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Original poster

Is this IBS?

31 replies

charliebear78 · 09/02/2017 15:41

Hello.
I have been told I have IBS-Had quite a few tests done already to rule other possible things out.I have had FBC plus Celiac and CA 125 bloods.
Endoscopy with swab taken for H Pylori
Ultrasound
These all came back normal.
I am waiting for the results of a Calprotectin Stool Sample-to help rule out any IBD.
Also booked in next month for a CT sCAN.
Whilst I am grateful for all the tests,part of me is in a never ending anxious loop waiting and worrying.
I think my biggest fear is Cancer( Isn't it for everyone?) I have worried myself that I may have Colon Cancer which is being missed as the Docs told me they do not think I need to have any further testing-ie-Colonoscopy.
I did a home FOBT which tested Positive-The Docs didn't seem to concerned about this-but everything I read tells me I should be?!

Anyway the symptom I am having most at the moment(this has been ongoing since before Xmas with various pains across my stomach/back/chest and constant burping) is a bloated feeling all day and like I need to go to the loo(yet when I try, I can't)
Some days I will go as normal but still feel like this all day-other days I won't actually go at all.
I am worried as I read googled that this was a sign of early Colon Cancer!
I know my rational mind as somewhat shut down in all this.
My Partner is losing the will I think to deal with me and keeps telling me to listen to the Docs who know best.
I am hoping maybe MumsNetters may know better?!(wink)
Could I ask for further tests to rule this out?
Am I turning into a Crazy Woman who can't think clearly?
Is IBS ALL i have?
I was a real mess over the New Year but have thankfully calmed the fuck down now almost

Thank you.

OP posts:
sufferingicecakes · 09/02/2017 17:57

I had some of the symptoms you describe when I had bad IBS. I do not remember lots of burping or back pain, but lots of stomach pain and feeling that I needed to go to the toilet but could not.

Any ideas what they are looking for with the CT scan? Could that show up problems with the Colon?

Have they checked out your gall bladder. It would not account for all your symptoms but may account for some.

Try not to worry, the symptoms you describe are actually very common.

Original poster
charliebear78 · 09/02/2017 19:01

Thanks suffering for your reply.
TBH I don not know why I am having a CT scan, I have already had a Ultrasound and was told everythiing was ok on that-I "think" the colon can be seen on the CT scan but can't actually detect Cancers.
I know I am silly to let this get to me so much...really trying.
Thanks again.

OP posts:
AnxiousMunchkin · 09/02/2017 19:09

Did you avoid red meat before the FOBT? That can give a false positive reading, as can other things like turnips I believe.

Original poster
charliebear78 · 09/02/2017 20:09

Now I think about it I had Cottage pie and a Spag Bol in the day or two before I did the test-No rare steaks or anything!!
Would mince meat cause a false Pos result?!

OP posts:
AnxiousMunchkin · 09/02/2017 20:25

I think any red meat can, and other things too. Did the home test not have a food to avoid list with it?

BumDNC · 09/02/2017 22:40

My IBS does not like dairy or wheat very much so I have to be careful.

I conclude what happens to me is a combination of constant trapped air, too much acid, constipation and overflow all at various times of the month. My bowels move sooooooo slooowwwleeeeyyy then it often all clogs up and comes in one go.

Have they tested for H pylori bacteria? I had this once and it was agony

BumDNC · 09/02/2017 22:41

Sorry see you have had the test

Brollsdolls · 16/02/2017 10:48

Charliebear - how have the tests been? Have you had any answers?

I have been having symptoms of burping for quite a while now. I have only recently started feeling like going to the toilet is difficult.
Today, I felt my stomach when lying down and it feel hard under my belly button area. Does anyone know what this could be?

Original poster
charliebear78 · 16/02/2017 11:26

Still waiting for ct scan and results from Calprotectin-everything takes soooo long!
I am just trying to get on and stop worrying as I believe this does contribute to my problems.
Have you been to see your GP?

OP posts:
WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 16/02/2017 15:42

Hi charlie I didnt realise you had a separate thread. How are you feeling?

I just wanted to point out that your colon will definitely be visible on a CT scan, and that they can show up a whole variety of conditions, including cancer. So it is very unlikely you'd have colon cancer and it wouldn't show up on a CT scan. Hopefully you will get a date soon and that will put your mind at rest :)

It's a bit odd that they haven't said why you are having the CT scan. Who referred you for it? And which part of your body is being scanned?

Is it possible that you are actually having a CT colonography or virtual colonoscopy?

I hope you get some answers and some relief from your symptoms soon Flowers

Original poster
charliebear78 · 16/02/2017 15:51

Thanks leslie for taking the time to reply to me on here also.
I actually paid to see a private Consultant and it is him who has referred me for the CT Scan.(didn't say why-just as a routine test)
It is just a standard CT Scan with contrast of the abdomen and pelvis but I feel better knowing it should show any major problems up.
I have to stop reading so many horror stories of peoples Cancer being missed!
I would still prefer a Colonoscopy-never thought I would say THAT!!!
However will talk to Docs once I phone/see them for the results of the Scan etc....Hope you are doing ok and thanks again.

OP posts:
WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 16/02/2017 16:16

Definitely stop reading the horror stories!

If it's at all reassuring, my cancer was missed for about six months. My symptoms were relatively minor and cancer was not on the radar at all as I was 21. But it was picked up immediately when I had a colonoscopy and also showed up clearly on the CT scan they arranged a few days later (that was also abdomen and pelvis with contrast).

I am glad you've been able to see a consultant, though it's a shame you've had to pay privately. It sounds like he is taking you seriously, so hopefully he will refer for a colonoscopy if he thinks it necessary, and will be able to explain his reasoning if not.

peggyundercrackers · 16/02/2017 16:24

I'm surprised they aren't doing a colonoscopy as std given your FOBT was positive however the consultant must have his reasons for this, it would have been good if he could explain that to you though to put things in perspective. there are lots of other things this could be other than cancer though (as I am sure you already know) - UC, chrons, SIBO to name a few. blood in the FOBT can come from piles as well which as you know lots of people suffer from.

If your FOBT was positive what has your GP said about this? would he not refer you for a colonoscopy?

Original poster
charliebear78 · 16/02/2017 17:18

Thank you again leslie You are helping to stop my mind going off in all directions.

peggy You see this is what I cannot understand.
I told my Gp and the consultant about the positive FOBT test and both were quite dismissive, telling me it could be from things like piles(I have suffered) and my period(was not having nor near to having one at the time)
Instead my GP arranged the Calprotectin stool test as she told me due to my age(39) and the fact they do not have enough of the tests to give out she cannot do another FOBT test for me!-So I am waiting for these results before I can go any further.
Consultant told me highly unlikely to be anything Malignant but would send me for CT Scan.
I really do think in light of my positive result for hidden blood in stool that I SHOULD have a Colonoscopy-just in case!
So I will bring this back up with the GP once I finally get the results back.
Just worried they will just send me on my way instead.
I have looked and its over £2,000 for a Colonoscopy done privately!
Not sure what to do-my anxiety as been through the roof over all of this and all the different tests I have had done-each time waiting to be told something horrid-GP scared me the first time around by telling me Cancer was on her list of possible outcomes-just not the first 3!!!!!!!!!
(that was for the endoscopy which came back clear)

OP posts:
peggyundercrackers · 16/02/2017 17:22

was the blood in your stool bright red? can you see blood? are your stools dark?

Original poster
charliebear78 · 22/02/2017 14:16

No the blood isnt visible,I did a test to detect any hidden blood in the stool.

OP posts:
Snugglepalace · 22/02/2017 14:53

I've had Ibs type symptoms for 18 years but the last 3-4 months the symptoms have changed and are similar to yours. My gp was very dismissive last month, said I have dyspepsia and packed me off with a prescription for Omeprazole. I don't have faith in my GP's at the best of times. Can I ask, has it cost you very much so far? I am seriously considering going private!

HelenaGWells · 22/02/2017 14:57

I have IBS, my mum had colon cancer. Although there was some overlap she had other symptoms as well like bleeding, a persistent cough and a constant headache. Her digestive related symptoms were also constant rather than fluctuating.

Original poster
charliebear78 · 23/02/2017 12:27

snuggle It cost me £235 for a consultation with a GI and Cancer Specialist.
He spoke to me at length about my symptoms and decided I had IBS-Though he said the Calprotectin was a good test to have but as still waiting for results.(however he does not think there will be any inflammation present)
He referred me back to the NHS for the CT Scan so I do not need to pay for this.
I feel the GPs have decided thats that with me and will not be willing to send me for a colonoscopy/flexi sig.
I do want one or the other doing.
I am considering paying for these myself if ness-however they are in the thousands!!!
I am grateful for the tests I have already had,though I think this was in part due to how anxious I did become over Xmas-back and forth to the Docs and crying-(cringe!)
Sometimes though I think unless you do keep on at them they will forget about you.

OP posts:
Original poster
charliebear78 · 23/02/2017 12:31

Helena Thanks-I do understand symptoms would be more constant and I DO need to stop worrying over the what ifs!
However I just know I will not settle until I KNOW one way or the other sure.
I have had one thing or the other since before Xmas and this worries me-surely IBS cant last this long and change so much?
Colon Cancer can have little to no symptoms......

OP posts:
Juveniledelinquent · 23/02/2017 21:29

Have you had your ovaries scanned?

WhatWouldLeslieKnopeDo · 24/02/2017 00:03

charlie IBS is a longterm condition, so yes it absolutely could last for several months. The symptoms can be quite variable too. If all your tests come back negative then it may be "just" IBS. It can be a very debilitating condition. IBS can only be diagnosed once all the other possibilities have been excluded.

I hope you get some answers soon Flowers do you have a date for your CT scan?

Minime85 · 24/02/2017 06:37

Hope you get some answers. Whilst I'd see your point that ibs is not serious living with it takes adjustment. I have been for 18 years. I have bouts of terrible pain and weight lose. You may have to adjust your diet. I hope you get some answers that make you feel reassured.

Original poster
charliebear78 · 24/02/2017 15:30

Leslie Yes my Scan is on the 4th of March so not long at all to wait.
I do wish I could stop worrying and get the Cancer thought out of my head but I just cannot.
Do not wish to sound insensitive with what you have dealt/dealing with, sorry.

OP posts:
peggyundercrackers · 24/02/2017 15:41

why don't you speak to the guys at www.beatingbowelcancer.org/ - they have lots of information about bowel cancer and have nurses who work in that field answering calls. they also have lots of information leaflets which give accurate current information instead of going by whats published on google.

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