My bowels are ruining my life

[BananaramaDefence]

I'm at my wits end. In 2019 I ate some dodgy seafood and was quite ill with an upset stomach and awful smelly wind. Since then my bowels have never recovered, but in the last 6 months it has got so bad that I'm actually scared for my marriage.

I seem to have no control over the wind and it smells disgusting. I either have constipation or loose stools, I have never been regular but this is terrible.

I've kept a food diary but can't find anything that influences it. I've not spoken to my GP because I have so many other health issues going on I feel like I'm just a pain. I've got hypothyroidism which I know impacts bowel movements but this is frankly ridiculous. I recently had lots of blood tests and all my bloods are normal (but they weren't really looking for anything bowel related).

My farts are uncontrollable, loud and stink. They are like a miasma of smell that takes ages to disapate. I've tried taking windeze but it doesn't help and I really don't know what to do.

A few times we've been about to have sex and I've been unable to hold back a fart and that's the end of it. I know I'd find it disgusting if it was my husband but I luterally can't control it. I've put on weight even though I don't eat any differently (possibly due to hypothyroidism). It is making me so miserable.

Help??

Tested for parasites?

GP! You must go, blood and stool test first.

You need to go to the GP because any changes in bowel movements need to be investigated.

The first thing I thought of was h.pylori infection.

Obviously go to the GP. They’re the ones who will help.

needs to be the gp for tests. you can get allsorts from dodgy seafood. hope you get it sorted soon.

Ask to be tested for coeliac disease, often goes along with hypothyroidism.

You must go to your GP. He can organise some tests to work out whats happening yo you.

You could also look up how you can eat foods which will balance your gut. Pre & pro biotics, Sauerkraut, fermented foods which feed the good bacteria in your system. Theres plenty of info’ out there, you just need to start doing some research.

Food is probably sticking in your system and fermenting. Drink more water to help soften and flush it out.

Cut out heavily processed (beige) foods. Read labels and if there’s an ingredient your Granny hadn’t got in her cupboard, find alternatives. Eat more fresh stuff, cook from scratch. You may have a gut intolerance which keep resurfacing?

Theres loads of information on the internet. Tune in to it.

www.clinical-reviews.com/uk/supplements/guthealth?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=14818647485-129800545615&utm_term=how%20to%20improve%20gut%20health&campaignId=14818647485&adGroupId=129800545615&feedItemId=&targetId=kwd-328606695830&locInterestMs=&locPhysicalMs=9045340&matchType=b&network=g&device=m&deviceModel=&deviceType=mobile&campaignType=search&creativeId=559406553320&keyword=how%20to%20improve%20gut%20health&placement=&category=&adPosition=&gclid=CjwKCAiAtLvMBhB_EiwA1u6_Pg2MbbWAPSO3RzU-2B999guV33DD8SbtET3q9WICNNtno5Q2XYAJmxoCZaUQAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14818647485&gbraid=0AAAAABZTut2as0HfCASeMaqxBCYexl7fQ

You've got to go to your gp. You must.

I understand your frustration! I had awful wind / loose stools for ages and it seemed to be getting worse. I reached my breaking point as it was so painful and just really embarrassing.

I didn’t find the GP very useful. I kept a food diary and couldn’t work anything out either.

I eventually did a private blood test for food allergies (if you do this make sure it’s an IGE test). Turns out I had two food allergies which the NHS would have never picked up. Cut them out my diet and it’s a million times better. I didn’t realise some people can realise they need the toilet and wait for 15-30mins and not poo themselves 😂

Definitely gp, especially as you have a clear onset.
Emphasise that it is impacting your quality of life, your sex life and your marriage. We can feel frivolous saying that, but it’s true, and those are factors gps can cite when rationalising the allocation of their funds to your testing

As pp have said, GP tests are the only way to solve this? I’m sure a stool sample would show up any lingering parasites or other issues. You have been living with this for 6 years, I can’t believe you haven’t sought medical advice about it. It’s the only way.

Jesus Christ go to the gp ! You need a stool test. You could have a bacteria that’s easily treated

Agree with others, see GP. I also have a lot of health issues and get fed up seeing the GP but this is impacting your life so much. A simple stool test could lead to a diagnosis.

As soon as I am back from my holiday I'm going to book a GP appointment. I suppose I've put it off because I've had so many other things going on this seemed the least important. It's top of the list now though

Similar experience here too. Had surprising results from a food intolerance test and cutting those out solved my issues.