Would you go to the GP? (TMI, sorry)

[Beebz]

Three times in the last 9 days I have had incredibly bad stomach cramps before a bowel movement. No bleeding or vomiting and it goes away afterwards. I think I might be slightly constipated but not enough to make the pain that severe, it honestly feels like being stabbed. No blood or vomiting etc.

I am incredibly anxious at the moment and have been glued to my computer for work too, in a chair that doubles as some kind of torture device, could that maybe be causing it?

I really, really don't want to go to the GP. Any ideas or tips on how long to leave it?

Thanks!

Yes please go. It could be an issue with your hall bladder or pancreas.

Could it be trapped wind perhaps? That's disproportionately sore in my experience. Personally I wouldn't go to the GP with it, id be eating more fibre and upping my fluids etc in the first instance, and tracking my diet to see if certain foods made it worse. But then I'm not you, so if you feel that you should, then go with your instinct.

I forgot to say the pain is very low down in my stomach, almost in my pelvis and not at the top where the gall bladder and pancreas are, though I'm not a Dr! However I have had a gall bladder attack once before and it felt very different to this.

I've had that a few times in my life with constipation - I once had pain so bad I actually fainted for a few seconds. I was checked out and it was nothing serious - only constipation! I think I've had this pain only three times in my life, despite frequently suffering constipation. So it could be that but always a good idea to get things checked.

Sounds more like IBS to me. Does the pain go away after you've been to the toilet? Best get it checked out though.

Yes, immediately and then no pain until the next time. No issues with appetite/eating either.

I’ve had similar with constipation so maybe worth trying some remedies for that first, just to see if it helps - I use Senna tablets and there are some yoga poses that help!

Have you tried buscopam? Total game changer if its ibs

Perhaps drink more water and move around a bit more

Be careful just suddenly changing your diet in a major way, as this can cause more issues

More exercise and fluids. Fresh fruit & vegetables and see if improved in a week

Perhaps then visit your GP?

I had something similar and it was agony before a bowel movement and then the pain stopped as soon as I went. I had to get a GP appointment. It turned out to be an internal tear (can be caused by constipation) and the pain I got was when the bowel movement passed where the tear was. Pain went as soon as I had finished on the loo. I was given suppositories. The GP also said I could take tablets (if I remember correctly) to help heal it but that they could cause headaches (so I declined this) Best to get a GP appointment to be on the safe side.

(GP also prescribed medicine - also available over the counter - to help me go, thus avoiding constipation and aggravating the tears)
It's called a fissure.

Please also remember, any significant changes in bowel movements (such as this) should ALWAYS be discussed with a pharmacist or GP. Please don't ever be embarrassed.

This is called being an adult and doing your duty to yourself and your health. Call the surgery and book an appointment. They've seen and heard it all before. If it's nothing - mind at rest. If it's something - treatment can start, to make you feel better.

Personally I’d try stool softener for a couple days and see if it helps. If it persists then gp.