IBS flare ups/IBD tests/HELP! 😞

[RhiannonT]

Hi everyone, I'm going through a tough time at the moment and hoping some of you could help. I was diagnosed with IBS a year ago, went to my GP with typical IBS symptoms, carried out blood tests, stool tests etc- all came back normal so IBS was found to be the culprit. Around 4 months ago I noticed some red flag symptoms (persistent diarrhoea/mushy stools with a lot of blood/mucus, weight loss- roughly half a stone although I'm still losing, lack of appetite, severe debilitating abdominal pain, neausea, waking at night in pain, extreme tiredness, joint pains), so I went back to my GP who suspected IBD. They ordered 3 stool samples and wanted to check my calprotectin levels, which turns out they couldn't do as a specialist only could ask for calprotectin test apparently. All my inflammatory markers on blood tests came back fine. I was still having symptoms so I was referred for a colonoscopy and had it done yesterday- everything looked normal on my colon, and bowel, no signs of inflammation. Dr did take some biopsies though due to the bloody diarrhoea. Although I am relieved there is nothing seriously wrong I am just not convinced this is down to just IBS. Background I'm 23 btw, take mebeverine 3 times daily (was on buscopan but changed to mebeverine as buscopan not helping anymore). Can anyone shed some light on this possibly? Thanks.

[Hidden]

Hi Rhiannon,

Sorry to hear about your problems especially as you're so young; you do seem to have a decent doctor though.

Blood and mucus in stools is a regular occurrence for IBS-ers; I don't know whether you've had a rectal examination to check for internal haemorrhoids or anal tears but these are common causes.

Are you by any chance taking a contraceptive pill? Artificial female hormones are coming more and more under scrutiny as one of the main culprits underlying bowel and digestive problems. My own symptoms only began to clear up after I stopped using a topical progesterone cream for post-menopausal night sweats - it took me 7 years to discover that!

Many GPs are unaware of the connection and, when questioned about it, will deny it, however, I suggest you ask the question anyway and see what he/she says. A referral to an endocrinologist may be worth thinking about if no other answers come up.

There's plenty of info about the link between the two on the web if you do a search.

Best wishes,

Cat

[RhiannonT in reply to Hidden]

Hi Cat, thanks so much for your reply. I have had a rectal exam, no haemorrhoids although I think the surgeon yesterday did mention some anal tears (can't quite remember as my memory is still a little hazy from the sedative lol), yes- I am on the depo provera Injection, been on it around 2 1/2 years now. I will wait and see if the biopsies come up with anything, as the surgeons advice yesterday was that the pathologist will follow up with me if anything is found.

[Suerumbletum]

There is 'microscopic Ulcerative Colitis' which I was found to have in 2002 (biopsies) and Asacol has controlled my symptoms pretty well for a very long time. I have had IBS since a teenager and that can be horrible too! IBS isn't helped by Asacol or steroids but the urgent painful watery diarrhoea caused by UC is definitely stemmed/calmed.

It is so difficult finding answers. In the 1990s I tried everything in terms of diet and probiotics and supplements prescribed by a consultant in Australia and they helped but didn't 'cure' my digestive misery! Colonoscopy x3 showed nothing abnormal so it was put down to IBS. There is a FODMAP diet now for IBS. Research at Monash University has proven that diet can trigger IBS but it needs a trained dietitian to help and support you through this diet. There are trained FODMAP dietitians in the UK now. Do not let them fob you off with "It is just IBS" because it is a painful condition and it is embarrassing and awful when you are in the middle of a flare-up.

Be strong and if needs be pushy to get the support you need.

[RhiannonT in reply to Suerumbletum]

Thank you very much for your reply. I think that is maybe what they are doing the biopsies for (microscopic colitis),I have never tried any strict diets other than cutting out dairy/wheat/gluten, which had little impact. My GP has been okay, but has offered very little support in that they just give me tablets and that's it. I feel as though I'm sort of at a loose end, and don't want to keep going to doctors to be told every time it's 'just IBS'.

[Suerumbletum in reply to RhiannonT]

I think everyone feels pretty much out on a limb with the "just IBS" attitude of many doctors. Food allergies and intolerance are a big factor I think. It is only recently that diet has been considered as a way of managing gut problems. Triggers for one person may not trigger an episode for someone else. My daughter found that barley, which is in bread and vinegar was a major trigger for her. She used theFODMAP DIET to eliminate and reintroduce foods. Ask to see a dietitian. I have had a flare up of UC and find myself in that "what do I eat?" place so I am going to ask for a referral to a FODMAP dietitian. Good luck.

[RhiannonT in reply to Suerumbletum]

I think I will, thanks so much for your advice. It's much appreciated 😊

[Suerumbletum in reply to RhiannonT]

Just taken a look at Monash University website and watched their YouTube Beating the Bloat lecture. It is very helpful in explaining IBS and the low FODMAP eating plan. Have a look because it is interesting and the professor gets many laughs when he talks about farts. Whether it is IBS or UC it is good to hear an expert saying doctors do not know enough. 😊

[Lynnetod in reply to Suerumbletum]

Don't use the Monash one, it's Australian and the products over there have different ingredients. Use Kings College London FODMAP diet

[Mazer]

I've been ill for 2 years going for a million tests and all coming back negative. I've tried cutting out gluten and dairy (using lacto free milk) but still had really bad episodes with my stomach. But yesterday I found out I'm intolerant to corn/maize. After eating 2 products with it in.

It's in every anti d and ppi the doctors have given me over the 2 years!

I think anyone who has had ibs/stomach issues for over a year (or even just 6 months) should automatically be refered to an allergist! But no doctors will do a referral! I've probably cost the nhs about £7000 with all the tests when they could have just sent me to an allergist and dietician which I asked for when I first got the problems but was refused multiple times.

[Lynnetod in reply to Mazer]

Try the Kings College FODMAP diet, you need to get them out of your system

[Suerumbletum in reply to Mazer]

There is a difference between allergies and food intolerance. Done all of the tests. Spent a fortune and like you found a bad response to corn products by accident. My daughter isn't able to eat anything with barley in it. Like Lynnetod I would recommend the low FODMAP diet.

[RhiannonT in reply to Mazer]

I've been tested for various allergies, celiac, etc etc and tried lactose free milk etc etc, to no avail. I am considering the low fodmap diet.