AIBU to ask if you think this could be ibs?

[IBSworriescanitbe]

Obviously no-one on here can diagnose me, but I have been having bad stomach problems for a month and my doctor can't refer me to stomach doctor for another two weeks, but they have suggested they think I have IBS.
It came on as stomach pains and diarrhoea about a month a go and have been on and off since. For e.g. this morning I had weetabix and milk and instantly felt low down urge to do and had diarrhoea. I have taken immodium and buscopan (sp) for the pain and the diarrhoea stopped. Some days I have been going up to ten times.
No blood in stools, weight loss, not anaemia, blood showed no tumour markers / inflammation.
So for last four weeks, symptoms have been: some gurgling stomach / excessive wind, stomach pain, ranging from lower abdominal discomfort to a couple of times of a more achy, gnawing feeling. Loose stools, some days ok, others quite explosive, generally feeling a bit off.
I am 34.
Thanks!

Hi there, you poor thing, it's awful isn't it?
They are just like my symptoms and I have IBS.
Have a look at the low fodmap diet which can help you identify which, if any foods might be triggering it.
I've used it and can now manage my ibs much better but I still get flare ups occasionally.
Good luck!

Has your GP asked you for a stool sample?

Second one to recommend low fod map. Ask your gp. about it though and ask for the NHS guide or download the Monash Uni app, loads of false info on the diet online.

Should be used for 8-12 weeks then start the reintro faze. Could also be a problem with gluten. Try a period of going gluten free. I have been diagnosed (through elimination and reintroduction) gluten intolerant. Seen major reductions in symptoms however then had to go on and eat low fod map! I never realised I had a problem going 10 times a day, it was my consultant that told me!

Hope you feel better.

xx

Symptoms sound like IBS or similar.

I have chrons and 3 things almost always sets it off: spicy food, veg and milk/diary. Not everyone with IBS/Chrons will flare up with the same thing but it is a good idea to keep a food diary of what you eat and when you have stomach problems. It will help you find out which foods to avoid.

Good luck

Hi, stool sample showed no signs of infection, they are doing another one to check for IBD.
I have been a little worried about bowel cancer but trying to remind myself that is very unlikely.

Food diary? You mention milk & wheat right before feeling ill.

How are you when you are milk free for a week?

Weetabix has an immediate effect on me too.

As the onset of your symptoms has been quite sudden, I'd think about anything you've recently introduced to your diet, or whether you're under more stress than usual?

...My IBS has been worse the last month because I started taking a multi vitamin!

Cut out wheat and dairy for a week and see if you have any improvement?
You might have developed an intolerance?
I'd only do it for a week tho, then discuss results with your doctor

I have IBS and would also recommend low FODMAP eating. I can honestly say it has changed my life. If your doctor recommends it I would ask if you can be referred to a dietician - don't expect it to happen though. The first stage is basically an illimitation diet and they you gradually try foods and add them back in if they work. I agree about using the Monash app or web site but I have found help on line re things to help make your food more flavourful. Not being able to eat onions or garlic is quite limiting. I would say the wheat and milk are a bit of a flag but if you have something else going on they may just have made it worse.

It's the weetabix, too much fibre if you have IBS

Thanks. I noticed a bad time when I had some belvita bkfast biscuits.
I have been under quite a lot of stress recently but the symptoms have been mild some days and terrible others. I also had a friend diagnosed with bowel cancer after ibs symptoms but they don't seem to be worrying about that. It is very stressful though!

plantingandpotting Has your vitamin got Iron in it?

It's a good sign that you haven't suffered from weight loss or blood in stools, as that was the major indicator for me of IBD/Colitis

Yes, I'm not sure what's going on but I wonder of IBS more likely than IBD. Can IBS last a month without giving up?

The interesting thing about moving to low FODMAPs is I have ceased to worry about "fibre". I wouldn't eat Weetabix but that is because of the wheat. Wheat is not completely excluded but will be when you start on the illumination stage until you learn how to know which wheat products will not contain fructans. You are seeking to reduce the short-chain carbohydrates not fibre.

"Can IBS last a month without giving up?"

I would really go and see a doctor as that is the only way you will know.

Yes, @Skatersbeskating. I was taking Pregnacare Max - it made me feel awful, so now I'm taking folic acid on it's own along with a more simple daily vitamin.

Was iron the culprit?

Sounds exactly like my IBS. I did the fodmap die and discovered that onions, garlic and apples set mine off. IBS is agony, I’m so grateful I discovered what I needed to avoid.

Everyone has different triggers. Wheat is a common one but I am fine with it.

@Ialwayswantedtobebeth have been to doctors, had blood tests, stool samples, been examined. They will refer me on if I still have symptoms after 6 weeks, so im two more weeks. The doctor said she thinks ibs.

Sorry IBSworriescanitbe I hadn't read carefully enough. If it is decided it's IBS at least you will know what you are dealing with.

You are right Mistlewoeandwhine. I must admit I didn't enjoy the reintroduction of wheat (standard English understatement) so am happy to avoid it. I know someone who, while having some issues I don't doesn't have a problem with lactose which is another of my ones to avoid. You really do have to got through the process carefully and preferably with a dietitian.

If it started all of a sudden do you think you had a bug and this is the after effects? Very common to get something like a lactose intolerance after a bug - when you have diarrhoea you can lose the enzymes that help you digest food. A food diary might help id triggers.

Glad you’ve had bloods and samples sent, hope it all settles. If it’s been just 4 weeks and no definite diagnosis as yet I’d be a bit wary jumping to low fodmap- it’s really hard to do

Good point, thank you. Will keep you all updated x