Gastro problems? Can't seem to find underlying problem.

[Adeleex]

This is a bit long winded but I'll try break it down 😬
Had problems with bloating, mainly left side abdo pain for way over a year. Always put down to IBS.

• PLEASE EXCUSEEEE TMI HERE..

The last 4 or so months I've been experiencing it even worse, noticeably after certain foods and drinks, along with the loss of mucus when opening bowels, excessive wind - and I mean, I never really used to pass wind. I'm a belcher usually 🤣😂 I can open bowels up to 8 times a day, never constipated but soft. This can cause pain along my pelvic area when on the toilet! I've lost 9lbs in under 2 weeks, I've had nausea and sickness after full meals, I've lost my appetite, which is not like me as I love food! Been seen by the GP, had bloods and various stool samples done, mainly testing for Coeliac and signs of any inflammation thinking along the lines of IBD. We're awaiting one back to do with the upper stomach (no idea on the name of that one!) But she said everything seems within range apart from my potassium and phostate which are both slightly low, but doesnt feel the need for treatment as of yet. So she wants me to routinely have bloods done and my next lot is in 2 weeks time. She has advised buscopan until she sees me again, and until the last lot of results are back. I have tried buscopan before and it didn't help?! I'm at a loss as to what it actually could be as I'm none the wiser and left feeling like shit. I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms and what the cause is or was? I'm having another "flare" this morning. Last night I had stir fry, and to say I struggled to get off the toilet for 20 minutes this morning is an understatement. And I'm in agony in my left side!! I'm at my wits end!!

Bumppppp

I'm not a doctor, but I would be tempted to try a couple of weeks without gluten, dairy and caffeine. If it helps, reintroduce them in turn.

This is assuming this will not mess up any blood tests, in particular that they are not re-testing your for coeliac.

I say give up multiple things at once because dropping one at a time can mean you miss things. If I had either gluten or lactose I would still get symptoms, so until I gave up both together I didn't see an improvement.

Are you having any endoscopy done? Calprotectin test?

Endoscopy and colonoscopy. Could be diverticulitis.

I'm not a dr but I started my working life in a gastro dept booking outpatient appts. If you've lost 9lbs in weight in 2 weeks you would have got an appt wIth us.

I think I would be asking your gp to refer you to a gastro specialist.

Have you had a colonoscopy ? With weight loss they would normally do that. Ask the doc if you can be referred and also ask about getting a Sehcat test for bile acid malabsorption which I have. It can be helped with meds/binders.

Thank you for your replies.

I have previously tried cutting out dairy etc, as to no luck!!
Colonoscopy has been mentioned at the first initial appt but I haven't yet been referred and hasn't been mentioned since, though only spoken once since the appt. She wants to repeat some bloods on the 15th and then have another face to face appt after that to have another chat and feel of my tummy - her words, then I'm guessing decide what to do from there.
It's taken me 3 weeks alone to even get in to see the GP, and that's when I started losing the weight, they're tracking and keeping an eye on my weight as I've mentioned it but I'm wondering whether because she hasn't seen the numbers go down for herself as of yet, she's not battling an eyelid.. she's weighed me once at the appt last Thursday, and it's a mare to get in to see anyone again regarding this.

Norma, RE bile acid malabsorption, I have never heard of that and just looked that up. I will definitely ask about that to help rule things out. Thank you.

I will definitely mention being referred, and see what she says.
Again, this morning, I had fish, new pots and green beans last night.. an hour after my stomach was rumbling and in agony, and this morning I'm living life on the toilet 🎉 delightful when I have 3 children to get ready for school. 🤪

yes ignore me, I'd not clocked the weight loss. I hope you get some answers soon.

Try taking a peppermint tablet after eating. My niece has suffered for years with IBS and the drs prescribed peppermint and mebeverine and it's worked wonders. (They'd tried loads of things before this combo)

But ultimately, you have to keep going back to the drs. Hope it's sorted soon.

Ah thank you flyingbye - I hope so too. 😔

June - thank you for your suggestion, I am willing to give anything a go at the moment until I can get some sort of answer. Really struggling this evening after dinner again, will go and grab some peppermint tablets tomorrow! X