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General health

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Original poster

Bowel issues

16 replies

Lagoonablue · 01/02/2014 08:41

Sorry really tmi but would like some advice.

I seem to have developed something which is causing awful, smelly wind, cramping pains and lots of trips to the toilet, alternating between diarrhoea and constipation.

It is worse in the mornings after I have had a cup of tea and breakfast but can come on after eating or drinking anything.

Could it be IBS? or some kind of intolerance to something.

I never used to have digestive problems. I am underweight as it is so don't want to add to my issues.

Any ideas!

OP posts:

Wheels79 · 01/02/2014 08:45

Watching this because I have the same problem although I'm the opposite of underweight! Don't think I've had a normal day since before Christmas. Doesn't seem to make a difference I've I been eating junk or healthy food.

Original poster

Lagoonablue · 01/02/2014 08:46

Thanks for reply. It is horrible isn't it? Have been googling but no answers so expect will have to go to GP. In the meantime was thinking of buying some probiotics.

OP posts:

RubySparks · 01/02/2014 08:51

Ask to be tested for coelac disease, it is a problem with gluten so anything made with wheat, rye, barley will cause symptoms such as you describe.

MrsPnut · 01/02/2014 08:53

Go and see the GP, a blood test can pick up some causes and they can refer you to a gastroenterologist.

I had cramps and diarrhoea for about a year before I went to the GP, it took about 6 weeks to be diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and the second medication I tried has really helped.

BigW · 01/02/2014 08:56

This is very similar to my IBS. But i think you should go to the doctor and get checked over because there are any number of this that could cause these symptoms.

In the mean time, I would advise you to avoid bread and processed food. stick to plain stuff. Chicken, rice, bananas, salmon etc

BellaVita · 01/02/2014 08:57

Please see your GP straight away.

DH suffered with Ulcerative Colitis.

Original poster

Lagoonablue · 01/02/2014 09:09

Colitis? Ugh sounds horrible. I will go to GP.. Thankyou.

OP posts:

MrsPinotGrigio · 01/02/2014 10:05

Please see your GP as soon as possible. I had what I thought was IBS for a long time and eventually turned out to be Crohn's disease. I was very ill for a while but thankfully I'm ok now & its all under control with medication. Your GP can refer you to a gastroenterologist for tests just to see whats going on in there. Good luck & hope you feel better soon.

Fark · 01/02/2014 11:55

Ask to be tested for Giardiasis too

shebird · 01/02/2014 22:15

Ask your GP for a blood test for coeliac disease, often confused with IBS so don't be fobbed off.

MrsPinotGrigio · 02/02/2014 12:06

Some of the tests are quite unpleasant but my consultant said he prefers to rule out everything else before diagnosing IBS. Try to stay away from Google as well, most of the answers are worst case scenarios & will scare you - speaking from bitter experience & sleepless nights after consulting the internet.

shallweshop · 02/02/2014 12:16

How long have you been like this? I have been the same for about 2 weeks. I went to see my GP last week and she has referred me for a colonoscopy as last weekend I had a bit of bright red blood when I wiped. I am feeling really bad today with tummy cramps, acid feeling in my throat and running to the loo. I think I am making my symptoms worse as I am so anxious about what it could be. I have also been googling - BIG mistake - don't do it!

Thumbwitch · 02/02/2014 12:21

Agree with going to the GP - IBS possible, so is ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and coeliac disease. I would imagine coeliac is the least likely if the symptoms have only just come on; but it is still possible.
Giardia is just one gut parasite that could be causing it too - have you been abroad recently?
Did you have any "event" that started all this off? An illness, or a bout of diarrhoea, food poisoning, anything like that?

Don't let the GP fob you off, and make sure you get a range of tests done - if I were you I wouldn't even mention IBS, let the GP test for everything.

MrsCrankypants · 03/02/2014 20:56

Would you consider getting food intolerance testing done? I had similar symptoms to you and thought it was a wheat/gluten issue. My intolerance test showed up problems with dairy and eggs and now I don't eat them I feel much better. It might just be something like this.

Original poster

Lagoonablue · 03/02/2014 21:20

Thanks for latest replies. I bought some probiotic digestive capsules from Boots and they have really made a difference. I have been thinking that maybe I have had some sort of bug. I will see what happens and if I get the problem again will go to GP.

OP posts:

BigW · 03/02/2014 21:24

Pleased you are feeling better. Probiotics helped me. As others have said, if it persists you must go to the doctor. You cannot self diagnose IBS. There are any number of things that need to be ruled out first.

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