To worry about this?

[MiseryChastain27]

Every evening this weekend I've had really bad stomach cramps and toilet troubles

It's so strange because during the day I've felt fine. Friday night I was very ill so didn't eat until Saturday tea time by then I felt fine. Had my tea, relaxed, felt ok then just before bed I started again with the most horrible stomach pain/cramps that only got better after an hour spent on the loo. It really was severe.

It doesn't feel like a bug and i haven't eaten anything out of the ordinary. I guess I'm worried because diverticulitis runs in the family and as a bit of a health anxiety worrier im thinking bad things. Had it been a one off I would have put it down to just an upset stomach but three nights in a row of the same pattern feels odd.

Is it worth seeing a doctor or will they just fob me off with an ibs diagnosis?

If they diagnose IBS maybe it's because you have IBS, not because they're fobbing you off. But they wouldn't diagnose IBS when your symptoms have only been present for a weekend anyway. As it's only been a couple days you've had the diarrhoea and stomach cramps it could well be that you've just picked up a bug or eaten something that's disagreed with you. I would give it a few days and then make an appointment with your GP if your bowels return to normal.

If they don't return to normal, sorry.

@MinisterforCheekyFuckery sorry it's just that when I've been before they haven't really followed up with any tests and a lot of non specific bowel issues tend to be put down to ibs. I had a similar episode like this a few months ago but was on antibiotics at the time so I put it down to that. But there's no obvious trigger this time and the symptoms have been really severe so just a bit worried :(

I've been suffering with this recently too. I feel fine in the morning, then stomach cramps later in the day. I think it's probably food intolerances, although it's difficult to pinpoint what exactly. Try writing down everything you eat and see if there are any patterns.

Try writing down everything you eat for a week and see if there’s any patterns (lactose, gluten, too much fibre, caffeine, alcohol, spices, yeast etc are all common intolerances and can start later on in life even if they never bothered you before).

If it’s not getting any better Within a week then ask for a referral to a gastroentoroligist (they should give you one if you explain about the diverticulitis in your family). They can then hopefully give you a colonoscopy although there’s usually a bit of a waiting list (took me 2 months to get mine).

It could just be food poisoning though as I had campylobacter once and I would feel fine for half the day and then get agonising cramps and diarrhoea. This went on for about ten days and then thankfully cleared up

I agree with @MinisterforCheekyFuckery...

I don't know what tests you're expecting them to do based on so little clinical history?

@Retroflex I've had on off bowel problems for a while tbh. Nothing major where I've thought I need to see a doctor right now just niggles. For example I've had what I can only describe as a twinge in my lower left abdomen for years. It comes and goes and isn't severe. I had it looked into when I was younger but they focused on the ovaries (all fine) more then the bowel. Intermittent periods of diarrhoea and things like that. And when I have visited a gp I do feel like I've been fobbed off but because symptoms weren't severe I just accepted it.

But when I have a bad flare up like now I always worry especially given my family history. Hopefully it's nothing and it will just stop but three nights of horrible cramps and diarrhoea on the trot (no pun intended) has not been fun

@MiseryChastain27 I think when you go to see your doctor, you should be prepared.

Before you go, I would write down all the symptoms you've had over the years, what has already been checked/ruled out.
I'd also write down your family history, and why you are concerned.

By being prepared ahead of your appointment, you shouldn't forget to give all the relevant details, and you'll get the most out of your appointment.