hello! I am a 23 year old female that has had IBS for about 6 years had colonoscopy this year and all was fine - usual IBS symptoms were frequent bowel movents cramps etc.
For the last couple of months ive noticed a change in my stools. They are much looser than usual and mucus can be seen when wiping along with undigested food. I also get foul smelling gas with these symptoms which isnt usually like me. I usually have quite solid stools even with frequent bowel movements.
I just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this in the past and if so was it a food allergy or something else? Doctor has asked me to make a food diary and go back after a few weeks. Its really getting me down 😦
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Jasmine567
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Hi, I'm currently going through bad bowel issues just now, I got told no colonoscopy until they found out whether it was an allergy, did they do any bloods before you had it done? As I'm currently waiting bloods to check if I have gluten/wheat allergy etc
Hey there! I’ve had countless blood tests, they all come back clear apart from B12 on the low side. You need to be persistent on getting the colonoscopy, you need to let them know it’s for your own piece of mind too
If my tests come back negative then I get one I'm worried about having to get colonoscopy then they find nothing as I've had surgery before where they found nothing and I was in a lot of pain and now have scars which I feel are for nothing and it was devastating being told it was nothing and I'm worried the same will happen with this, I hope you get your answers too!
Having a colonoscopy is nothing like having surgery, it’s 100% worth doing no matter what the outcome is. I feel so much better in myself after having it done
I bet it is, I can't keep living like this, I feel like no answers is just a life sentence
Hi Jasmine567
Sorry to hear that your symptoms are worsening.
What seems to be overlooked in the IBS diagnosis strategies is the presence of small intestinal bacteria overgrowth (SIBO). The NHS do not even acknowledge its existence, I know to my cost!
SIBO means that the usually bacteria free small intestine (SI - sometimes called the small bowel) has a proliferation of bacteria in it. This does not necessarily mean that they are pathogens (bad) variety. It does however mean that any fermentable food (often from FODMAP groups) feed the bacteria when normally absorption should be taking place in the SI. This creates gas at both 'ends!', cramps and changed stool consistency to name a few.
A simple self test would be seeing how you react to fermentable foods. Highly fermentable varieties would be mango for fructose, cauliflower for mannitol, broccoli for sorbitol, beans and pulses for galacto-oligosaccharides and wheat, onion or garlic as majors in fructans!
Do any these food types make you symptoms worse? If there is a food that is particularly debilitating the looks at its FODMAP score. I also react to sulphites in wine and beer (try organic, there's none added) and oxalates in apple cider vinegar!
If you think any of these are affecting you talk to your specialist. Ask for a hydrogen/methane breath test. If he/she is not a believer then you can purchase the kit privately. PM for details if you prefer.
For the record - I am a longterm SIBO sufferer who has been from pilar to post with so called experts and their harebrained treatments...it was only when I discovered I had SIBO, probably from food poisoning or the ensuing antibiotic treatment, that I started to find proper treatment and understanding! I have no affiliation with anyone nor gain financially from any recommendations 😊
I started with a 2 (because I’m Methane dominant) narrow spectrum antibiotics which are in a small group that are not absorbed in to the bloodstream and hence are not a risk for resistance. I suggest you get a proper diagnosis before you try this route.
I would however highly recommend a low FODMAP diet. This starts with a restricting certain food then you reintroduce a food from each group individually to test reaction or not. The third stage is modifying you diet to avoid trigger foods.
I’m vegan which makes the diet more challenging. Meat eater find it less restrictive due to the lack of fibre! In my humble opinion that’s the only advantage of an animal diet! But let’s not get into that argument for now. Lol
There’s lots on the internet about low FODMAP, much of which comes from unqualified sources. I look for science, including studies, to back up what is suggested. Monash University have a great app. For iPhone - Monash University FODMAP diet by Monash University Android version available too. I think it might be a pay for app now but I’m having trouble with the App Store connection where I am the moment. Have a look at Monash ‘s website too...
Hi! I read your comment and was intrigued. I have had consant daily issues now for 1.5 years. Doctor said IBS. I tried some meds but none help. I'm on the FODMAP diet but it doesn't help either. Would you care to share more of what you did with the SIBO that helped?
Hi sorry to hear about your ibs i got that in 2007 and after a gall bladder op in 2014 it got worse and was diagnosed with bile salt malabsorbtion. Yes i had those symptoms mucus aswell in stools, mine was more runny than hard stools. Since i been on COLESTID sachets which you drink before a meal ive had much improvement. See if your gp will let you try those, it dont hurt to ask.
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