Pre-diagnosis diet advice for bowel symptoms

Hi everyone

I'm not sure if it's okay to put this in the endometriosis thread as I haven't yet been diagnosed but I am awaiting my gynae appointment to discuss it with a consultant for the first time. My GP thinks it's likely to be endometriosis and that the consultant will probably want to do a laparoscopy to confirm.

Alongside heavy debilitating periods since they started, my main issue at the moment is that for around 15 weeks now I have been bloated everyday with a definite change in my bowel habits (sorry if too much info!). I have been suffering with constipation for a few weeks now and unable to pass very much at all despite laxatives, useful foods, and lots of fluid. The GP seems to think these bowel issues could be endo related (as I understand the symptoms are often mistaken for IBS?) but I just need some advice on how to control these symptoms while I'm waiting for the investigation, please. I have given up cow's milk and eat very minimal dairy to no avail. Has anyone with endo on the bowel seen improvements by a change in diet? If so, does anyone have any advice what I can try, please? Should I be giving up bread, wheat, or gluten?

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and don't know what to do. The bloating and general bowel issues are having a huge impact on my self esteem and my life in general so I'd be really grateful for any advice!

If you're still reading, (well done and) thank you so much!

L

[Thecraftyadder]

I was misdiagnosed as having IBS for 18 years before finally getting my endometriosis spotted. I get a ton of bowel issues though mine is not on my bowel but near my large intestine.

I have the opposite issue to you though, chronic diarrhoea. I don't have cows milk but when my big flare up happened in 2017 which eventually led to my diagnosis I came off gluten and this helped a lot with my bowel issues. Because a lot of gluten free foods are refined they may not be the best from a fibre point of view. However the nicest breads are the ones with seeds added in. You would be able to eat porridge oats (check they are gluten free). Also in terms of pasta you can get brown rice and red lentil pasta in the whole foods section which is better than the stuff in the free from section.

You may want to look up the 'low fodmap' diet designed for IBS to because certain fruits and vegetables can contribute to bloating if you have bowel issues (like onions, garlic and apples).

You may well already know this but taking a magnesium supplement can be good for energy and constipation. Many women with endo would take one.

Hope at least some of that helps and you get further with a diagnosis soon