Is there any point in seeing a GP for a really long-term issue right now?

[AnonymityIsGreat]

I've had bowel problems on and off for years. I've never seen a doctor or had any tests because whatever it is usually resolves itself and then I forget about it until it happens again but it's been pretty constant since Christmas and for the first time ever, I'm taking time off work with it.

I know it's not urgent because I've been living with it for years but it's doing my head in and although it's the same old problems, I've never had them for this long before so in that respect, it's got worse. I'm also mildly concerned that I might end up deficient in something if I'm not already.

Are GPs still doing routine testing/referrals/whatever or is everything on hold apart from urgent things?

By 'seeing' I do mean 'speaking to' btw. I know everywhere is doing stuff over the phone as much as possible.

You could try getting some advice from a pharmacist in the first instance. They might be able to suggest a product to start with. Then when you do see a doctor you can feedback on what you have tried.

Sorry to ask outright OP, but is it recurring diarrhoea? I have IBS and didn't go to a GP for years because it was so on and off, eventually had 5 bad weeks straight and decided I needed help, but after the first appointment the only advice I had was to keep a food diary for a fortnight and note what days were better or worse. If your symptoms are the same you could start recording that information now so you have it on hand when you do see a GP and it might give you a bit of a quicker start to things when you do see/speak to someone!

I would use the online NHS guides, but if these suggest you have symptoms or risk factors that could be bowel cancer or a similarly serious condition, then follow it up by speaking to your GP. Mil put up with symptoms for years and then suddenly had a big bleed, she is awaiting MRI results.

It is, amongst other things. It probably is IBS but I'm a fussy eater and I can't work out what's triggering it with eating the same stuff (and nothing that's known for triggering IBS, I only drink water, don't like spicy or greasy food, eat next to no dairy, don't eat huge quantities of fruit or high fibre food...) day in day out but having symptoms that come and go.

I've had over the counter stuff from the pharmacy but of course, it all says 'don't use for more than X consecutive days, if symptoms persist, see a doctor, etc.'

I don't think it's anything serious. No risk factors. It's more irritating me than anything and 'I've lost my patience with it' is probably not a good reason to take up an appointment right now!

Have a look at the low FODMAPS diet for IBS if you haven't already and see if you are eating anything in the high/red column that might be triggering your symptoms. ibsdiet.org has some good resources