Being tested for IBD
Hi everyone, hope you are all well!!
I came across this site and forum recently and thought it might help as I am looking for some advice.
I’m 25 and was diagnosed with IBS three years ago, after getting the usual symptoms such as: constipation, Diarrhoea and Abdominal pain. At first, it was quite manageable with the most common medications (EG: Buscapan) but due to the IBS, my stomach became sensitive to Lactose so I couldn’t take a lot of IBS medications as they contain this. I also completely cut Lactose out of my diet.
I’d say since about January this year, my current symptoms have become worse and I have developed more symptoms such as: passing blood in stools and when wiping, abdominal pains in my lower stomach, my bowels feeling full despite going to the toilet a number of a times a day and for a long duration of a time (it could be from 10 mins to 1 hour each time), painful passing stools, pain inside bum and nausea.
During lockdown I contacted my GP three times and was given two different medications, which didn’t help but today I was seen by my GP. He examined my stomach, which was painful when he touched my Lower stomach and he also done an internal examination of my back passage.
He said everything felt fine but he wants to take a stool sample from me and has referred me for an Endoscopy, which is scheduled for next month.
I know everyone says not to Google your symptoms but due to not being able to see a GP for months because of COVID, I thought I’d do a bit of research myself. After entering my symptoms, Colitis appeared a few times so I looked into it. To me, my symptoms direct me towards Colitis but I asked my GP today and he said different.
I know none of us will be sure what’s causing my current symptoms to get worse and the appearance of my new symptoms, until I get my stools tested and the Endoscopy done but can anyone relate to this?
I used to be able to manage my symptoms but recently I don’t know what to do? It’s affecting my daily and social life more than it ever has and it’s getting me down.
Apologies for the essay but I wanted to make sure I put everything down before I posted.
Thanks,
Danielle
Hi
, You came to the right place! I'm sorry this year has been so tough when it comes to managing your symptoms and I'm glad you're actively seeing your doctor and getting medical advice.
I will always be a strong advocate for doing your own research and being your own best advocate. Doctors are great, but it never hurts to come into your appointments fully armed with plenty of information! I say kudos to you for doing the research and seeking out any information you can find.
I wanted to share a couple links with you that may help. They first one details the different types of IBD, including the multiple types of colitis. This will give you some more general information, but I'm sharing specifically for the outline of the different types of colitis (indeterminate, microscopic, diversion):
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/types-of-ibd/This next one goes in depth specifically with Ulcerative colitis, how it's diagnosed and how it's treated:
https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/types-of-ibd/In the second link, you'll see that it can sometimes be very difficult to diagnose colitis. With that said, it's always ok to get a second or third opinion if you don't feel comfortable with what your first doctor is telling you. I hope you find these both helpful and please reach out if you have any questions after looking through them. I'm wishing you all the best as you continue through these uncertain times and I'm sending a big, virtual hug your way.
Kindly, Crystal (IBD team)
Hi Crystal,
Thank for your lovely reply and the information you gave me. Whilst doing more research I found out that their was different types of Colitis, that I didn’t know about before.
After reading a few posts on this site and others, I came to understand that it is quite difficult to diagnose Colitis. I also saw quite a few people have said that they had to either push their doctor to do more tests, or get other opinions, as their endoscopy results came back clear. I’m glad to hear that it’s not just me who wants to do this as living with these unmanageable symptoms is not easy.
Thank you,
Danielle
Hi
! Don't worry about the essay, we've all dumped our brain on a page on occasion when we've been frustrated and stressed out! I hope writing it all out lifted the weight a little?
Anyway, as you say, I can't really say anything without you having gone for tests and getting the results back. Many people went through a stage of misdiagnosis before finding out they have IBD. I was diagnosed with IBS initially too, but my disease progressed so rapidly that I ended up in A&E with a diagnosis after 2 weeks, and had my colon removed a week later!
I know it's easier said than don, but try no to worry too much. Stress can impact IBD and IBS, so the calmer you can be, the better!
Best of luck with the tests.
- Sahara (team member)
Hi @SaharaFleetwood-Beresford,
Thank you for you lovely reply!
Hahaha, well that makes me feel better and yeah, writing it out did lift a little weight. I feel like no one really understands how I’m feeling so I’m glad I can come on here!
I’ve seen that many people have been misdiagnosed so that’s one of the reasons I want to keep pushing my Doctors for answers. I feel like it’s so easy and convenient for them to say it’s IBS, without doing further tests.
I’m so sorry to hear how poorly you were! I sometimes feel guilty for complaining because I know my symptoms aren’t as bad as other people’s but I suppose it affects everyone differently.
Thank you,
Danielle xxNever feel guilty
! Our struggles are all relative! I have had quite the journey with my UC, but I never look at someones post and think they're lucky because they don't have it so bad! It is what it is, and it is rubbish, but I have learnt a lot from it, and honestly, I wouldn't change a thing!
Have you had your endescopy yet? Even just the stool sample could be useful. They suaulyl test for something called Calprotectin which can be really useful for determining whether it's more than IBS.
I hope you're OK at the moment!
- Sahara (team member)
