To ask if IBD can start to present as short, temporary flare ups or is something more serious going on?

[somethingboutyou]

I've had two episodes of bloody mucus, diarrhoea and stomach cramps in the last few months. Blood test was normal, but stool sample showed very high inflammation so I've been referred urgently to gastroenterology. I'm anxiously waiting for my appointment to come through any day now. I've spoken to two GPs who think it's the start of IBD. I'm in my late 20s.

Does anyone have experience with IBD and know if it can present as these short, temporary flare-ups (1-4ish days of symptoms and then everything is back to normal), or just has any advice or insight into what it could be

Yes it can. It did for me, and then episodes got longer and longer.

I wasn't properly diagnosed until I was 30, but had been having symptoms since I was a child.

If you don't mind sharing, may I ask what your episodes initially started of as/are they consistent with the symptoms I describe in the OP?

I've had episodes of stomach cramps, diarrhoea and fainting ever since I was a teenager around every 1-2 years. Then recently that has been paired with bleeding, and has happened twice over the last few months, so I'm wondering if it's all related and these are flare-ups that have been getting worse very, very slowly.

Just bumping in case anyone has any more advice they could give

Did the bloods include coeliac tests? I've recently found out I have it, I didnt really have stomach issues, I was tested as I had really bad fatigue and headaches but my gp was being thorough. But since my diagnosis I've joined some fb groups and mucusy diarrhoea is quite common. It's also common with other food allergies/intolerance so definitely ask what's been tested for and if other tests can be done if these weren't included.

I have Crohn's disease. If your stool sample showed raised calprotectin levels then you have a form of IBD. Mine currently is in the 900's, and at diagnosis was over 1400
I had intermittent symptoms for a year which I put down to stress, rich foods.
Look on Crohns & Colitis UK website, they have lots of useful resources and a symptom checker

I'm not sure what my exact levels were and forgot to ask, but the GP said they were 'very high'. I'm worried as can't high calprotectin also indicate cancer?

Sorry I meant to post earlier but it slipped my mind.

I suppose my symptoms started in early childhood, cant actually remember anytime without them. Lots of foods made me feel ill, diarrhoea, cramping etc. but then I could go weeks without pooing, which meant I was put on a high fibre diet. This increased the cramps but didn't stop the bleeding or mucus.

It took years of doctors visits until I saw a student doctor that referred me for extra tests under the two week bowel cancer thing. The hospital said I was too young for cancer (wtaf!) and gave me an appointment for three months later instead. Thankfully, it wasn't cancer, but at least I got a diagnosis!