Does anyone else have a crap digestive system?

[Thewholeshackshimmy]

Because mine just seems to hate me.
I am 48 and was diagnosed with IBS 23 years ago. I’ve had some good and bad years in all of that time but 4-5 years ago everything ramped up and my digestive system just has not behaved itself since.
I have about 3-4 days per month feeling ok (ish!), the rest of the time I have symptoms from throat to bum!
I will suffer indigestion, excessive burping, a very gurgling stomach (which sometimes wakes me in the night), a burning and acid feeling, fullness and no appetite, feel very nauseous (these symptoms are all 100% worse mid cycle and will last about 10 days)
I get lower gut issues too, lots of gurgling and bubbling, very bloated especially in the evenings (can look 7 months pregnant) and farting loads (the pain from this gas is immense at times and it’s a bloody good job I’ve been with dh for a very long time!). I get the feeling of needed the loo at times. Sometimes I am constipated and struggle to go, other times much looser.
I am sure I am in perimenopause and that my cycle has some kind of influence.
In 2019, I had a full colonoscopy and a gastroscope with biopsies, I had an ultrasound scan and a CT scan, nothing found.
I also have gynae issues with uterine polyps and ovarian cysts at times (not sure if there is any influence there?)
I saw a gastroenterologist again last week and he insists it’s just IBS and didn’t offer any help and with symptoms virtually every day it’s so hard to believe it’s not something else.
I follow the low fodmap diet, I have no dairy as that causes me diarrhoea, I’ve had times with no gluten but that doesn’t really help much, I have no alcohol, caffeine, artifical sweetners or any gas producing foods, I walk every day, I listen to gut directed hypnotherapy. Most IBS meds don’t help either.
I do all of these things yet still have these tiresome symptoms almost every day. They are unpredictable and can happen anytime of the day.
Frankly, I just wish they would piss off as they are ruining my life, I live a half life because of these symptoms.
Is there anyone else out there who understands? My husband doesn’t, my friends don’t and the doctors don’t understand just how bloody draining it is having an unfriendly gut living within your body!

[quote blackstripe]@Thewholeshackshimmy and others, I don't want to be a scaremonger but if you're experiencing consistent bloating/appetite/gut problems, you should always demand testing for ovarian cancer, starting with a CA125 test.

Think B-E-A-T:
Bloating - persistent and frequent
Eating - difficulty eating, feeling full quickly, loss of appetite
Abdominal - stomach/pelvic pain felt often
Toileting - changes in toilet habits.

Of course, it's far more likely to be a much less serious cause, but since my lovely Mum died at 61 this year I always remind other women of the symptoms as they're so often confused for abdo problems. My mum was misdiagnosed with IBS, diverticulitis and a multitude of other things before they bothered to consider OC. She could've lived, so I spread the word.[/quote]
@blackstripe, so sorry about your dear mum. I'm nearly that age and it's 'no age' iykwim.

The fear of ovarian cancer and its not being diagnosed till too late is the reason my gynae consultant offered to remove my ovaries when I had a total hysterectomy. After a big think, I said yes.

Unfortunately, my gut problems have been much, much worse since then.

Hi all, I'm new to the crap digestive system crew. Still navigating the system and would appreciate knowing if my story sounds like any of yours? And first steps to take.

Never ever got abdo pain, have a coil so don't ever get periods or pain.
8 weeks ago crampy lower pain, bloating, not associated with eating but so burps and gassy stopped eating. Has come and gone 3 time since, lasts a few days each time. No trigger known. 'Moves' around the abdo- usually starts as lower pain but after a few days may be higher pain. Lost weight initially I think due to stress and fear of eating but now stable/gaining. Bowels less predictable when having 'flare' but no blood.
So far

• normal bloods
• normal urine
• normal pelvis USS
• normal abdo USS
• normal stool culture
• negative QFIT (bowel cancer stool sample)
• normal CT abdo pelvis (went to a&e with the pain one day)
• negative/indeterminate calprotectin 180ish
• normal sigmoidoscopy

Colonoscopy in 2 weeks (pushed for referral based on the weight loss which has now resolved)
If colonoscopy normal will push for OGD and coeliac biopsies

Does anyone with ibs have intermittent symptoms with days-weeks of complete normalness, and no obvious triggers?

I'm very stressed and worried (although somewhat reassured by all the normal tests so far) and any words of wisdom of those further along the journey would be appreciated thank you.

I have cut out coffee and alcohol to try and cut some the shit I eat (pardon the pun), taking buscopam and not sure if it helps that much.

Was totally shocked and angry when I first went to the GP and she tried to fob me off with IBS straight away. It's only because I work in the medical field I felt able to 'push'. Makes me angry for others who may not be able to advocate for themselves, because they trust the doctors word or don't understand the 'system', and things like ovarian ca are missed as above

Does anyone with ibs have intermittent symptoms with days-weeks of complete normalness, and no obvious triggers?

Yes me @ninaibs

I can go weeks, months even with virtually no symptoms. And then bang

I just thought I would mention, I've struggled lately and had really loose bm several times a day. I cut dairy and it got a bit better. But the Dr told me to try taking a spoonful of Golden Linseeds every day, they are high in fibre but apparently something in them is good for ibs. They can help you go but with me I didn't need help with that but tried anyway. Been taking since last Thursday and I am back to normal! The only other different thing is I started the dairy free actimel as well. Worth a try for anyone suffering.

Yep, I've got crohns disease and newly diagnosed with pancolitis and ileitis on top. It's a living hell.

Me too. I have a hiatus hernia diagnosed following an endoscopy a couple of years It's been a lot better then all of a sudden I've started to get this vile taste in my mouth which my GP (who is bordering on incompetent IMO) says is acid reflux.

I've started taking lanzoprazole but it makes me feel vile, really bloated and gross. I've got a follow up hospital telephone appt in a couple of weeks and I'm really hoping they can help because it's just depressing.

You've my sympathy OP and everyone 💐

I should also add I have really bad health anxiety. I recently had tests to rule out ovarian issues but like a lot of you I think being in peri menopause is at least partly to blame

I had laparoscopy 9 may but felt very constipated in my last week so had to go doctors was given sachets. But I say they did help a bit once got normal bowel stopped. Then from last week Wednesday didn't feel too good.
Waking with bad pain stomach wind bad and just can't go. If I do stool not loose or can be a bit. It's the stomach pains that is the problem.
Feeling really unwell at the moment.
I have spoken to 111 and booked on for emergency appointment today.
I have lost appetite and been laying in bed ill and don't think paracetamol working. I am scared to eat and not sure if it's what I am eating..like maybe gluten making me ill..
Any advice sorry Op to crash your thread.

late reply but thought i would still post. Ive had digestive issues for about 20 years and more recently developed more issue, psoriasis, anxiet, headaches, body aches, cysts on ovaries. I saw a very highly rated acupuncture who suggested ileocal valve syndrome, which i believe is the root cause of SIBO. Its very treatable and worth looking into, im already feeling the benefits after one session of acupuncture which also included an ileocal valve massage and a no fibre or glucose 4 week diet.

Worth checking it out.

SNAP A Chinese takeaway seems to settle mine too. I have similar gut issues Poo a lot so am hungry all the time. And constant burping recently. I have no gall bladder

Ah I too have had my gallbladder out. That causes poop issues sometimes. My body just dumps everything until I'm empty. I discovered it's a thing with a name. BAM. Bile acid malabsorption. I stick to a low fat diet, avoid certain foods. Go Google for more information.