AIBU to ask for help and handhold with symptoms

[ConkerGame]

For a while I have had a bloated tummy, nothing too unusual or painful although I did sometimes look around 4 months pregnant (to the point I actually have taken a couple of pregnancy tests despite still having periods!), however it always went back down again after a day or so. I kept a food and symptoms diary to see if it was linked to any intolerances but found no pattern whatsoever. My GP thought it might be IBS but I don’t have any of the other symptoms such as diarrhoea, pain, constipation, etc. They did suggest doing the FODMAP diet but I know two people who have done this and found it to be inconclusive, plus it doesn’t sound very scientific so I haven’t committed to this yet.

Recently the bloating has become much worse - it is constant and my stomach is really firm and round, plus I’m feeling very uncomfortable and needing the bathroom more often due to the pressure on my bladder.

I did the NHS 111 symptoms test plus a couple of other tests online which made me think it might be ovarian cancer (or a few other nasty things). I had the CA125 blood test as well as a general blood test and it’s all come back fine - no positive CA125 and nothing indicating problems with kidney or liver which seemed to be the other likely suspects. I’m worried the doctors think it’s nothing and won’t take me seriously now.

I know women with ovarian cancer don’t always have a positive CA125 so I’m going to ask to be referred for an ultrasound but in the meantime I’m in a lot of discomfort and the whole thing is making me feel very scared and unhappy.

AIBU to ask does anyone have any experience of anything similar? Or have any words of wisdom? Just feeling very down and like I need advice and/or a handhold

How did you get on op? I have my scab appointment this week

Scan 🙈

Yes how did it go @ConkerGame I was thinking about you earlier this week (which is probably a bit weird)!!!!

Thanks, that’s really kind. My ultrasounds were clear! So no gynae/ovary issues, which is a huge relief. I have my blood tests for further gastro issues tomorrow so really hoping for an answer from those. Best of luck @Vittoriosa hope your scan goes well too.

Have you tried taking probiotics? A lot of people who struggle with IBS symptoms and bloating say it helps. I take optibac extra strength and they make a huge difference to my bloating and ability to digest foods.. might just be an intermediate step to try while doctors investigate

Thank you @ConkerGame, i will let you know. Glad you had a clear scan but hope you find some answers and start feeling better very soon. Will also look into probiotics 👍🏻

Thanks @walnut87 - I will also try that out

Got a call today to say “nothing to worry about” but doctor wants a telephone consultation to discuss your scan and where we go from here. Appointment not til Monday so not sure if something “minor” has been found or just that she might want further tests?

Have also started on the probiotic drinks

Have you being tested for coeliacs or a wheat intolerant? Your symptoms sound very very similar to mine.

How did your gastro tests go @ConkerGame? My doctor called to tell me that the only thing found was that my womb was larger than normal but explained this might be as simple as the fact I’ve had children? Have been sent for more hormone blood tests but still feel rotten and getting nowhere fast. Still awaiting the result of my coeliac test @Lozz22

@Vittoriosa I had blood and stool tests two weeks ago and haven’t heard anything back from them; which I think means they didn’t find anything?

I’ve booked in for a GP appointment later this week to discuss the results and next steps. So frustrating!

Sorry to hear you’re still feeling so bad and haven’t got any closer to an answer either. It’s really tough, isn’t it?

@Lozz22 I had the coeliac blood test two weeks ago but haven’t heard back so I think it’s clear. Going to ask the GP if there’s any further tests they can do

I really feel your pain @ConkerGame, it’s so frustrating feeling rubbish and bloated but getting no answers as to why. Please let me know how you get on at the doctors. I will keep you updated regarding my latest blood tests although not holding out much hope

Had GP appointment today and tests were all clear so they think it’s IBS.

I’m going to try peppermint oil and tea, linseed and probiotics for a month and FODMAP for 3 months and see if there’s any improvement

@Vittoriosa I hope you get an answer soon

Hope you guys had some joy? I am keeping everything crossed for you (been lurking a while)
I've had the blood test for C125 which came back showing positive and an ultrasound of the pelvic area today, the lovely staff asked what the scan was for and there was a bloody great big poster right there beside me with markers for ovarian cancer.
The pain I get and the bloating are both pretty bad. Gained weight too.
I'm telling myself that I'm not going to worry or even consider this is happening, but my DH has terminal cancer and his literature is in tidy piles all over the house.

Also. Get checked for endometriosis, There are so many symptoms for this, including yours. I had it for years without knowing.