Hi all, I’m 23 years of age and around 3 years ago I had food poisoning in Ibiza, from then my bodies not been the same. Loose stools/constipation, flatulence, an under active thyroid, persistent bloating, mucus in stool etc. At times I notice a musty/sour odor too. I was unable to leave the house for around a month, had tests and was diagnosed with IBS (as it seems everyone with gastro issues is). I then was able to go private and had a breathe test that diagnosed SIBO - I completely changed my diet, following low-fodmap, gluten free and dairy free. Pain and inflammation subsided although I was still going to the toilet up to 10 times a day. Although the stools are usually soft, I sometimes have to use my finger to prod in aiding the stools to release. I started to feel better as I was able to control the symptoms more and it helps when your stomachs not always in spasm. In December last year I also discovered I had parasites (maybe the reason for foul smelling stools/wind). As far as I’m concerned these were eradicated after a few months with the help of a dietician/herbalist. I then went travelling as my symptoms had died down and unfortunately had another bout of food poisoning in Singapore and was diagnosed with gastroenteritis - after antibiotics, activated charcoal and probiotics I felt better and more in control of my symptoms again. So recently I’ve been having a burning sensation in my stomach, abdominal tenderness, fatigue, loose stools, urgency and excess mucus in stools as well as persistent bloating, foul smelling stools and uncontrollable leaky flatulence. I’ve been to the doctors a fair few times and the blood tests have shown everything is working ‘fine’, I’ve been tested for parasites several times and nothings showed up. The only thing that is off is my white blood cell count - it’s quite high. My doctor explained this is due to my body fighting off an infection - but has no idea where from or what it is as there are no markers shown on the blood test. I’ve been given antibiotics (shock) and am hoping it is just an infection that I can get rid of. I’ve also been referred to have further testing (an endoscopy and a colonoscopy) I was just wondering whether anyone’s had a similar experience or thinks all the symptoms have persisted over this duration of time due to this undiagnosed infection doctors didn’t know I had? As most of you who suffer from gastro issues know the anxiety that comes along with it isn’t very pleasant. I’m currently not working and have to put my life on hold to some extent as my symptoms are too intense to be able to sit at a desk all day. Always need to be close to a toilet and the thought of being on public transport puts me on edge! Would appreciate your opinions/advice... thanks!
Have you been tested for h pylori. I had it twice. Awful. But I also have an auto immune disorder which causes havoc with the stomach and bowel and more. You really need blood tests done. Look at esr and crp levels to see if they are raised.
im chiming in here - have ibs for 20 years comes and goes. dr told me my crp levels were raised at last two tests but not enough to worry her. will repeat in three months. what does it mean?
I have been tested for h pylori but nothings showed up. Will take a look at the esr and crp levels - thank you
ok so I have a likewise long history of being told I had IBS but I didn’t which 8 knew myself. Came in flares unrelated to food or stress. It turned out I havd chronic gastritis…inflammatiin if stomach lining…associated with an auto immune disorder. esr and crp are inflammatory markers which can be raised in ai conditions. Docs always ignore this for reasons I can’t fathom.
They seem to ignore a lot of red flags! I’ve just checked my esr and crp and they are elevated so shows I have inflammation yet ive been told i have ‘mild tenderness’
have a look at metronidazole on net .might help .
Thanks Anthony, actually just started that today.
The bouts of food poisoning may have triggered Post infectious IBS. The symptoms you are having sound like IBS flare ups which are made worse by anxiety.
yes this is what happens…I never accepted the diagnosis of IBS and was right. Docs just ignore these results all the time. Took me until I was almost 40 I think to get a proper diagnosis. So called IBS can be a symptom of many underlying conditions. Not things which are deadly but things which can make you feel very unwell yet are very treatable. There is often a reluctance to properly investigate chronic conditions.