Severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea

Posted , 4 users are following.

I keep getting random attacks where I suddenly have severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea.  There is no warning – I suddenly feel very faint (almost as if I’m going to pass out), severe cramps, my temperature rises very suddenly and I have hardly any energy (it’s a task to keep myself upright on the toilet).  For about 5-10 minutes my body feels as if its trying to get anything and everything out my stomach as fast as it can.  After a while this will pass.  If there is anything left in there it will keep happening until everything is out (2/3 times over a few hours) 

I was once admitted to hospital because there was a lot of blood in 1 episode (there was never any blood before and I haven’t had any since).  I was kept in for a few days and then sent home again.  Few months later I had a camera inserted and noting was found.  I also had blood taken but no food intolerances were found.

I’ve kept a food diary and I can’t seem to see an pattern.  I can go months without it happening and then all of a sudden it starts up again.  Doctor has suggested it could be stress but it’s happened in periods where my lift has been stress free.

Any ideas?

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • Posted

    Sounds like IBS which is linked to stress. Ask your doctor for celiac testing, ultrasound and get a stool sample tested for H pylori, parasites and fecal calprotectin to check for IBD to make sure these are ruled out.
    • Posted

      Many thanks for the reply

      I have had celiac testing but thats not it

      They have asked me to go and see them the next time it happens but when it happens i dont have the energy to move from the loo nevermind take myself to the doctors.  Plus its all over so soon i wouldnt have the time. 

      They also asked me to collect a container for a stool sample the next time it happens but again there isnt any time.  When i asked if i could take a container away with me i was told no as the tub has an expiry date and would need to collect one the next time it happens.

    • Posted

      When I provided a stool sample, I was given a container to take away with me.  I wasn't told there was an expiry date.  Perhaps you should ask someone else about this to make sure you were given the right information.  I don't think they expect you to provide a sample straight away in the surgery loo.  Constipation was my problem then and had I not taken a laxative, the doctor would have been waiting a long time for me to bring anything in.

  • Posted

    Sounds like crohn's disease. it can be your digestion problem cause you staomatch cramp. You need to reduce fibre and eat small meal, chew slow which is very hard for me who has suffer lots of stress.

    • Posted

      Many thanks for the reply

      I have a friend who has crohns disease, he doesnt talk about it much but maybe i will try talking to him for more info.

      My partner and i were discussing how we chew our food.  He always finishes his meal while im still half way through mine.  I chew each mouthfull slowly and many times

  • Posted

    Hi Yvonne,

    I'm glad I've come across your post. The exact same is happening to me and I can't put my finger on it - been going on since about February now. It always happens in the night between about midnight and three - wake up with severe cramps and go to the toilet like normal but then escalates to going to the toilet about five times as my stomach seems to want to get rid of everything inside. I mentioned it to my GP but he put it down to stress as I was diagnosed 5 months ago with hashimotos disease, hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules. I have tried to explain to him that it started before diagnosis but he doesn't seem to be interested. I have an appointment with my consultant on Friday and planning on asking him about it - if I get anymore information on it then I will be sure to pass it on.

    • Posted

      Your bowel symptoms may still be related to your thyroid problems.  The thyroid controls many things in your body and when it goes wrong, it affects a lot of processes in your system.  Bowel symotoms are very common with hypothyroidism
    • Posted

      Many thanks for the reply.

      I have had this problem on and off for about 10 years.  I can go nearly a year or sometimes many months without it happeneing. 

      Hope you get some answers soon

    • Posted

      You should see specialist colonoscopy is the way to go for to me you sounds exactly like me and I found out I have Crohn's diseases. Good luck

    • Posted

      Many thanks for the reply

      Im not sure if the doc checked my thyriod, will need to check that with him

    • Posted

      My mum had bouts of severe constipation lasting weeks and then it would all come at once.  It turned out to be her thyroid.  She had weight gain and crushing fatigue as well.
    • Posted

      The more i think about it, the more this makes sense.  The last time it happened ( about a week ago) i had to go to the loo 3 times over the course of a morning (wasnt painfull but alot of it) and it was the 4th and final time where the pain started.  I usually go every day but i always think there should be more, every so often i dont go for a few days and then have to take a laxitive.  My body must be letting some of it go but not it all then it all comes crashing out.  I have a funny feeling my thyroid has been checked but i will check again.  Thanks so much! :-)

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