What to do if you think Crohn’s disease was diagnosed incorrectly

Crohn's Disease is an inflammatory condition that can affect the digestive tract. Its symptoms can overlap with other digestive problems, and the diagnosis is usually based on the full pattern rather than one symptom, scan or blood result in isolation.

Abdominal pain and diarrhoea can occur in Crohn’s disease, but they can also have other explanations. A second review is a way to check whether the findings, symptom pattern and response to treatment still fit together.

Book a GP Consultation or speak with the clinician managing your care. Take copies of letters, scan or endoscopy reports, laboratory results, a list of medicines and a brief timeline showing when symptoms began and changed.

Do not stop prescribed treatment abruptly because you doubt the diagnosis. Instead, explain your concern clearly and ask what evidence supported the diagnosis, what alternatives were considered, and whether a Blood Test or other assessment would add useful information.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, a swollen or rigid abdomen, fainting, confusion, vomiting that prevents fluids, blood in stool, or signs of dehydration. Get timely advice as well if diarrhoea is persistent and you are becoming weak or unable to manage daily activities.

Ask which findings point toward Crohn’s disease, whether another condition could explain them, whether specialist input is appropriate, and how the current treatment plan would change if the diagnosis is revised.