Please help - stomach and bowel problems

[Brokenbey]

for the last ten days I’ve been having really bad stomach problems, going to the loo up to 8 times a day (not liquid but passing large amounts of mucus), with pretty bad stomach cramps. Initially the pain was from my top abdomen to my bottom, it’s now mainly below the belly button and around my lower back. When I press on the right side of my lower stomach I can feel a strange pressure as though there’s a mass(?) but cannot feel it externally if that makes sense. I had strep a few weeks ago which has caused a very bad flare of psoriasis, so I’m wondering if this could be a flare of a different undiagnosed autoimmune problem?

I’m concerned because I have gone down to 66kg (was 73kg in January and haven’t been trying to lose weight). I seem to be having quite a few health issues since going back to work in January. I’m concerned the GP will fob me off as I’ve just received treatment for worsening migraines about 8 weeks ago which included an MRI. Awaiting a call back for an appointment, but is there anything obvious this could be caused by? I did have 10 days worth of antibiotics with the strep and was initially admitted to hospital because my infection markers and inflammation were so high. Could this have just really upset my stomach and it’s now only coming out a month later?

thanks so much!

Losing weight and a change in bowel habits needs an urgent appointment with your GP.

It could be nothing but you need to be checked, don’t be fobbed off.

Sadly GP totally fobbed me off, said because there’s no blood in my stool there’s nothing to be concerned about 😞 she did say that if it’s not improved in a weeks time to get back in touch, but I feel totally miserable!

I would be requesting a second opinion.

I would ask to see another GP for a second opinion and at least get a blood test, FIT test & stool sample. Your GP is right - without blood, it is very very unlikely something sinister.

Antibiotics can cause stomach issues. I have taken probiotics (acidophilus) in the past after antibiotics. There's also other bugs doing the rounds, you could have picked one up in hospital that's upset your stomach maybe? (Norovirus, cryptosporidium, also covid can cause GI issues).

Having said all that, I would definitely try and see a different GP if there is one at your practice, get a second opinion, it doesn't sound good at all.

Also, try not to catch anything else whilst you're so poorly. You can get antiviral nasal spray such as Boots dual defence that might be helpful. And some FFP2 masks (especially useful in healthcare where people are more likely to be infectious but also in other non social settings if you can, the supermarket or the bus for example).

Really hope you feel better soon 💐

Did they run any tests on the stool or just look at it?