After suffering with stomach issues for an absolutely years (getting progressively worse each year) I was eventually given a test from the GP, the stool sample flagged something so was sent off to gastro. They did the usual colonoscopy which came back with ulcers in the colon. They took samples, which came back neg for inflammation. They did an MRI etc which came back negative. So they diagnosed me with IBS-D and sent me back to the GP.
Since then I've tried the FODMAP, I've tried every medication possible but the symptoms are ruining my daily life. I'm scared to leave the house in fear of not finding a toilet in time. I have to take anti D tablets to stop me from going just so that I can go to work. I should also add that I have an under active thyroid too, so between the two I'm at my wits end.
My GP has said that he can't help me any more as he has tried everything so has sent me back to gastro. So I'm now waiting for an appointment. My point to the GP is that they have found ulcers in my colon, surely that isn't good. But he says that isn't an issue!
I guess I'm looking for some support and someone to tell me I'm not going crazy! I feel like it's more than IBS!!
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FedupwithIBS1
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Ulcers in the colon? Is that "Ulcerative Colitis"?
Why does your GP think that's not worthy of consideration?? I just don't understand that.
If it is ulcerative colitis, then it is classed as an inflammatory bowel condition (IBD)
I just had a look to see if any medications can help heal ulcers in the colon. It may be possibly an auto-immune condition. There are a few different ways it can be treated, but it does apparently come and go and many of the treatments seem to be geared to providing longer remission periods between flare ups, or are auto-immune treatments.
Definitely ask for a second opinion. Absolutely fed up of Doctors fobbing people off. Just happened to me this week. Got told that because I didn’t wince in pain when examined that there was nothing much wrong with me!! I am just livid with most of the Drs who ever dealt with me. An ulcer is an open sore and so no wonder you are in pain. I think they just do not listen especially when you are young.
1. Travel probiotics Saccharomyces Boulardii from Optibac are a good option to stop the runs
2. I would definitely recommend having KEFIR to soothe and heal your gut and combining it with a probiotic supplement. The KEFIR I use is Biotiful and Nourish Kefir - I buy the plain ones. Probiotics I use one from BioCare.
3. I've found the phone line at BioCare to be really helpful and not at all sales-driven. They may be able to offer other options to soothe your gut.
4. In terms of the ulcers follow the guidance - even decaf coffee can irritate.
I too was told I have a small ulcer in the depending colon. They took a biopsy and said nothing to worry a out? Of course I'm worried!!! No advice on diet or meds. NOTHING. They also said a little inflammation in ascending bowel but their not consened. I AM.
I have ulcers in my gut but they do not bleed at all so when I had the symptoms you are describing (also on and off for many years) I was also fobbed off by my GP! In despair I paid to see a gastroenterologist because I had also dropped almost a stone in a month as well as having bad pains and D so bothersome I could not leave the house much.... The gastro I saw suggested an urgent colonoscopy (back on the NHS) under the 2 week pathway and they said I had patchy pancolitis which is IBD. Like you, I have suffered for many years with IBS (more than 25 years in my case). Normally when colonoscopies are done biopsies are too. It could be that where they took the biospies did not flag up any form of IBD but that does not mean to say that you don't have IBD.....
There is medication that is first level entry that will prevent the ulcers from getting worse (mezasaline) but only gastro can prescribe it and only if they think you do have some form of IBD (that I would say is likely). You probably need another colonoscopy to be sure one way or the other...if you are in a position to pay as a one off go and see a different gastroenterologist who also works in the NHS. They give you a 30 min consultation so a lot more ground can be covered. They may well think more tests are in order and these can be done on the NHS and you may jump the queue this way too.
If you did not have ulcers showing then you most definitely have IBS and probably a bad flare but as said, ulcers link to IBD which must not be ignored. I hope you get sorted and find the right medical people to help. Good luck x
You are not on your own just remember that!!! Well my problems started through The 1st lock down as I had chemo/radio treatment 4 Breast Cancer ( that's another story ) I was having blood when wiping so did FIT test all fine then early 2021 after Xmas still the same problem so had 1st colonoscopy 6/7 polyps removed then during that he saw some more but it couldn't be done while having that done so went back 2 weeks later 3/4 more removed so I didn't have chance 2 recover from the 1st one ( prep was bloody nasty no control over as 2 what come out of even water went right through me say no more ) then I had 2 call hospital 4 results all OK thanks still having problems this year so another colon scan ( more prep but not as bad but bad enough !! ) so rang again result still OK no problems and it's getting 2 the end of another year with IBS/Divert Disease like you never getting very much help from Doc's they just keep giving me more tummy tablets and told 2 do the low fodmap diet as well before all this I could eat what I liked now I am afraid as 2 what goes in let alone the stuff that comes out all the time I have a radar key&card if I try 2 go out but given up trying 2 do that now so I don't bother thank goodness 4 online food shopping I feel a useless wife as my hubby ( retired ) does his own food 90% of the time as if I do eat I try 2 have mine as early as I can 2 avoid any problems before bedtime I live in these paper pants ( TENA ) all the time sa it's bad enough having this POOP stuff at home as I can clean myself up but 2 go out 2 me is a nightmare I also had a scan this year like they do 4 when having a baby but when I had that done the pain was not there as I had taken pain tablets 2 stop it so no joy with that Well that's most of my problems I just hope you can see a Doctor and get some help 4 your problem ASAP I do wish you well with it all
You are so not crazy. Sounds like ulcerative colitis, eosinophilic colitis, or inflammatory bowel. Try a different gastro if you can. A university or clinic like Cleaveland clinic. My dad had this for years and is finally ok with help of immunologist, therapeutic medicine, and really good gastro. There is hope. I struggle every day and there is less and less food I can eat. I cant defecate without a enema even with diarrhea. I am finally seeing a new gastro as mine says there is nothing else we can do and basically it's all my mental issues. Never should have told him.
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At the end of my tether
At the end of my tether.
Right rib pain, upper back pain, bloated and lots of wind!
Never ending stomach problems
