Crohn's Disease - Center For Digestive Health

Crohn’s Disease

Overview

Crohn’s is an inflammatory bowel disease, meaning it causes inflammation in the digestive tract, which can spread to the deep layers of the bowel. Crohn’s disease can cause painful symptoms that interfere with daily life, and it can lead to potentially life-threatening complications for some people. Fortunately, there is treatment available for Crohn’s, which can make symptoms more manageable and heal inflammation in the digestive tract.

Symptoms of Crohn’s can vary from person-to-person, and people may have periods with no symptoms. Oftentimes, symptoms come on gradually, but they can appear suddenly in some cases. There are multiple symptoms of Crohn’s, but some common ones include stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy
IV Infusion Therapy
Research Studies

What causes Crohn’s disease?

The exact cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, but genetics and the immune system are believed to play a role in its development. An infection can cause an abnormal immune response, whereby the immune system attacks cells in the digestive system, causing inflammation. A family history of Crohn’s increases a person’s risk, but many people with Crohn’s have no family history of the disease, so genetics is not the only risk factor. Stress, diet, and use of certain anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can make Crohn’s worse.

What are the complications of Crohn’s disease?

Crohn’s disease can lead to serious complications like ulcers, bowel obstructions, malnutrition, and blood clots. It can also cause health problems like liver disease, anemia, skin disorders, osteoporosis, and arthritis and increase the risk of colon cancer. Some people with Crohn’s may develop fistulas, which are abnormal connections between body parts, and others may experience anal fissures, which are small tears near the anus.

How is Crohn’s disease treated?

There is no cure for Crohn’s disease, and the best treatment will vary from person to person. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, which improves the symptoms of Crohn’s. Anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids are commonly used as treatment, and some people may take immune system suppressors. Another type of drugs, called biologics, target immune system proteins and may be used to treat Crohn’s. Antibiotics may also be used to fight harmful intestinal bacteria, and medications that treat symptoms like diarrhea may be beneficial for some people. If symptoms do not improve, some people may require surgery to remove unhealthy parts of the digestive tract.

Common Symptoms

“Sometimes I have no symptoms of Crohn’s, but when symptoms flare up, I experience diarrhea alongside stomach pain and cramping.”
“I feel extremely tired, and I experience weight loss from lack of appetite.”
“Sometimes I get a fever, and I notice blood in my stool and sores in my mouth.”

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What They Are Saying

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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6250 reviews

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KC9

Met with Dr. Bakken for first consultation. I went in with a general idea of what I needed help with. She provided appropriate assessments and consideration to all my needs. She listened and provided thorough explanations to any questions and concerns. During my checkout, the person who provided me with the paperwork and scheduling my labs was meticulous and thorough in her explanations. I couldn’t stop saying how supported and professional this office was. Not once did I feel rushed or confused. It is how any medical facility should treat patients and operate. I haven’t gotten the bill yet but for the quality of service from the staff and doctors was beyond satisfactory. There are follow-ups I will need but I already feel confident that I’m in the right place.

Leka B.

Everything went accordingly and I was pretty pleased

Vanel S.

Great care and service from professional and caring people.

Tammy P.

High praise for my first colonoscopy! Staff, especially Lily and Paige, were awesome. Friendly and patient answering all questions. Dr. Donat was thorough and provided great results and answer to questions. From check-in to check-out, all staff were amazing!

Erica L.

Very excellent experience here. Nursing, front desk staff, snd all doctors were great, informative and helpful

Martha A.

I was pleased with Nicolette’s professionalism.

Jerome B.

The care during and after the procedure was excellent.

Pauline R.

Kind and caring people work here!

Renna G.

On schedule and Dr Wille always is caring and listening to me as a patient.

LINDA S.

Signing in was quick and easy, nurse Kelly was so nice starting with my vitals going over details of what to expect regarding my procedure, Ben was fun and explained my nightcap for my procedure and of course the star of the show Dr Nandi very professional, caring, and again explained my procedure which was painless. Dr Nandi came back to inform me of a positive outcome no need to come back for five years! This was a great experience other than the prep which we all don’t look forward to! All in all I want to thank you all!

Michele H.

I have been a patient of Dr Quallich for five year and daughter has seen...never have to wait when I have an appointment...I have have several.procedures and only once they were off schedule...ur told for procedure that ur driver must stay in the waiting room...all directions are given verbally and in writing prior to the procedure.

Chris F.

If it is possible to say, I had a great experience with the entire team when I had my procedure. Due to a bad experience in the past at another medical facility I was terrified to have anything done, but from start to finish they all treated me with kindness, caring, and complete professionalism that made me extremely comfortable both during and after the entire process. I highly recommend!

Paul B.

" Down to a science" best describes" the fluid Ness of this office. I was apprehensive about this procedure, I am 80 next month, but everything went like clock work, friendly staff! However.....one aspect stands out......its VERY UNCOMFORTABLE in the treatment areas as they keep the thermostat on 58! So cold it was hard to start my IV as my arms/ skin were FRISTED

Kathy S.

Quick check in..no wait time..very efficient staff.

Robert U.

Courteous professional staff and capable experts.

Shannon I.

Entire staff was very friendly and professional from beginning to end of my appointment.

Rich L.

Everyone is very pleasant. The procedure was a forgettable experience. I barely knew anything happened. Overall, Dr. Donat and his team are worth the visit.

Terry D.

As usual, everything was done perfectly. The staff is just marvelous. The doctor of course is very good excellent and it's not much to say there's everything was perfect thank you very much.

Michelle R.

Saw Dr. Bakken for my first colonoscopy. She was amazing. She spoke with me before the procedure and after. She is kind and patient! I felt at ease in her care. Highly recommend. Great bedside manner.

Richard L.

The staff is so nice and helpful.

Tcat

For me, everyone was very courteous, informative, friendly and proffesional. Atmosphere and attitudes was such that it helped ease my anxiety ahead of the procedure.

Frank G.

All were efficient, attentive and respectful. I would recommend this office to anyone who is need of their services.

chuck B.

Very professional and comforting.

Lea D.

Wonderful staff. Comfortable atmosphere. Doctor is personable and professional! I don't dread a colonoscopy with this team!!

Lew C.

The visit was good however I will never make that drive again in the dark. Never Lew Cardamone

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

Based on 6255 reviews

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Domenica B.

Wonderful people and atmosphere! Took my nerves away

Mary H.

They were very professional, but also compassionate and made sure your needs were met.

Ryan M.

While perhaps no test is really "enjoyable," this was as pleasant an experience as one could hope for. Every single person I engaged with at every step of the process could not have been more helpful, professional, or empathetic. Wonderful people to have looking after your health. All questions answered completely by people who aren't just "rushing you through" the process to collect more billings. Recommended..

Lisa L.

The staff were all friendly and professional. Procedure was quick yet they let me take as long as I needed to recover.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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