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Severe symptoms 1-2 times a year

Posted , 6 users are following.

Sunbite
Sunbite

I am desperate for some help and just don't know where to turn.  I had been diagnosed with IBS around 2009 but, a couple of years ago, after a colonoscopy the consultant told me I had diverticular disease.

Once a year, usually around March-April (go figure) for at least 5 years I have suffered with an instensely bad 'bout' - severe vomitting, diarrhoea, weakness to the point of passing out, followed by bleeding.  The bleeding has got progressively worse each bout I experience - it was originally pink and didn't start until a couple of days in.  Now it appears almost instantly. And I'm currently in the middle of experiencing a 2nd bout this year.  They are terrifying as the pain, passing out, bleeding - all when on your own - is extremely hard to cope with.  And oddly I know when it's going to happen - my mouth goes sort of numb.  This isn't gastric fluids as I've watched out for that - I really can't explain why that happens.  But 30 minutes after I notice the sensation, the 'bout' offiicially starts.  This time I got myself upstairs ready for it to start.

I really need some advice how to cope with this and whether I should push for further action from my doctor/consultant.

1 like, 39 replies

39 Replies

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  • CauliColon
    CauliColon Sunbite

    Posted

    Hi,

    My (engineer's) theory is that a high percentage of people in their 50s, say, do have some pocketing that shows-up in colonoscopy (me included).  However, the proximate cause of bowel issues (or lack of?... sorry) is something more fundamental, sometimes.  When I did my research, I came across this NHS treatise on 'Ulcerative Colitis'

    http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Ulcerative-colitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

    It seems to fit your picture rather too well, imho.  I hope you can get the medics to condifer this label in order to be more supportive, perhaps.

    Good luck,

    Pete.

    • Sunbite
      Sunbite CauliColon

      Posted

      Pete - thanks for the link.  I must admit it sounds suspicious but the only thing I can say is that, in my case, the severest symptoms where everything is happening together only lasts about 2-3 hours.  Then I'm just left with the after effects of blood loss, stomach cramps and rushing to the loo periodically.  

      So, the latest event happened Saturday evening and I'm at the tail end of the symptoms now.  Still suffering tummy pains very occasionally, and blood is still noticeable.  Raised temperature only lasts a few hours as well.

      In the cold light of day you feel such a sham.  But the fact I was struggling to walk a few feet without passing out is not right, surely sad

  • Sunbite
    Sunbite

    Posted

    Back from the doctors and she's referring me to the consultant again. All I want is to be told this is to be expected and this is what I can do to help.  

    I mean, you see these posters everywhere - if you find blood you must tell your doctor!  And what happens when you do?  They just make sympathetic noises and that's it.  Even having a blood test previously to show an infection did nothing.  "Yes, as we thought, you had an infection."  That's that sorted then...  It just proved something - and nothing else was offered.  

    She didn't even offer it this time not that I would necessarily have wanted it.  What would be the point of another long wait at the hospital to get the results a week or so later when it's too late.

    I think Jacqueline is right - rather than 999 it will be 111 next time.  But let's see what the consultant has to offer.

    Thanks all for your help - it's really appreciated!  I want to try and keep optimistic!

     

    • jacqueline01135
      jacqueline01135 Sunbite

      Posted

      Good start ,you are on your way. ASK QUESTIONS when you see the 

      consultant.

      Don't get too down in the dumps you now know that there are lots of

      us here to talk to ,even if you just want to sound off

      Big  cheesygrin  for you x

    • jacqueline01135
      jacqueline01135 Sunbite

      Posted

      Morning Crispy   How are you this morning???

      My flare is subsiding  Wonder why it's called a flare Explosion would be

      a better description.A lot like Bonfire   night without the toffee applesexclaim

    • jacqueline01135
      jacqueline01135

      Posted

      so, are you going to tell us what is happening to you'are you being 

      sorted, or put back in the "in tray "?

      You are not allowed to dump us frown

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