Well I finally got the courage today to call and make an appointment with a gastro. Going next Tuesday for a consult.
There is colon cancer in my family so I get super anxious about it. In fact, I get anxious about anything health related really... and stress is a trigger in general for IBS like symptoms so that doesn't help anything.
Recently though I have noticed an increase in gas in my belly, and some of it smells so bad, especially at night (poor hubby) and I can't seem to link it to food. I've eliminated gluten, dairy... avoid certain veggies and still no clue.
I am really healthy-- doing my first Ironman this year. Rarely get sick. But I've always had what I call a "nervous" stomach... would be pooping a lot before exams or events as a kid and teen.
These days I seem to always have a normal BM in the morning first thing or shortly thereafter. Then some days I'll go up to 4 more times, but it will be smaller and harder than the first of the day. I have frequent moving gas like pains and frequent "urge" to go. Sometimes mucous in stool. Gassy like I said.
I had one bout of red blood in stool 12 years ago, which was my first visit to gastro and they did a colonoscopy which came back completely normal and they said it was likely a hemorroid that had already healed. Sent me on my way without even a followup, lol.
Anyway wondering if you guys think this just sounds like typical IBS symptoms. It does to me, and I'm hoping that is just it, but made an appt anyway. If nothing else to ease my mind.
Also, I do take Zoloft (antidepressant) for anxiety, priobiotics, digestive enzymes daily and recently picked up IBGuard (peppermint oil).
Hi Mandy, I can empathise with you completely as my Grandfather had bowel cancer and when I was diagnosed with IBS 10 years ago I mentioned it to hospital there and then. They've seemed to ignore that fact. I'm really upset by this, as I now have been rediagnosed with Diverticulosis which I'm disgusted by, as my dad had Diverticular disease and then developed kidney cancer. On this Tuesday he would have been 72, but was snatched from us 6 years ago. You MUST fight for what you believe is right, otherwise you'll regret it. IBS is so often diagnosed for lots of people but they can get it wrong. They have with me. I now have lost 10 years of my life, my family for my husband and I and well everything it feels. Sorry I'm just really sad at the moment.
Sounds like your IBS, that is not been helped by your Anxiety.
Have they suggested a diet to control the gas, your GP may suggest something to control your concerns.
Good luck with the gastro, are you having any tests of Colon etc ?
BOB
I am so sorry you’re feeling so down
. Sometimes you just need a listening ear and someone to make you feel like you aren’t alone. We definitely have to advocate for our own health. I hope you find some answers and relief soon!
I am not sure yet ... just a consult first appointment. My PCP blows me off because my I’m so healthy generally. Like I took care of my two sick kids who were vomiting, fevers etc and never got anything.... but I’m going to make sure I at least get established with a gastro, if nothing else for proper preventative colonoscopies as I get older.
Hello Mandy
It is hard when we have busy lives, kids are always a worry.
Get yourself on the Specialists List and hopefully you will get to know Him and He you. You look after yourself
BOB
It could be IBS, have you tried the low FODMAP diet, this can help weed out foods which are not agreeing with you. After 2 months, you can gradually re-introduce foods one at a time, to see if you get a reaction. There’s lots of information on line about low FODMAP and lots of books too. I have Coeliac disease and IBS and recently found that other foods were being problematic and am doing low FODMAP at the moment, I’m just over a month in and have found it helpful. it’s a bit restrictive, especially if you already have to eliminate other foods for other reasons, but you’ve nothing to lose except your horrible symptoms by trying it.