IBS/Bleeding update

[Yasai]

I am back with an update. I arranged to speak to my GP but due to a error in the system the appointment was not actually booked. I had called up to check that the pictures I'd taken for my GP to reference had been added to my file, which they had, but kind of hit a wall for a moment.

I explained what was going on to the receptionist and the GP called me back fairly soon after. She decided that I needed to go to Urgent Care and so I went with a urine and stool sample ready. At that point my nerves were completely frayed and on top of being in a lot of discomfort nearly had a panic attack while waiting to be let in which was not enjoyable.

The source of the bleeding is from a sizeable haemorroid. My body was at a disadvantage because of the antibiotics I took for the kidney infection in December. This was made a whole lot worse by having an awful IBS flare 2 weeks later due to the stress and anxiety the kidney infection caused as well as the prospect of returning to work and having to work in pain that I knew would be hanging around for a little while. At least with the kidney infection I knew the side effects were temporary and the pain would get better; with anything IBS related I can't put a date to it getting any more tolerable.

I've been told to keep taking the Movicol to take some pressure off my body overreacting to my bowels trying to do their job and the usual routine of buscopan, a hot water bottle and a good nap if the pain gets intolerable. Amitriptyline has been a blessing this time around as it makes the feeling of being ripped open internally much better; I can actually get some sleep and be comfortable in bed. I've tried taking paracetamol but it hasn't really been touching the discomfort so I'm more than happy to stick to what I know works best.

The Movicol is working wonderfully and I'm no longer bleeding during BMs. Physically I actually feel worse - horrendously nauseous, my lower back is hurting, headaches. I'm keeping on top of how much water I'm drinking so I'm not dehydrated but food and eating is an issue. I can't tell if the stomach pain is due to not having eaten or a warning sign my stomach isn't ready for food yet and I never make the right call on that. I always end up feeling sick, in more pain and rushing to the bathroom. My trousers/clothes in general are getting a bit more loose than I would like.

I'm absolutely exhausted at this stage. Mentally I am not in a fantastic spot - it's all getting a bit overwhelming and I've noticed that in the fact I am getting irritable a lot easier and generally just frustrated and pessimistic. The feeling shifted from anxiety and stress to pure anger in the space of 2 days due to some bad shifts at work. The GP is going to call me on Wednesday to discuss what I imagine is the stool sample. Trying not to overthink that one.

Tomorrow's plan is to schedule the blood tests the GP wants done and based on what the results look like I might be referred back to Gastroenterology to look into this more. I've had a few incidents of similar IBS flares that seem particularly harsher on my body and I would like the tools to be able to manage them more comfortably!

Apologies for the ramble. I will update as I get any new information! 🙂

[Hidden]

Hi there I can sympathise with you have been in pain for months was prescribed movicol which in large doses makes me really ill also after a colonoscopy my piles started bleeding and also got a fissure which caused even more pain going to the toilet . I use buscopan too and hot water bottle I can only presume constipation caused all of it so have to take laxatives daily x

[Yasai in reply to Hidden]

Movicol has always made me feel sick after I take it. I'm good at controlling my body's urge to vomit thanks to working with a kidney infection and resisting the urge to empty my stomach contents for 6+ hours but it never gets any easier. It's just something I have to do.

People really underestimate how painful IBS can be and how much it meddles with daily life. Over the years I've had concerns about my bowel motility because it has been slowing down.

Work generally have been understanding but IBS is unpredictable and that's what they don't get. It's a bit frustrating.

[Hidden in reply to Yasai]

Your right there ibs is underestimated the pain and anxiety ruins people’s lives x

[Doggie123-UK]

I don't know whether this will help but have you tried a clear soup or protein shake (small amounts) to ease the nausea from hunger, it may be easier for your stomach to cope with. I was advised this when I had gastritis and duodenitis

[Yasai in reply to Doggie123-UK]

I'll look into protein shakes and soups, at this stage I can eat but I'm limited to rice and bread. I have to have some food with my antibiotics (unfortunately I have C-diff) but it's making me feel really sick and the stomach pain far worse. I can drink liquids fine, I've gone off herbal teas so I'm mostly drinking water and dioralyte.

Thank you very much for replying! 😊