Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis Sufferers

I have been rather ill with gastrointestinal symptoms for greater than 5 years. I finally had a colonoscopy and upper endoscopy in November 2019, which showed a medium-sized nonsessile polyp. It was cauterized and removed. This was not done during a flare, however.

I changed my diet (no gluten, no dairy, no corn, no soy), with gradual reintroduction, and my symptoms did not improve.

As previously stated, my symptoms actually come in flares. And, at times, I am doubled over in pain.

The main question I have is what was the definitive factor that had your physician diagnose you with Crohn’s or Ulcerative Colitis compared to irritable bowel syndrome (or the like)?

There are times I just want to cry 😔

Thank you in advance for your response 💕

Edited