My 66-year-old sister was diagnosed with aplastic anemia in June 2012 and has had blood and platelet transfusions since then (usually 4 units of blood and platelet transfusion only when necessary, at a frequency of every 2-3 months, depending on how low her numbers get). Bone marrow has not been considered an option owing to her age. During the latter part of March until the entire month of April this year, she took pain medications for abdominal spasms (Tramadol) which never really went away. On May 1, 2013, she was admitted to the hospital owing to blood in her stool, persistent abdominal pain and the onset of fever as night approached. She had undergone an endoscopy and a colonoscopy, an MRI and the usual blood tests. One of her attending physicians suspected that her abdominal pains were symptoms of Crohn s diseas. However, just last week, she was diagnosed with tuberculosis of the intestines. She is presently taking anti-tuberculosis medication (Rifampicin and one other drug that escapes from my mind at the moment). Just the other night, she was wheeled to the ICU to monitor her rapid heart rate--she stayed for 24 hours and was transferred back to her regular room to avoid possible infection from the other ICU patients. I am alarmed that her health has deteriorated in less than a year and that she not only is plagued with aplastic anemia but also TB of the intestines. What condition next? Is TB of the intestines a result or a complication of aplastic anemia, or is it due to the pain medication that she took? I would appreciate being enlightened. Thank you very much.