Hi all new to the forum thanks in advance for reading and replying,
I'm a 28 male and for 2 years been having some sort of digestion/bowel issues.
my main issues are,
Constant loose stools that sometimes float look very light brown/yellow and smell awful,
Now and again stomach pain in upper/belly button area,
Now and again back pain under left shoulder blade (burning)
Insomnia issues
Weight gain/weight loss
This all happens at intervals over the 2 years but the one symptom that's consistent is my stools
I am so scared its pancreas and docs have missed something even though I have had loads of tests, which are all normal these are,
Full blood panel including liver, pancreas,thyroid,celiac
Stool elastase and parasite test
Ultra sound abdominal
Abdominal Ct scan with contrast
Mri with contrast of intestines
Endoscopy
Colonoscopy with biopsies
I went with a specialist in the private sector for this and he has basically said everything is working the way it should no blocked ducts bile within range so put it down to some form of ibs
I feel for your pain. Please consider that a lot of bowel problems are caused by stress and naturally you are worrying about your health. It took several years for my diagnosis and the conclusion was it had been caused by the radiotherapy that I had for an unrelated cancer. Most people seem to have had gallstones previously. Could this be the case for your symptoms? The pain etc is remarkably similar. I hope that you get some answers soon. Keep optimistic. Best wishes.
Hi thanks for reply, they said a May have had a bout of gastritis and ibs followed and this is what may be causing my problems I haven't seen a doc since September 2015 but had a flare up of some sort at new year it's the colur of my stool which bothers me the most 😞 All scans and tests have said no signs of cancer or disease etc I really do believe it's not life threatening and the worry can get the better of me as when I'm not worried or pay attention I have strong appetite gain weight and feel ok
Do you drink alcohol frequently or heavily?
The reason I ask, your symptoms near mimic mine.
I am over most of my symptoms now having quit drinking and taking incredibly large ammounts of vitamins to recover from malnutrition.
I believe i have/had alcohol neuropathy because at one point my toes were going numb. It really jacks up your digestive system.
Google it.
Your story is the same as mine. Doctors say it's IBS but I have my doubts also....
Hello, I had the same symptoms to you for near on 18mths before I got to see a consultant, he arranged all the above tests plus camera's in my tummy too. Only when I was prescribed Pancreatic Enzymes to help me digest my food did my symptoms change, I was no longer in absolute agony within 5/10 minutes of eating and my stools changed slightly, becoming more "normal" but not totally normal. My test results showed little or nothing but my consultant assured me that just because he couldn't see anything in or around my Pancreas that needed fixing or removing he still said I had Chronic Pancreatitis as it can take several years for it to develop to the stage where it is visable, even on an MRI/CT Scan.
Another thing my consultant said was the pancreatic enzymes would not help my symptoms if it wasn't pancreatitis, thats their function, to help digust food, so it clearly showed my own pancreas was not doing its job. Since then, seven years ago, my pancreas has began the downward spiral of producing little Insulin, making me a diabetic now also.
I suggest you ask one of your doctors to prescribe you some enzymes, you take them with food, basically if your symptoms are relieved, you have chronic pancreatitis. As for the pain, we all differ, some have none or little and some have constant debilitating pain, I have morphine twice a day to help me cope but my quality of life is pretty poor although I have some good days.
Don't give up, fight your corner until you feel you are being listened too, they blame far too much on IBS!!
Jo
Thanks to everyone for there replys and sharing there experiences, through this period of time there has been time when my stool has gotten browner and more formed which leaves that doubt in my is it ibs or isn't it
Hi, I am sorry you are going through so much. Have you seen a GI Dr. Or an Endocrinologist? As the pancreas in also a gland. I have had CP 15+ years my stools look like light kaki pants with a yellow hue. Sounds like you are not producing bile. That is what makes your stool dark. Go for a second opinion please!!!! Best of luck to you!
Manda
Hi I have been to a gastro specialist who ran every test possible he checked bile levels in blood and done numerous tests to check enzyme levels in pancreas and checked my ducts for blockages all ok. They aren't always light in colour a would say 80% of time but never dark, I can never seem to stop fearing the worst
It can take years for them to diagnosis CP. Took them 9 for me. I have had a hydascan, CT scan, MRI,s ultrasounds, ERCP, blood tests, Lythtripsy..... When they finally diagnosed me I was and still am very sick. I throw up a lot. Almost all food makes me sick. I am also In lots of pain. But I still smile. It's hard but I have to for my family. Get a second opinion keep trying till you get answers!! My damage to my pancreas now is sever!! Please please make someone listen!! Hugs!!
So sorry you are having such trouble!
Manda
If your stools are constantly light they need to keep looking. Do you ever see food in your stool?
I would defo say my stools aren't always light they do get a bit browner like plain cardboard from time to time they don't always float and a defo haven't noticed food in them maybe corn sometimes but ave been told this is normal a notice mucus quite a bit, food doesn't really make me sick either and a can generally go about my daily life as in not missing days at work or that
Well maybe it really is IBS. Some people don't have pain with CP. But I think most do. I always have. Just keep an eye on how you are feeling. And yes corn is normal to see. I wish you the very best!!