Hi, I'm brand new here! Feeling a little relief when k read through some of the posts on here.
I have not officially been diagnosed, but have had horrendous stomach pain and D for what seems like 3 years. Initially, they blamed a ruptured ovarian cyst and said it probably disturbed my digestive system. I accepted this and after about a week more of D, I returned to normal bowel movements.
From here I was seemingly fine for around 2/3 months with no issues at all. Now, over the past 4-6 weeks I have been in horrific pain in my abdomen, feeling nauseas and running to the loo every 10 or so minutes. I feel consistently drained, despite keeping my water intake up and stocking up on dioralyte. (I work in a pharmacy so it's always handy!)
I seem to be constantly like this as of late and nothing is helping. I haven't been diagnosed with IBS, and frankly I am fed up of all these ultrasounds and transabdominal appointments.
Is it possible (if I do have IBS!) that a flare up could last this long? Has anyone else suffered like this? I feel so horrid and can't take another day off work. Tried Buscopan which doesn't seem to help. Please, are there any recommendations? Starting to feel really low about this all.
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ElliceSamara
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I don't have a gastronenterologist, just my normal GP. I've been going back and forth for the past year with at least two appointments a month without a diagnosis. Been tested for coeliac disease, lactose intolerance etc, yet they're not comfortable diagnosing me with IBS. I understand that there's a process, but it's been going on for so long. I've done all that I can within my own measures to make it easy, by providing food diaries and stool samples.
Hi - You really do need a gastroenterologist. They can get to the bottom of this fairly quickly. It sounds like you are suffering too much to be left hanging. I am in the US. If you are in the UK, can you go privately, or insist on a gastro appt. soon. I don't know how old you are, but have you ever had a colonoscopy? My gastro also says that there are some stomach viruses that can last for 6 weeks. I really feel for you. I have had food poisoning, & now IBS d. It is very difficult and you need a diagnosis. After that there are many treatment steps you can take which will help and the support of a gastro also helps mentally.
I actually have an appointment with my GP today, I am going to insist being referred. Think it'll happen. Just have a feeling. I've never gone amidst a flare up because they've never had appointments.
My GP tested me for coeliac, lactose intolerancies and they all came back negative and it took them around 5 years before they diagnosed me with ibs. For years I struggled - and sometimes I do. When I have a flare up, mines usually last a few weeks (sorry bearer of bad news) but it does get better. I manage my ibs so much better nowadays. I avoid spicy food and too much wheat (bread mainly) and too much dairy products. I drink protein world shakes (or protein shakes) as these help and I eat a balanced diet and exercise 6 days a week. Oh and when I’m having a flare up, I live on peppermint tea as it helps the pain.
Thank you so much! I wouldn't call it bearing of bad news...at least I know what to expect. I've spent the evening researching FODMAP and I'm hoping following that and upping my exercise will help. See how it goes. I'll invest into peppermint tea again, used to be a favourite. Thank you.
No worries, if I were you I’d just try to avoid heavy things and eat small meals but often and avoid onions, breads, spicy food and sauces etc for a while. It helps x
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