Ibd possibly
Hi all, A year ago I was told I had mild gastritis. 4 months ago doctors thought I had a stroke and put me on a load of medication which messed my stomach up, later found out it wasn't a stroke but thats ongoing on what it was. I came off the medication about 10 weeks ago but still have this constant dullness in the upper left quadrant of abdomen and a tingly almost slightly pinching feeling across the abdomen very slight not that painful. I also have acid reflux which I have been taking omeprazole for since a year on and off for the gastritis stuff. My stool is normal 50% of the time and loose 50% of the time. My stool sample was slightly elevated and I have been referred for a colonoscopy. Anyone have a similar experience? So stressful I've lost 10kg in 4 months with stress and not eating properly cause I get scared of a flare up and have lost my appetite big time
Oh, I'm so sorry about the pain and issues you are having. When is your colonoscopy? Hopefully, it will provide your doctors and you with an accurate diagnosis. Until then, I would definitely carry around Imodium AD (or an equivalent) to help you on the days when diarrhea or loose stools are present. I will tell you that stress can cause inflammation, which leads to a number of health issues such as IBD. As difficult as this sounds, you need to find ways of reducing your stress until you receive a clear-cut diagnosis. Here's an article about the brain-gut connection: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/brain-gut-connection
I hope this helps. Also, if you have time, you might want to consider reading more articles here in this community to find ways of dealing with flares. Look for articles about foods to avoid during a flare. Here's one to get you started: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/changing-uc-food-triggers
Please let us know what you find out. We're always here for you. --Traci, UC-IBD Team Memberhi thanks for getting back to me! So I was told it would be an urgent referral and that was a week ago so waiting for an appointment letter. My calprotectin level was 121 on the first test and 96 on the second test. Not seen Any blood in my stool but its the left sided pain which has spread now and it is very stressful. For the pain, I'd definitely be picky about the foods you eat until the colonoscopy. It's usually best for gut pain to stick to bland food such as the following: rice, potatoes, pasta, canned peaches, broth, eggs, etc. Just keep it simple and notice when the pain occurs. Avoid/eliminate foods that cause you pain. That requires you to closely monitor your own body. Once you have the colonoscopy, then your physician should lead you in a more specific direction as to what you can eat.
Please let us know what you find out. Sending you positive thoughts--Traci, UC-IBD Team Member
