Desperate need for advice, I am having to pull out of university because of persistent GI problems!

[Lewis_mackenzie]

Hi there, I would be very grateful for any advice,

For around 6 months I have been having ongoing GI problems. In this time I have had three quite severe flare-ups, two of which involved A&E visits however nothing was found (I am too used to this). My main symptoms are severe abdominal pain and nausea. Unfortunately, just before coming home from university this Christmas, I had my third flare up and all holiday (4 weeks now) I have been experiencing severe stomach pains (around 2 hours after eating).

I have been referred by my GP to the gastroenterologist however my consultation is only in March. I really cannot wait as every day is becoming more and difficult to get through, especially with no improvement and no answers. It has come to the point that I am going to have to defer my place at University until I can get answers. IBD has been ruled out from a recent fecal calprotectin test, a lot fo evidence points towards IBS.

Would pulling out of university to get myself into remission be wise? (I cannot think of any other options). My future is looking very uncertain, with my flares popping up frequently and severely. Has anyone had IBS so severely they have had to pull out of university or work? I didn't know it could be this bad. Hence for a while I thought I had Crohns. I really need some advice.

If only my consultation were sooner I am sure I could get the advice I need from the gastro.

[Viklou]

I would wait to see the consultant. I wouldn't rule anything out until you've had all the tests. Look out for red flags, such as unintentionally losing weight, blood in stools, pain and diarrhoea that wakes you up at night, vomiting, excessive fatigue.Flares of IBS are usually associated with diet, stress and lifestyle but I will say just keep an eye on what you're eating, create a food and symptom diary and also as gross as it sounds take photos of anything that you think is unusual between now and seeing the consultant. By doing this you will gain information about links that could account for your symptoms.

[Wacca]

I'm sorry to hear about your struggle, it isn't easy living with bowel disorder. During my studies I did have bad flares, but they were purely associated with enormous stress. Cramps in left lower part of stomach, frequent loose stools 1min after waking up (nights were peaceful), tons of mucus... But when stress is over, flare is over too. Later on I had to give up on my work due to bad flares, but again it was caused by stress at work, lots of pressure, late night work etc. Calprotectin test is just a test in that, particular, moment. I really believe that calprotectin test itself says nothing conclusive. Many people have high levels and nothing found, some have low level and inflammation seen, so it is just one small piece of a big puzzle. Since your symptoms are persistent sounds reasonable to speed up your appointment with gastro. It is always good idea to make a diary of all symptoms and food you consume, situations you face, but again stress about it and constant focus on bowel movements can aggravate the situation. So, best advice is to speed up an appointment with gastro.

[Lewis_mackenzie in reply to Wacca]

Hello there and thanks for your response. Over this holiday I have sent multiple letters to my GP to get my appointment brought forward. We are thinking of going to see a specialist privately if things are not sped up. Until then I am really just experimenting with diet, following FODMAP and trying to get exercise. I’m even going to try hypnotherapy. I’d like to keep you updated!

[Wacca in reply to Lewis_mackenzie]

That sounds good, if possible go get an answer from a private specialist. In this part of the world things are much easier, since we directly go to the specialist (at least some advantage living far away from home). Have you tried homeopathy? It did help me tremendously with my bowel issues, and not only for that...

[XDjames]

How is your University handling this? I see from both sides, as a student decades ago whose university somehow gave me a free pass on a number of subjects at a bad time and as academic tutor to students a bit like you, struggling with medical problems. Your university does not want to lose you and should have mechanism to get you through this. What you don’t need is coursework with submission delayed a bit as the stress of catching up will affect you. So if you did not already, pressure your tutor and student support team for all the help you can get. However, you’re still young I suppose and in the scheme of things a deferred year is not the end of the world. In 40 years it will seem just like a blip. So do not worry about that part, get sorted and stable. The medical wait is horrible and covid and long break aren’t helping. For me I’m looking at private options to accelerate, but I’m at the end of my career and it’s probably (possibly? Would love other opinions ) a good investment.

[Lewis_mackenzie in reply to XDjames]

Hello there, thanks for your response. Thankfully University (Durham) has been really open minded about this, giving me extensions for work and referring me to counselling to talk about this. We are thinking of going to see a specialist privately if things are not sped up with the NHS. Until then I am really just experimenting with diet, following FODMAP and trying to get exercise. I’m even going to try hypnotherapy. Yes the university have given me the option to defer until I can get a definite diagnosis and get back on my feet. It might just be the best idea but if I can get back on my feet. We actually went to see a private gastroenterologist a few months ago and he simply urged us to go ahead with the colonoscopy and endoscopy. However we were not quite ready to do that privately.

[Evonne02]

Hi Lewis_mackenzie,

Unfortunately I have had these symptoms and worse for almost 30 years. What you need to do, and more importantly what the medical establishment want to see you do is take control. You need to write down what single or combination of foods give you a flare up. Single the offending food item and remove it from your diet. Try to keep a diary of what you ate and your pains, bowel and urine details that day, as well as sleep/interrupted sleep & why. Also note headaches, nausea, pain killers you took & their effectiveness, etc. Do some exercise that makes you breathe heavier than normal x3 weekly at least, cut out food that's not good for you.

They want to see you take control of your health, your diet and exercise. They'll also want to see what you do for 'mental health' reasons. I listen to RnB music multiple times a day, my friend reads, another does crafting, another walks a lot, everyone is different.

You need to show that you've tried continually and you still have these issues, otherwise they don't care because it's so common. I did this from March for 3 months. Realised I had a gluten problem, told my GP and now have 5 referrals to hospital. Also I cannot eat certain fruits and vegetables. I still use the above methods and will continue until a hospital consultant tells me to stop.

I think you need to be prescribed Peppermint oil capsules x3 per day in the meantime. It calms the pain down and is natural. I hope the above helps. Please let us know how you get on. 😍

[bburzycki]

I would stick it out. As someone that has dealt with gut issues all his life as I have (well almost 30+ years now, giving things up is your last resort as it can be hard to get them back both physically and mentally. Most schools and jobs there days have many things in place to deal with students and employees with disabilities - While I hate using that word in some cases that is what a medical issue like this can come down too.

Evaluate your options. Evaluate your diet and stress levels as those are usually 2 huge contributing factors and make sure you are exercising daily if not every other day as that even thou it can suck to do is one way to get our mind off your gut. Report back after you see your GI, but I would also look to other options for Dr's as I find sometimes a GI specialist only is great to rule out the big ticket items but might not always look at the bigger picture, sometimes big picture is the actual issue.

[Sparrow58]

Good idea to keep a diary of what's happening and what you are eating. Did a particular event trigger your IBS. It is a big step going to UNI. are you enjoying the experience. I hope you can get some answers soon and can get on with your education. All the best x

[angelwings52]

I know how you feel, but I would wait to see the gastroenterologist before making any decisions about pulling out of university. I'd recommend trying hypnotherapy as stress is a huge factor, keep a food diary to help pinpoint triggers and avoid artificial sweeteners especially sorbitol (took me months to make a connection between sugar free chewing gum and my IBS!). I hope you feel better soon 🙂

[FedUp2022]

We all sympathise massively! I have IBS and also recently diagnosed large gallstone. (Diagnosed after continuous upper abdominal pain for months and several episodes of biliary colic which is like being punched hard in the stomach for 12 + hours!) I’m currently doing a strict Fodmap and a low-fat gallstones diet and my IBS symptoms have really improved (although it’s so hard to give so much up!) and waiting for my op. Defer your uni for a bit but don’t give up! Wishing you all the best.