IBS or ovaries? GP says anxiety!
Posted , 3 users are following.
Hello, sorry hope this is okay to post on this forum as not entirely period related.
Okay so. I've always had tummy issues that come and go, diagnosed IBS.
Also have a very extensive mental health history including emetophobia which doesn't help matters as I know some of this could be psychological.
Last August, I started having reflux, which I'd never had before. Was prescribed omeprazole which I didn't take due to my phobia (I know it seems flawed logic, just how my brain is!).
Fast forward to this year, have since moved and changed GP's.
In Feb, I had a routine smear test which came back minor abnormalities, due to repeat in August (not sure if this is relevant).
Abdominal issues are much worse this year. I've always had bad indigestion but I was getting it most of the day, couldn't eat because of such bad nausea and feeling full very quickly. I've lost some weight through to no appetite, nausea or just unable to eat a full meal a lot of evenings.
Sorry TMI but I am often constipated but do have times where it's the other way. Have had a lot of mucuous, stomach cramps, nausea, sometimes even some blood...
I phoned the GP, agreed to take omeprazole which helped the reflux massively, but nothing else.
I'm on the contraceptive pill but periods are more painful despite being lighter and taking me longer to come on during my break. Currently that TOTM and I have a sharp pain on left side which has gotten worse last three months.
I have raised this numerous times with the GP and I think they're sick of the sound of my voice now.
Finally had blood tests last week, all normal.
They won't send me for an ultrasound unless this continues for another couple of months. No other investigations for gastrointestinal symptoms just seem to be expected to accept this is okay. Been told today to take my contraceptive pill back to back to have fewer periods which I said is fine but feel it masks the problem which they said they didn't understand why I was saying that as what they do is treat the symptoms first then make a decision of diagnosis after..?
Anyway I'm so tired of living like this, I really am. Doctors do not believe groin/ovary area pain and gastrointestinal symptoms are linked and have been told it's likely my anxiety exacerbating this. I know I am not making up my symptoms though. Yes I would agree stress etc will make symptoms worse but the fact is I'm still having to experience this and I feel as though the doctors are tired of hearing from me every other week and I'm expected to just carry on, take a pill to stop having as many periods and continue.
Just to add, my tummy has not been examined at any point during this due to COVID restrictions.
What do I do? Where do I go from here? Is this just my life now and I have to be okay with that? Sorry for the long whiney post!
0 likes, 4 replies
rachel54558 kimberley64885
Posted
sorry to ask but how old are you ? if your over 40 it could be start of menopause. Talking pills back to back is fine in fact the only reason you take a break is because people who developed it though women liked bleeding. unfortunately due COVID all they can is treat symptoms as they probably limit on what test they can run. i think you just have to wait until you can get more test done which sucks but what can you do.
hope this helps.
kimberley64885 rachel54558
Posted
Thanks Rachel, I'm only 28.
I understand i may have to wait for the tests due to restrictions but I've not been recommended for any tests at the moment and not had my tummy examined at all.
thanks for replying though, i reallg appreciate it!
rachel54558 kimberley64885
Posted
i am 29 and have premature ovarian failure basically menopause. To be honest the only test i had to confirm was a few blood test and a internal ultrasound. its seem like are very test for these things to start with.
heidi492 kimberley64885
Edited
Hi Kimberley!!
Firstly, I'd like to say, this is not a long, whiny post. I'm glad you spoke up and advocated for yourself when no one else is listening to what YOU are experiencing in YOUR body. Don't give up!! My GI wanted to throw Xanax at me, until I got a second opinion, and they sent me to not one but two different surgeons!
I identify with a lot of your symptoms and unfortunately, your experience with professionals. I've had a very long and frustrating journey for over the past year+ and it's not close to over.
What I will recommend based on your symptoms is to look into SMA Syndrome, Nutcracker Syndrome, and Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. These are all extremely rare, but unfortunately they often go mis-or-undiagnosed (so I believe the prevalence is actually more common.) These are compression syndromes usually caused by a rapid weight loss, but they can also occur after trauma, surgeries, etc. There is also a congenital component, so if you have always been on the petite side, you could have been struggling with this forever, but your symptoms may be getting worse with age.
These compression syndromes often occur together. It may be very hard to get a diagnosis, and if you do, good luck getting competent doctors who will take you seriously or properly treat you. I'm not trying to scare you, but since it's so rare, it's hard to navigate through this. But your symptoms do sound familiar to these syndromes, and you can look up Facebook groups (just type in the names of the syndromes and join) and the members will be able to help refer you to specialists in your area.
I also want to add: X-Rays and ultrasounds will not find these syndromes. You MUST have an abdominal CT with contrast (the stuff that makes your insides glow) as they can see where the barium meal stops (if there is a compression of your intestines, pinching of a vein, and any enlarged veins in your pelvic region.)
Please keep me posted on your thoughts, and I wish you the best of luck and a speedy recovery!!
Edit: Also - I meant to add - Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (to my understanding) is not a compression syndrome itself, but a result of prolonged/untreated Renal Nutcracker Syndrome.