Confused

Digestive health
1

Hi everyone,

I am so confused at the moment as to what is wrong with me, it would be nice to get some opinions and reassurance from others.

I am a 24 year old who works a 12hour rotating shift pattern (including night shifts). For the past 6 months or maybe more o have had upper left abdominal pain (cramping/aching) and more recently lower pain (sometimes across lower, sometimes left and sometimes a specific place on the lower right). I put it down to IBS due to shift work. My partner convinced me to see the GP as I have a family history of IBD. Oh and my bowel movements vary from constipated (less than once a week) to loose (not diarrhoea and multiple times per day)

Had stool tests and blood tests. I expected them not to find anything to be honest and just did it to please my boyfiend and put his mind at rest.

Doctor phoned and said that "the stool test shows signs of inflammation indicative of inflammatory bowel disease". I couldn't really ask more questions because of where I was. Phoned in for blood results and told by reception that they were fine.

I have been referred to the gastroenterologist and have an appointment in 2 weeks.

I am tired all the time and find it really difficult to get out of bed, frequently have naps at work but put that down to shift working.

I don't want to take any laxatives because I never know when it will change between constipation and loose stools and when I'm working, I often can't get to the toilet.

I often have joint pain but I also have a knee injury and some hyper mobile joints.

I am so confused as to what is going on and hate not being in control of my body. I know I only have mild symptoms, I feel so alone (shift work doesn't lend itself to meeting people regularly).

Thanks for reading and any advice would be appreciated!!

2

Hi Megan,

Sorry to hear about your problem but I think the first thing I would say is don't panic! You're doing all the right things - you've been to your GP and are now going to see a gastroenterologist shortly. Until you know exactly what you're dealing with there's not too much more you can do - above all try not to worry too much (easier said than done I know, but it really doesn't help!)

Whilst you're waiting to see the specialist you could ask your GP or pharmacist  for something for pain relief (get advice because some 'over the counter' painkillers can cause constipation and aggrevate the situation), try adopting a low fibre diet, and make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids.

If it's any reassurance I've been living with IBD (Crohns) for over 40 years now and for most of that time have been able to enjoy a pretty 'normal' life.

Good luck and best wishes!!

3

Thank you for your reply, it is reassuring hearing from someone who actually has it!

My dad has IBD but he has always hidden it when he has symptoms, I think he has tried to protect me and my sister from seeing him in pain.

I have been sticking to paracetamol and hot water bottles for the pain. I know two weeks doesn't sound like long to see the gastroenterologist but I know it will probably be more referrals for colonoscopy and maybe endoscopy.

I will give a low fibre diet a go and see if it helps.

Thank you, I feel more reassured already!

4

I am no GP but sounds so familiar with me! I was diagnosed with Crohns and with the right drugs you will be able to live a good quality of life, no cure yet though