Can't get to GP - Help prescribe my symptoms :)
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hello!
I have had gut problems for 2 years, have been waiting for an appointment for tests but due to current situation obviously there is no way to see a doctor and my appointment has been cancelled. So I thought I would try to solve it myself! Having had a good around, I cannot find anything that aligns exactly to my symptoms so wondered if anyone could help me out...
History
- Previously no problems or intolerances growing up
- Was served a frozen tuna in 2017
- Did a physique competition in 2018 involving strict high-carb and high meat diet and supplements (nothing illegal)
- I live a healthy lifestyle and am otherwise very happy (barely drink alcohol, exercise and gym daily, no junk food, plenty of water, vitamins)
Symptoms
- Inflamed, painful stomach daily (waking me up at night at times)
- Gassy flair ups after every meal
- Constipated, but then going daily (no diarrhea) - sometimes discolouring
- Occasional UTI's, or a similar feeling
- Probitics seems to be making symptoms worse (45 days into taking them + cutting out intolerant food - listed below)
So Far I have tried: -
- Scans at the hospital - found nothing, but haven't been able to have my gut tested yet
- Intolerance tests (discovered a bad intolerance to dairy (which I had already cut out for months) and also gluten (which I have now newly cut out 45 days ago).
- Plus smaller intolerances to soya and beans, sharp fruits, garlic.
As mentioned, I have cut out all the above and been taking probiotics but symptoms are worse than ever. I've been listening to some fascinating podcasts, but nothing they talk of seems to align directly with the symptoms I have.
If anyone can shine any light on the above it would be a massive help in this unique time where its difficult to see a doctor!
0 likes, 3 replies
RachRoux Bucks123
Posted
Hi Bucks really sorry to hear you are having problems at the moment.
From what you are saying I would say it sounds like IBS-C which is the IBS associated with constipation as you described and stomach pain.
I also have IBS-C and have found i too have many food intolerances i cut out dairy which helped a huge amount and then started following the fodmap diet.
There are lots of resources online regarding the fodmap diet if you haven't heard of this before. They will tell you what is good to eat and what is best to avoid. It can be a case of seeing how your body reacts to some foods as everyone does react different.
In terms of probiotics people with ibs can react to preservatives which can be found in probiotics to preserve the gelatine capsules. A way around this is buying vegan or vegetarian probiotics which are exactly the same but the capsules are plant based.
I take the vegan & vegetarian Acidophilus from Holland and Barrett and they have no nasties in. I definitely recommend.
Hope this helps and I hope you are feeling better soon
Rachael
RachRoux Bucks123
Posted
Just wanted to add that for the constipation try psyllium husk which is just a highly soluble fibre that works by increasing the bulk of the stool and making it softer and easier to pass.
You can get it online really easily and it's really good.
Any questions just send me a message 🙂
audrey32349 Bucks123
Posted
Hi, many times gluten and dairy are hidden in products i.e. super sensitive dairy intolerant people can have reactions to certain dairy derived probiotics, dairy in many sandwich meats, gluten in many foods or liquids (best to buy "gluten free") products. Some people cannot tolerate fiber.
Best thing to do is check all ingredients and to try an elimination diet keeping a diary of everything you eat.
As a long time sufferer of IBS-A with extreme food intolerances I have learned that not all foods will have an immediate reaction on the system. Some foods eaten 24-48 hours before can have a profound reaction making it difficult to discern which was the actual culprit, thus the reason for a strict food diary. Following a fodmap diet does help. Ginger tea and/or licorice tea will help soothe intestines. Good luck and I hope this helps you.