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Weekly Diarrhea for 3 months. I'm scarred my Dr isn't whose right.

Posted , 5 users are following.

jimbo1968
jimbo1968

Hi all I've been having weekly episodes of watery diarrhea since last week of August. Anything from one day to four and from one to six occurrences on that day.

I've noticed a pattern with my diarrhea, if I resist the sudden urge to go then I'm much more likely to pass a solid stool, if I don't resist the urge then I'm just going to pass watery explosive diarrhea. I've never been woken by urge.

Also I have a lot of front lower abdominal pains, especially when Im sat down. The pains are sharp shooting type pains, also get these near my anus and coccyx. I also get pains around my breast bone area and even further up than that at times.

I've also passed some very thin stools, a single bowel motion can contain a pencil thin stool but can also contain a fatter stool. There is no consistency.

I just don't know what the hell is going on here. Since my problems have started at end of August my bowel movements haven't been the same .

I'm worried sick of colon cancer but by GP doesn't seem that worried and has spoke to a Gastroentorologist about my case who wasn't concerned either. In terms of weight I may have lost 1lb in two months which is nothing but I'm eating a lot more so should've really put a lot of weight on which I haven't. My blood tests all come back normal although my stools test positive for some kind of inflammation.

0 likes, 14 replies

14 Replies

  • smc89344
    smc89344 jimbo1968

    Posted

    Hey,

    Have you changed your diet at all?  Been out of country?  Maybe you picked up a bug or could possibly be a parasite? Not to scare you....just trying to help you determine what could be the issue.  Do you have IBS? (Irritable Bowel Syndrome).....Stress and anxiety can also contribute to these symptoms if you do suffer from it. 

    Have you seen a gastroenterologist?  Maybe a good idea if problem persists.  Also, see your MD and get your stool tested.....

    Hopefully this helps a bit...

    Sandi

    • jimbo1968
      jimbo1968 smc89344

      Posted

      Hi Sandi I've had several stool test for bacteria such a c-diff and h-pylori all of which have come back negative. I haven't been out of the country. I have considered IBS but as my stools are coming back inflamed thanks to a Faecal Calprotectin test being high, this would eliminate IBS as the bowels are not physically effected with IBS. It however does not eliminate Crohns , Colitis or Colon Cancer . Thank you for your reply. Jim
    • smc89344
      smc89344 jimbo1968

      Posted

      No worries.  Well try not to think negative.  Could be a food allergy....never know as they can develop anytime.  Hopefully you will find answers to your issues.  smile Try to hang in there.  Health issues are the worst!

      Sandi

  • looloo43
    looloo43 jimbo1968

    Posted

    Hi. I have colitis, ibs-d, bile acid malabsorption & fructose malabsorption. over last 4yrs I've had quite a bit of experience from a patient point of view of tests, procedures etc. if your poo test has come back positive high calprotectin level, this is an indicator of inflammation in colon & would expect your gp to refer you to gastroenterology & colonoscopy to have a direct look at your colon where they usually take biopsies to determine colitis or not. if you have had any blood with your stools, they should refer you quicker. you should expect this to be done as minimum follow up!!! so if your gp has not done this you need to push for it. you could also try phoning chrohns & colitis uk-google them, they will confirm this is the procedure. hope this helps.
    • jimbo1968
      jimbo1968 looloo43

      Posted

      Hi Looloo firstly I'm fascinated by the fact that you state you have both colitis and IBS-d surely IBS cannot exist once you have a medically acknowledged disorder like colitis as effectively they give you the same symptoms.

      In terms of your opinion i couldn't agree more . Blood we are lead to believe should ring alarm bells.

      There are obviously less well known criteria for this. In my case the blood is bright red , also it isn't smeared all over my stools but usually at one end of a single stool (either first or last or both).

      My GP who has spoke to Gastroentorologist about my case is convinced this isn't sinister and feels it may be some form of colitis or Crohns.

      I have signed up to a website called Health Tap where you can discuss your case with a specialist. It turns out that because my blood test results are normal including the inflammatory markers CRP and ESR the gastroentorologist consider the chances of it being anything bad becomes marginal.

      I am going back to GP today and will try and be more forceful . Thanks Jim

    • looloo43
      looloo43 jimbo1968

      Posted

      Hi Jimbo. Yes, my gastro consultant said it is actually quite common for patients with crohns or colitis to also have ibs (sucks doesn't it?) all 4 of my conditions previously mentioned produce same or very similar symptoms, so it is a juggling act. I do have to watch what i eat, & timetable my medicines at right times to try & stay moderately well & get on with everyday life. Despite what your doc & gastroenterologist saying its probably nothing bad, the fact that your faecal calprotectin levels are raised is an indicator for inflammation in bowel, & if you do have colitis or crohns, it needs to be treated by them!!!!! Can't believe they are not following this up with colonoscopy at the very least!! If colitis or crohns is left untreated with meds, it can damage the bowel & leave you with life sapping symptoms that leave you unable to get on with everyday life. Good luck at doc's today, keep us posted on here how you get on.
  • Guest
    Guest jimbo1968

    Posted

    Hi There Jimbo:

    I'm with looloo, and sandi, re: pressing your GP to immediately refer you for testing, e.g., gastro endoscopy, endoscopy, etc. Don't know if you've already been keeping a food log, but this might be a good idea; also helpful to log any medications you happen to take on any given day, whether they be prescription and/or over-the-counter medications. Such a log may, in the long run, prove moot. On the other hand, it could reveal a pattern or linkage to your symptoms and attendant suffering. What you are going through is so debilitating and life-sapping. I realize it's difficult not to worry, but try your best, while also being your own best health advocate.

    Sending you the very best wishes for tangible answers and improved health. smile

    Most sincerely,

    Sharon

    • jimbo1968
      jimbo1968 Guest

      Posted

      Hi Sharon thank you for your kind words I've been keeping a food diary and a pooh diary and a bm photo album since late September (disgusting). If there is a pattern I can't see it. I've been told to do it some time ago.

      This has sapped all my happiness, since this all started I'm now on beta blockers and antidepressants. Just so that I can try and get through. My first signs were in late July and my diarrhea started late August . I can't believe I'm still only talking with my GP about it.

      Thanks Jim

    • Saffyre
      Saffyre jimbo1968

      Posted

      I can't believe that all the "help" that has been provided to you is, your GP "talking" to the gastroenterologist.

      DEMAND a 2nd opinion.

      Kick up a fuss, don't let them keep putting you off.

      If the triggers have been identified then it shouldn't be all about the GP talking, it should be about you seeing the relevant consultants. And getting the help you need!

      Loads of luck Jimbo1968

       

    • jimbo1968
      jimbo1968 Saffyre

      Posted

      Hi saffyre . As of yesterday the GP has put me through as a high risk case and I'm going to see a gastroentorologist within two weeks. She left it to me to make the decision at the end and even after all that she still states that she doesn't feel it to be sinister . Think she done it because she was tired of seeing me at her practice every other week. I shouldn't have to be a pain to get seen by a specialist though. Thank you Jim
    • looloo43
      looloo43 jimbo1968

      Posted

      Hi Jimbo, well done! at last your gp is doing what she should be doing even though you had to make her! Still cant understand her thought she doesnt feel its anything sinister-even if its not (and probably isnt) it still needs addressing as i said before if it turns out to be colitis or crohns you need treating with meds!!! when you see your consultant might be worth you asking for a sehcat test (as well as colonoscopy). sehcat test is to check for bile acid malabsorption (which i have & successfully treat with meds) as it produces pain in abdom area, watery explosive diarrea, bloating & nausea. my consultant had me tested for this as it as common in 30% of patients with other digestive conditions such colitis,crohns & ibs but often missed as it mimics many of the symptoms of this condition. I probably told you this before, i have colitis, ibs-d, bile acid malabsorption & fructose malabsorption (diagnosed by hydrogen breath test) so it shows you can have more than 1 condition, & you need them all diagnosed or eliminated to successfully treat which can take a long time of appointments & trying different meds until your symptoms are controlled. I now find some diet changes helped with some of my condtions too- no fruit or foods with high fructose corn syrup in ingredient (fructose problem), no veg except root veg & small 80g handful at a time. white bread, no fibre as cant break it down (causes diarrea), & no greasy or very high fat foods- full fat hell--ns mayonnaise a good example- now have the olive oil mayo which is lower in fat tastes great & doesnt make me feel sick bloated & diarrea. oven chips instead of fried etc. i find higher fat foods seem to feel like they sit in stomach like a ball, make me feel sick, bloated & cause diarrea. you could maybe try some of these dietary changes for say 2wks-theyre not too restrictive & see if you notice any difference. the fruit & veg thing made a big difference to me- as a fellow poo observer(!) i found fruit & veg also came out undigested looking much like it went in! if you do try eliminating fruit & veg except root veg like mashed swede, cooked carrots, parsnips, take a multivitamin daily. I am not saying your problem is diet at all, but you may have more than one digestive condition going on as is common with this umbrella of problems. keep us all informed how you get on with your consultant. take care
    • jimbo1968
      jimbo1968 looloo43

      Posted

      Hi Looloo firstly I can't express enough gratitude for you and others like you putting themselves out for a complete stranger going through a bad time.

      I'm aware of bile acid malabsorption and how it is often overlooked. Depending on what is found during endoscopy I will mention SehCat test .

      For sometime I have been trying to avoid insoluble fibre, and fatty foods, also trying to avoid wheat (harder than it sounds) and lacto free (also tougher than it sounds).

      Unfortunately I haven't always pulled of the dietary changes well plus I have another psychological goal of not loosing weight as that is usually a sign of something sinister. I did initially lose weight but I managed to put some of it back on and my weight has been quite stable . In just over two months from when I first complained to dr that I had lost appetite and weight I am now within one kg of the weight taken mid September. So yes I could be stricter with dietary changes but any weight loss will be fuel to the fire of the doom and gloom pessimist who to some extent lives in all our heads and spends plenty of time in mine.

      Looloo again thank you is just a word but it means a lot. Jim

  • jimbo1968
    jimbo1968

    Posted

    Today I've been visited by an old pain which is dull and on my left hand mid back, also I have a stitch type pain in my left side, on top of this my stools although not exactly flat are not cylindrical either, they seem slightly flattened off. Something else which is more on going is i noticed a difference in the color and texture of late , since my problems started a few months ago the stools look slightly more rough finished and Matt in colour, no real shine to them which they had before
  • teasle
    teasle jimbo1968

    Posted

    Hi Jimbo. Just read through your thread and want to send you some support. I am in a very similar situation as you. My symptoms have been going on since May, abdo pain, dodgy bowel movements daily and passing blood. All blood work totally normal and no weight loss or tiredness. I totally get what you are saying about eating and the fear of stepping on those scales! Took till September for my GP to refer me for a colonoscopy, got the date through the other day - Christmas Eve! Its got me thinking as both you and I tick all the red flag boxes except age (am assuming 1968 is your birth year, mine too) Now were we a few years older and fit into their statistics would we have been referred sooner? I am so sorry you are having to live with this right now and really do understand your concerns. Wishing you all the best smile
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