A New Normal?

[darinfan]

Hi all. 45/m/uk. Not been here before, but looking to find out if other people have a similar issue to myself.

Sadly, four or five weeks ago after taking antibiotics for a relatively benign ear infection, all hell broke loose with diarrhea and bleeding etc. For the main part that has finally started sorting itself out. Probiotics seemed to help, but it was all rather horrible.

Now my stomach has gone into the wonderful routine (note sarcasm) of barely going to the loo at all for three or four or even five(!) days and then deciding to "clear out" all at once. I have had this before with IBS, but not every week. It seems to be a routine now.

On the day I go, it normally starts off like passing bullets, and then you think you're done. And ten minutes later you're back in the loo for act two, which is a bit easier. Then act three, when you begin to realise where things are going to end up. And finally act four where you pass a gooey mess that isn't quite diarrhea, but isn't far off, and it's impossible to get clean without having a shower.

This has never bothered me before - at least, not mentally. I've never sat there wondering whether it is IBS or something horrible - although I do have health anxiety. I've had these "clearout" days (sounds like a sale at DFS!) for so many years that they are part of my life and I'm used to them. But the antibiotic issue (providing that's what it was) has screwed with my head and is making me question everything I would normally just let go - especially as I haven't quite got back to a normal routine after that bout of illness. It's gone straight from the antibiotic issue into this new pattern.

Do other people have a similar pattern or buildup and clearout in this way?

[FRreedman]

Yes, and I have gone into full blown flare up of Crohn’s and have just had a complete clean up operation (literally) resulting in me being (after 10 and 1/2 hours of surgery) completely clear and clean of strictures/obstructions/diseased colon or ileum. I have now spent 5 days in ICU and up to 3-5 more planned, my body has decided not to absorb any nutrients and I am feeling like crap. They tell me I am doing well, but I sure don’t feel like it. Officially, I am in the best condition I’ve ever been in, so why don’t I feel, even okay? All I can say to you, buddy, is keep a close eye on yourself and don’t be afraid of getting yourself medical attention if you feel even slightly off colour.

[FRreedman in reply to FRreedman]

To be fair, I also suffer with CRPS, and don’t really know which or what is playing me up at the moment.

[Suecoo66]

I've had that issue sometimes and it sounds like you have pseudo diarrhoea caused by constipation.

Did you take probiotics when you were taking the antibiotics?

[glochessum]

I have the same problem longest I’ve gone without going is 3 weeks! A week is normal for me but I don’t tend to get the runs. I’ve been like it so long and had tests all normal. Try not to worry about it now.

[juniepoonie]

Hi this is my routers also l have had ibs fir years. All the tests possible but only few weeks bk had another colonoscopy done all normal so lm trying to have bit more fibre to help constipation but have to be careful that doesn’t cause full blown ibs flare up!! I would just love to poo normally

[darinfan]

Some good news for me today. The FIT test, looking for blood in stool, has come back negative! Hurrah!