Ongoing bowel/menstrual issues - GP says anxiety
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Hello, this is my first post on, sorry for how long it is!
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, 1 reply
sam18386 kimberley64885
Posted
hi kimberley, i am going to answer 1 problem at a time. firstly what's emetophobia? you need find out what part this plays in life. secondly omeprazole is an ant-acid which will stop everything burning and may even with the pain. you can try gaviscon if this helps instead of omeprazole. if your smear has come abnormal, ask to speak to someone in gynaecology or a female doctor. try a little more liquid in your diet to combat the constipation, ask your doctor for something called fybogel to move your bowel along.ask for a different pill if you think yours isn't working. in terms of tests mine were delayed for about 10 weeks and i have coeliac disease which means i should had tests in march but waited until about a month back. i wish you luck, stop panicking about your health it will only make you feel worse.