Bulky uterus/ibs/amitriptyline : I recently had... - IBS Network

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Bulky uterus/ibs/amitriptyline

SKWEKER profile image
38 Replies

I recently had a ct scan which has shown nothing abnormal except my 4cm ovarian cyst and uterus and rectum appear bulky. The only symptoms I have is an unreliable digestive system IBS? and pain in my right side. Consultant suggested colonoscopy, which I don't want or feel I need. I'm thinking bulky rectum might be down to the fact I'd had several immodium the day before. But I've no idea about a bulky uterus? Could it be the cause of the ibs symptoms? Also while I'm asking, I've been taking 20mg amitriptyline for the last 2 nights, to hopefully settle my movements I was on 10mg for 3 weeks but that didn't help. Anyone else tried amitriptyline

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38 Replies

Hi there I woudnt worry about the term bulky uterus that’s been said to me too it’s nothing sinister , would’ve thought that the cyst would’ve caused you pain tho x

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to

Thanks, that's what I think, all the pain is in the right side and sometimes reminds me of period pain 😔

in reply to SKWEKER

My pain is right side too worse after eating or bending forward still not convinced it’s ibs 😂x

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to

It's just a catch all diagnosis isn't it? My side pain comes and goes, no relation to food or movement. But I've now got cystitis as my bladder was clearly feeling left out🤣

in reply to SKWEKER

I get pressure on my bladder I just love peeing all day and night it’s in cahoots with my bowel 😂x

b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1

You should follow your doctor's advice. You should also check whether the growth on your ovary needs to be removed.

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to b1b1b1

Gynae said it was a simple cyst and they would rescan in April /may. I understand that they just want to run all tests, but I feel like the colonoscopy should be a last resort. I'm terrified of it, more the prep than anything. I wish it was something that just made you "go" once, but it sounds horrendous.

b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1 in reply to SKWEKER

The prep is not fun but also not in any way painful. You take the preparation toward evening and just have diarrhea several times. This diarrhea is not painful and is not accompanied by cramps or gas. You usually repeat again in the early morning. If you have it you will be glad afterwards.xx

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to b1b1b1

I know I'm being a bit of a scaredy cat, and if I need it I'll just have to deal with it. But I'm hoping the amitriptyline will settle things down. It's weird it started after my surgery and the GP thought I had gastritis, I didn't have any appetite and still struggle but sometimes I think the fact that I'm careful with what I eat is maybe making it worse!

40femaleFC6000FIT65 profile image
40femaleFC6000FIT65 in reply to SKWEKER

There is a real plus with the bowel prep too. It gets rid of toxins stuck inside and gives your system a complete restart. Not fun but nothing to be worried about either. All the best!

MOLLYMILO007 profile image
MOLLYMILO007 in reply to SKWEKER

My pain in left low side has been put down to ibs as my gp said it cant be anything else ...

MOLLYMILO007 profile image
MOLLYMILO007 in reply to SKWEKER

Why dont you ask for a ct colongraphy with contrast I didnt want the other and my doctor agreed to that you have to take the prep and then they put a cannula in your arm to put the dye and buscopan.. they inflate your bowel slightly but it isnt painful takes 20 mins and they see everything my colon was clear of anything but found a tiny cyst in my pancreas just asked me to go back in 12 months for a scan make sure it hasnt grown...someone told me about this and the junior consultant said we normally only offer this to elderly but when I contacted my consultants secretary she asked him for me and he said yes ..it will take the stress out of it although if they see polyps or anything you will then have to have the colonoscopy..but mine was clear...consider it x

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to MOLLYMILO007

Is the prep the same though, that's the bit that worries me the most. The running to the toilet all night and the next morning.

MOLLYMILO007 profile image
MOLLYMILO007 in reply to SKWEKER

Yes same prep what I did was start earlier so by bedtime you have finished.. try keeping your bowels open prior then not as much waste to get rid of..x

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to MOLLYMILO007

I'm supposed to take it at 7pm the night before and 6am on the day. I'm thinking of trying it at 5pm in the hope that it will be finished before I go to bed, not that I'll sleep! I know everyone is different, but were you running to the toilet for hours?

MOLLYMILO007 profile image
MOLLYMILO007 in reply to SKWEKER

I know if I have to do it again I would start my prep earlier and cut down the foods earlier them you have less to go through your system..I have been managing a bladder prolapse for years so the pressure of all this set my pelvic floor back and undid all the hard work I have done unfortunately so I'm now back for using the kegal 8 everyday and lots of vitimins...the Joy's of being a female the list goes on and on lol..anyway good luck what are they looking for btw..x

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to MOLLYMILO007

The pressure of the prep and procedure? That's awful, you'd think that they would take that into consideration, can they not do anything to help with the bladder prolapse? I try and do pelvic floor exercises when I remember because I read it might help with the feeling of pressure.I've no idea what they're looking for. My stool showed no inflammation, I don't lose blood, I had originally been told I had gastritis so was expecting a camera down the way first. My stomach has never been great but its been worse over the last 6 months. But it might be because I struggle with my appetite so maybe don't eat properly! And as you say, I'm 50, post menopausal so it's maybe just one of the joys!

Hi my uterus shows as bulky on scans too. I have adenomyosis but this was only found in laparoscopy. If you have painful, heavy periods, it might be worth asking to see a Gynae? Colonoscopy biopsies also showed I have microscopic colitis but I don't present with normal symptoms. I know it's not pleasant but I'd probably have the colonoscopy.

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to

I've not had a period for the last 4 years. I think it's probably ibs as even thinking about colonoscopy sets my insides churning!

Bubbles7 profile image
Bubbles7

Do you have heavy, painful periods? If so, it might be worth requested to see a Gynae to check for Adenymyosis or Endometriosis. All the best xx

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to Bubbles7

I've not had a period for 4 years. Gynae are just arranging a rescan for April /may

Confused01 profile image
Confused01

I’ve had similar results too.

A simple cyst ..do get followed up. Important. They’ll only do something if it large or possibility of being sinister. They judge if a simple cysts by the out walls smooth or roughness (been told).

Colonoscopy....(I’ve had 3) as said above it’s a great way of removing toxins..complete bowel clean out. Not most pleasant prep or procedure but if they think it should be done then go for it. They are just checking nothing further up.

Procedure is very common, nothing to worry about.

Overall I’d say get the checks done.x

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to Confused01

Did you have any after effects of the colonoscopy or prep? In addition to worrying about the prep I'm worried that it will upset my already unreliable system!

Confused01 profile image
Confused01 in reply to SKWEKER

Hi,No after effects...just starving hungry lol and tired.

Nhs does hundreds , probably thousands of these a day, really no need to over worry. Preps a bit yuk, it’s a total clear out but actually that’s quite good for you, a total intestines clean out.

If your very anxious about you can ask for a little sedation. You stay awake but kind of don’t notice or remember that much afterwards. Feel more groggy after though.

Don’t worry, it’s important you have it if has been suggested.

X

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to Confused01

I'm beyond worry, I'm terrified. Mainly of the prep and fear of lasting effects. I feel after the ct scan and no inflammation on stool sample that I don't know what they are looking for. I don't lose blood, but pain and bowel movements have changed since last October. But gp said gastritis as I've no real appetite. It's a viscous circle, I feel rubbish so don't eat properly which might be why I feel rubbish!

Confused01 profile image
Confused01 in reply to SKWEKER

Please don’t be worried. They will be checking for possible ulcers, bowel ailments, colitis etc. It’s a standard procedure as ct’s and mris’s can’t pic up the same type of views. You meet the Nurse/Dr after and they will update you .The prep...follow the diet sheet and instructions, then you drink the sachets (mixed with water) and once it gets going you empty your bowels. Second sachets with water just ensures your bowels are fully empty. Follow the instructions as the better the prep the clear the dr can see.

If your very anxious ask for sedative but honestly, whilst could think of nice things to do, it’s over relatively quickly .

Of course nobody can make you have it done.

X

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to Confused01

Thank u, It would be great if the procedure made me back to my old self. I'd like to have my appetite back and stop worrying that everything will upset my stomach! It all went wrong after the hip surgery

Confused01 profile image
Confused01 in reply to SKWEKER

Hi, It’s exploratory procedure. For me they found ulcers. I agree with others about meds re after effects. Let us know how you get on..you will be fine, try hard not to stress. Take a book or magazine to distract you whilst waiting to go in. X

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to Confused01

Sorry, what meds for after effects? Will I need immodium after? Does any food continue to go straight through?!

Alysm profile image
Alysm

I agree with others regarding Adenymyosis as shows up as bulky uterus and used to give me pain in my side too.

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to Alysm

I did read about it, is it possible to get this after menopause?

Alysm profile image
Alysm

I’m not sure as I had to have an hysterectomy because of it.

MOLLYMILO007 profile image
MOLLYMILO007

Hi ..surely your bowel and uterus are different issues so one is gastro and other is gynie did you have a Ct with contrast with the dye as this shows up it all apart from uterus which is a ultrasound only reason I know is I've had both..xx

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to MOLLYMILO007

I had a ct with contrast. It said that the rectum and uterus appeared bulky. I had an ultrasound last December which showed an ovarian cyst. I'm not convinced I need(or want!) the colonoscopy as there's no sign of inflammation, I'd rather they checked out if the uterus and cyst could be causing the pain and digestive issues.

PMTS profile image
PMTS

I had amitriptyline for number of years in 1987 due to depression. I became bloated psychiatrist stopped them quickly due to causing issues going wee. I also diagnosed Anklosing Spondylitis diagnosed 3 yrs after stopped taking amitriptyline ... best wishes

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to PMTS

I had read they can cause urine retention, but I'm only on 20mg to hopefully settle my stomach. I don't have a problem passing water, it's just sore! Now the pharmacy have given me an antibiotic which is making me shaky 😔

Cosm profile image
Cosm

I take nortriptyline and have been on them for 4 years they have certainly been a help

SKWEKER profile image
SKWEKER in reply to Cosm

I've only been on amitriptyline for about a month, I'd hoped to see improvement by now. It doesn't even help me sleep! Does nortriptyline cause drowsiness at all?

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