The person is experiencing several symptoms, including severe gastric reflux, abdominal bloating, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, muscle pain, dry skin, and blurred vision. These symptoms have been linked to other health issues like a parastomal hernia, diabetes, depression, and fibromyalgia, but there is a concern they might also indicate Crohn’s or UC.

- There is no single, simple test to diagnose Crohn’s or UC. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
1. Blood tests to check for inflammation and other markers.
2. Endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the bowel, even with an ileostomy.
3. Imaging studies and possibly a biopsy of any suspicious areas.
Consulting a gastroenterologist is crucial for proper diagnosis.

- Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, while UC is usually limited to the colon. Diagnosis often involves identifying lesions or ulcers through scopes or surgery.

- Symptoms like fatigue and pain can overlap with other autoimmune conditions such as fibromyalgia, lupus, arthritis, and diabetes. A specialist is needed to determine the exact cause.

- For more information, the American Academy of Family Physicians provides an article on inflammatory bowel disease at http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0815/p707.html.

- For dry, cracked hands, daily fish-oil capsules might help with skin and systemic inflammation. A night-time routine of applying moisturizer and wearing Silver Gloves can also be beneficial. These gloves are available at www.raynaulds.org.uk.

- Some supplements that might help with symptoms like reflux, joint pain, and skin issues include Fish Oil (omega-3) and Milk Thistle, which may support liver health and have anti-inflammatory effects.

- Keeping detailed notes of symptoms and staying in touch with others who have similar experiences can be helpful. However, it is important to remember that patient-to-patient information sharing should complement, not replace, professional medical care.