Change in bowel habits TMI

[Rosemary1981]

Apologies this is about me.

6month ago I noted real sudden changes in habits, extremely constipated, tired all the time, and night sweats.

Saw GP who gave me stronger laxatives, examined my tummy lower right side the pain was pretty intense. Constant tummy aches and feeling rubbish.

I also mentioned tail bone pain, and that when I do go they are very thin and I feel like I can't pass it properly.

I'm in my 30's female, my Mum had bowel cancer in her 40's and now has colitis, my siblings have chrones and ibs.

I asked for a thyroid, hormone check, stool and blood test and was told not needed.

I have had no bleeding and no sign of passing blood but I do pass mucas, and noted sometimes the stool is very dark.

I'm at a loss as to what to do, some days the pains so bad I have to stagger to the toilet, my tummy aches last 24 hours at a time know matter what I take or do.

No weight loss if anything I've put on weight but I'm very full! Also having bad gerd and can't finish meals, back pain ect.

Surely GP should be doing more? Not sure what I'm looking for just so fed up of it.

Really think you should go back, see a different gp if possible.

There's obviously a tendency towards bowel problems in your family Op, I'd go back to your Dr and point it all out to him/her. If nothing else I'd ask to do a bowel cancer test to put your mind at rest. I hope it works out OK for you.

What’s your diet like? Do a food diary.

Wow can’t believe they didn’t order a colonoscopy. I’d go and say you have had blood to make them refer you

my Mum had bowel cancer in her 40's

Is your GP aware of this? This is a giant red flag and should not be ignored, especially given your symptoms.

Go back to the GP and make sure they are aware of your family history

It’s a change in bowel habits - consistency, frequency, size, pain on passing, gassy.

Not just blood. Most blood in poo is hidden- speckled, inside.

My dad has had bowel issues and diverticulitis.

Had 3 colonoscopies with 20-22 polyps removed from 3mm-15mm

I’m astonished you weren’t offered a colonoscopy. I would see another GP and really kick up a fuss. You shouldn’t have to but unfortunately it can be necessary. My DH booked an appointment after one instance of blood in stool, his mum also had had colon cancer and he was referred straight away.

Absolutely back to gp and say again your symptoms and your family history .Ask to be referred for investigations. Don't be scared to speak to practice manager if this doesn't happen and complain.
Don't ignore this .I'm shocked you haven't been referred already tbh.
Hope all goes well

Similar experience, took 9 years to get diagnosed with crohns despite family history.

Please demand calprotectin (stool sample for test for inflammation should be under 59 for someone with nothing wrong). Also demand a blood test to check CRP and ESR, inflammatory markers.
Write a bullet point list before you go of everything you are suffering with so you are clear and concise.
If any of the scores above come back raised, especially given your family history, they should then send you for a colonscopy.
Seek a second opinion, go in firm. Don't take no for an answer. I had to ask at one point would then do the tests, GP couldn't answer so I told them to do it now. He eventually agreed, was shocked when my scores came back raised and then finally diagnosed. I have never had blood, only had mucus after diagnosis, so 13 years after symptoms began.
Also, TMI but photography your stools. The dark colour, the mucus, how thin. Photos help in so many ways.
Wishing you luck and I hope it is something easily fixed and not linked to family history at all.

Hi, my diet is good and lifestyle I try my best. There are lots of foods I avoid.

I told the gp and its on record as I did an e consult, I had to do it twice though to get an appointment first one I was just ignored promised a call back and never happened. Both had symptoms and family history. I've got a review appointment on the 20th but thats like 6 weeks apart from when I saw anyone.

I'm going to go back something just doesn't seem right