Colonoscopy results

[MPPP]

Had this a couple of weeks ago following two week referral for blood on stools and nothing found other than a mucosal prolapse which was inflamed, and likely to be the cause of bleeding.

I assume I need a referral to a Colo-rectal surgeon for that and will follow up with the GP.

But other than that, I now am presumed to have an IBS diagnosis and I have to manage that.

Main symptoms at the moment are lower back ache and significant flatulence, increasing as the day goes on. I’m taking probiotics, kefir and prunes to keep stools soft. Also trying to identify any triggers - I think a lentil dhal which I ate a couple of days last week made me feel worse.

I’ve been looking at Fodmap but it seems you need a dietician referral - should I ask the GP about that?

Any tips about what I should do next would be very much appreciated

[winfong]

Classic good news / bad news situation. On the one hand, sounds like you don't have anything "serious." On the other, you do have IBS. (I hate it when anyone says "just" IBS.)

Tell us a little bit more about your situation - C, D, M? Any meds other than probiotics? Age? Exercise? Stresses? Other medical conditions?

I'm sure others will respond, but just wandering around this site will give you some ideas. It does seem like there's no magic bullet, and that what works for you might not work for others (and vice versa).

Good luck. Let us know how things go.

[MPPP in reply to winfong]

Thanks for your reply.

I’m 59 and female. IBS came on last summer , possibly linked to stress after a very serious health event for my partner which is ongoing. I get plenty of exercise - always have. Had D to begin with, now more C but both have been less of an issue than pain and gas - so not typical IBS from what I have read. Only other condition is under active thyroid diagnosed following a nodule, but not yet at the level for medication.

No other medication, though now eating prunes for the prolapse!

[Icanchangethislater in reply to MPPP]

I would definitely ditch the prunes, the likely culprit causing your gas. They contain sorbitol, a sugar alcohol notorious for causing bowel upsets. Replace them with a bulking type fiber supplement, but start with a low dose and gradually increase. Drink lots (lots!) of water.

[MPPP in reply to Icanchangethislater]

Thank you for your reply. I’ve only been eating prunes for a few days and to be fair they haven’t made the gas worse.

I was taking Fibogel but the instructions advise against long term use.

Is there a bulking fibre that is suitable for talking over a long period?

[Icanchangethislater in reply to MPPP]

Here in the U.S. two popular supplements are Citrucel (methylcellulose) and Metamucil (psyllium husk powder). Both are bulking supplements, no problem with long-term use. I’m sure you have similar products where you live. Be sure to take with lots of water. Best of luck!

[PinkPenguin96 in reply to MPPP]

Fybogel can be taken long-term. Bulking agents are the only type of laxative that don't usually cause problems when taken long term. My doctor said it was no problem to take it for a long time. The packet instructions say to take it twice a day but my doctor suggested I only take it once a day. You might want to discuss it with your doctor.

[meadfoot]

Good news then, no disease as such which is good. Ask for a dietician referral re Fodmap. My colorectal clinic has a bowel service which I am going to ask to be referred too. See if your hospital has such a service. Best wishes. I also hope your partners health issue is improving, the stress from that may well have triggered your current issues. Stress is a biggy for me and IBS flare up.

[Waiting_for_godo]

I tried the fodmap myself and it Kickstarted my gut to work on managing ibs. I also added carefully researched pro-biotics. Apple cider vinegar helps me but does not help everyone. I cut out diary gluten and sugar and after lot of hit and trail identified some culprits. I is a long hard road but I can see some improvement.