Can anyone offer any suggestions? Sick of living like this

[Whoopsadoo]

Hello all, apologies for the somewhat dramatic title but I really am fed up of my general health.

I live exhausted, as in, sleeping a minimum of 8 hours each night and still waking up tired. I fight to keep myself awake during the day, after lunch is particularly bad. My mind can be foggy and I find it hard to concentrate. If I were to lie down, I will fall into a deep sleep very very quickly!

I have daily diarrhoea, 30mins - 1hr after eating dinner. It’s urgent, foul and full of mucus (sorry for TMI). Although DH and I ‘make light’ of it, it’s not pleasant and stops us enjoying a meal out together as I have to be close to a toilet.

Other ‘symptoms’ include headaches, recurrent illnesses (tonsillitis several times a year, sinusitis, colds) and dizziness.

I’ve recently had blood tests for coeliac, came back negative. Have been diagnosed with folate deficiency but iron levels and b12 normal. Only other level that was perhaps unusual was my erythrocyte sedimentation rate which is 12 (Range 1-12 mm/h). I am taking folic acid.

It’s really wearing me down, I work full time and have a toddler, I really need my health to improve but I don’t know where to start or what to do. GP isn’t particularly helpful, just advises that bloods are ‘normal’. How would low folate levels usually present?

Can anyone offer any suggestion?

Can you ask to be tested for ulcerative colitis?
I have it and your symptoms sound remarkably like mine.

Have you pushed for a referral to a gastro specialist? That diarrhoea is off the scale.

For a different approach my dh swears by kefir - he has ibs and to quote “kefir gave me my first decent shit in years”

Ill google kefir.

Also have lots of bloating, any waist band across my stomach makes things worse, very uncomfortable!

It could be several different things but all affecting you.

Glandular fever & IBS?

Following with similar (particularly wasteband!) issues, although nowhere near as frequent.

I've just been told it's IBS a couple of times, just starting on Fibogel after trying "general better diet".

I almost think I can just live with the diarrhoea (I have for years) but the fatigue is debilitating

No wonder you are knackered! You need to be referred to a gastroenterologist

Change of diet to monitor triggers of possible IBS. Milk? Fibre?

Then ask for a blood test to rule out Glandular Fever, I had it 2 years ago and have struggled with post viral chronic fatigue ever since, which is now finally fading.
(I would sit on the floor or lay on the floor after only walking downstairs after a nights sleep, & fall asleep on the floor)

I agree with PP who mentioned ulcerative colitis, my mum has it and it sounds a lot like her (though I’m no medical professional).

I also am constantly knackered and foggy but no idea why. It’s shite

Sorry no help but you've just described me, even down to the blood test results. All the dr asked was if I was bleeding from anywhere...erm not that I know of and that was that. Another blood test has shown inflammation but again they've took it no further.
I have loperamide on prescription to deal with my IBS (which has never been investigated beyond a coeliac blood test) I've cut out wheat/gluten as I find I am much worse after eating it.
I have days of such fatigue all I want to do is sleep.
I was referred to ENT about the permanently inflamed/infected tonsils but funding to remove them was declined 4 times so now I just live with it. It's depressing isn't it.
Could you request a colonoscopy?

Certainly a raised ESR can indicate inflammation, could you look at the FODMAP diet to see if that helps your symptoms, it sounds like your stomach has a quick transit time if you need the toilet that soon after eating.

Definitely see your GP again as those symptoms are not long term manageable. Good luck op hope you get an a answer soon.

Read "Medical Medium". Warning: it seems to be 'woo-woo'. In reality, it speaks a lot of sense.

consider the Bionetics hair test for allergies, a few years ago l had terrible stomach problems and following a whole raft of tests nothing could be found, l was a healthy weight, didn't smoke and hardly drank yet was so ill with my stomach issues.

I did the test online sent off the sample read the report, took the advised supplements and made all the recommended changes to my diet, within a WEEK all my symptoms started to improve and within a month all had gone...that was 5 ish years ago and none have returned.

Good luck

I don’t know if you have tried cutting out Dairy from your diet?
That would give me the funny tummy, straight after meals, and the tonsillitis and the bloating. Maybe its all linked?

Agree. This is classic IBD.

It may be worth having your gallbladder looked at, I’ve had symptoms like this on and off for years, I thought it was IBS but recent investigations show its my gallbladder. I’ve had 2 gallstones, 1 of which blocked my gallbladder and had no pain up until then, just these symptoms. Hope you get better soon xx

Fatigue like this is serious please ignore all the suggestions that do not start with "book a GP appointment". This is your starting point. Ask for a referral to a sleep study. Ask for a therapeutic course of vit B12 to combat fatigue until you are top of the wait list for sleep study. Also a friend had that same post food issues turned out it was ovarian cancer. Do not self diagnose ever

How long have you been on the folic acid? Low folic acid can lead to anemia (similar to folate deficiency), so this could explain the exhaustion. You might need to high dose that what would normally be recommended.

I would maybe, for a week, stick to very simple foods, that don’t include wheat or dairy. And see how you go. Keep a food diary. Kick sugar, too.

Sounds like you may have some allergies or intolerances.

I would also recommend getting seen by at least another GP, if not a specialist.

I absolutely agree that you should be taking proper medical advice about this, and I'd be back to see your GP insisting that he/she takes you more seriously.

However, one thing that is important to consider is your diet. The FODMAP diet might be worth investigating . Ask your GP about this too.

Go back to GP, make sure they refer you to a specialist. Be firm and clear.

If they don't take your seriously see another GP.

This sounds like something that needs proper investigation. They haven't carried out 'all' tests relating to your symptoms and you don't sound well.

Maybe keep a detailed food and symptom diary for the GP, as it will shed light on specifics

Have you had your vit d levels checked?

Go back to GP and ask for an urgent referral to a gastroenterologist. They can then do all the appropriate checks for things like colitis, IBS, food intolerances, gastritis etc.

i would try an elimination diet

I have IBS and follow the Low Fodmap diet, it really helps. There are lots of Facebook groups which are a real help.

There's only one sensible option and that's visiting your gp. There are too many symptoms going on here and they'll need to check to rule out certain things.

Do NOT alter your diet until you've been seen. Dr.'s will want to see how you are with all of your symptoms present so they have a clear picture.