Colonoscopy/tests normal but still having issues

[Luvslim]

I’ve been having GI issues for 6 months. Constipation (but stool is pretty soft), a constant urge to have a bowel movement but having one takes a lot of effort, mucus in my stool (but no blood).

I had a blood test and ultrasound done, both were normal. I then had a colonoscopy, which came back normal. No inflammation, no polyps, no blood.

I’ve tried Linzess with no results (worked the first three days then nothing), upping fiber, taking probiotics and stool softeners, cutting out dairy, grains and red meat, but nothing. I still have issues every day.

What do I do? What are my next steps? I was convinced I had proctisis just from my own research and reading but doctor says it’s not. I’m so tired of being sick and I was so hoping the colonoscopy would find something so I could at least know what’s wrong with me.

[PinkMama83]

Hiya. You need to ask your doctor for a stool sample test to look at your calprotectin levels. This will show if there is any active disease in your bowels. All the tests you have had came back normal for me too but my calprotectin was through the roof and my Crohn's was eventually found after having a pill camera in my small intestine.

[edwangy]

Could be slow bowel transit. I've had test recently and thatwas the result, plus diverticular disease ans thickening of sigmiod. Ask for CT scan and transit test

[Idalmis]

Your symptoms sound like mine and they have been going on for years. I am 67 and was diagnosed with UC in 2016 but I’ve issues since my 20’s put down to IBS. Anyway, feeling really poorly atm but my bloods are normal. Waiting for calprotectin test but the last 2 taken this year show 8 so there’s no inflammation. Colonoscopy 2years ago was fine too. So fed up with it all. The IBD nurse will phone today after speaking to the consultant to ask for steroids but she doesn’t think he’ll agree as I have no inflammation. For the constipation, I tried the FODMAP diet advised by the consultant and it did work. It’s difficult to follow without the help of a dietician though. If you download the monash university app, it will explain. Good luck.

[SuzyQ67 in reply to Idalmis]

Sorry you are feeling crummy, however, the IBD nurse is right, the dr should not give you steroids. I avoid them like the plaque, my sugar levels sky rocket, plus I have osteoporosis thanks to prednisone.

[Idalmis]

I’ve had calprotectin test results back. It’s 8 so no inflammation. Like you, I am desperate for answers. I’ve just bought sodium butyrate from Bodybio recommended by somebody on here. Day 2. I’ll let you know the results. Otherwise, I take 1 sachet of movicol before bed. Like you, it increases the pressure to want to open my bowels all day long.

[Luvslim in reply to Idalmis]

Yes, definitely keep me posted on how you do with sodium butyrate. I’m at my wits end - every test comes back normal but it makes me even more disheartened that I’ll ever figure out what’s wrong with me.

[Idalmis in reply to Luvslim]

Hello again,So I have been taking sodium butyrate for 2 weeks now and things are moving fine, sometimes twice a day. I am so happy I hope it lasts.

[Idalmis]

Hi. What are your symptoms? Mine are mainly constipation, bloating and nausea. I will definitely tell you how I am getting on with sb. I’ve increased the dose to 3 tablets a day and so far so good .

[Idalmis]

Sorry. Saw your symptoms above.