Stool Bleeding

[Prince32]

For an extended period, I've been grappling with the challenge of loose stools, often accompanied by substantial bright red bleeding, despite this not meeting the definition of diarrhea. This issue has persisted for several years. However, during a stay in Nepal last year, my home country, I experienced a remarkable disappearance of these problems, despite maintaining a consistent diet inclusive of greens, gluten, dairy, and fast foods.

During my time in Nepal, an intriguing shift occurred in my bowel habits. I noticed a significant change wherein I passed hard, well-formed stools without any accompanying bleeding, a stark contrast to my experiences in the UK. Astonishingly, upon returning to the UK, the problems promptly resurfaced.

This observation solidifies the connection between the bleeding and the loose stools, as I encountered no such issues while in Nepal, my home country. It's worth noting that I underwent an endoscopy in 2017, which returned normal results.

I'm motivated to unravel the underlying differences between the UK and Nepal that seem to trigger these loose stools specifically within the UK setting. I'm considering seeking medical advice to explore whether specific tests, such as blood tests to assess vitamin levels or other diagnostic examinations, could provide insights into the root cause of these gastrointestinal issues.

[Luisa22]

I have IBS D mainly. That is, I rarely get actual diarrhea. but my main problems are too-loose stools. plus sometimes abdominal distension, discomfort which passes, wind etc.

I live in the UK all of the time, and don't travel.

Yet sometimes my IBS seems to disappear! Sometimes it goes away for days, sometimes for weeks. And then my gut feels normal, and my stools are completely normal.

Nothing to do with diet.

So...could it be that also happens with you? Or is it definitely ONLY when you're in Nepal that you feel better?

Could it be the water you drink when there, and when in UK it's different water?

Could it be the altitude, or the weather?

I know that the UK weather doesn't suit me. When it gets grey, gloomy, damp, raining all the time my gut is often upset. When it's clear, not raining, and bright I am often much better.

Could it be that you are happier there in some way?

I have no idea, I'm just playing with thoughts here.

[Prince32 in reply to Luisa22]

Its only when i was in Nepal that i daw such a big improvement. I do want to go back and see if its the same case again. I have got a GP oppointment in Januray but I want to do all the checks here relating to my symptoms then do the exact same tests once im there in case something obvious is missing. But in relation to mind gut connection, i was definalty a lot more relaxed in Nepal as I wasnt really thinking about much.

[Luisa22 in reply to Prince32]

It is wise to see your doctor anyway, as you said you do often pass blood. It's best to get that checked out.

[Jackie1612]

interesting posts, thanks.

It used to be the case that my IBS improved drastically when I was on holiday. This doesn’t happen now, and it’s a long time since I was like you, Luisa22.

I don’t know if you were on holiday Prince32 but if you were, this might be a factor in your improved condition.

[Frasina]

There is a very strong connection between the mind and the gut. Without realising, your home country may signify a more settled place with happy memories so would lift your mood. I am not saying living here is not good; I am just saying this could be an underlying factor. I find when on holiday my gut problems are significantly better, even though I expect them to be much worse. The nice climate in your home country could also be a factor. If this was an experiment, I feel many people would share your views!

[Crazymouse]

this post caught my attention indeed because I was wondering about the same thing... I was in Austria for few days and all was good and same thing when I was in Slovakia... got back to the UK and I am right back with having pains in my gut, literally not knowing what to eat that won't give me bowel pains.

It made me wonder about the water quality in the UK. I was thinking about buying water to do a little experiment to see if my gut improves but that sits in plastic bottles for who knows how long so probably no good either.

I always drank tap water be it in Europe or South Africa and never had gut issues... till now 🙁

Keep us posted if you find out anything 😃

[Prince32 in reply to Crazymouse]

I have been drinking evian water for like last months ot so and really hasnt done much. I will continue to do it for 6 months or so. I do become really stressed and want to start meditating as well . I will let you know how it goes. In terms of plastic. As long as its away from direct sunlight, then its fine to consume.

[Crazymouse in reply to Prince32]

Thank you for your reply... I will try the bottled water.

Digestion stuff can be so tricky to solve, isn't it? Good luck! Hope you get to solve your stomach issues 🙂