New to the forum, looking for advice
Hello all. I'm not normally one for forums, but I'm kind of desperate and feel alone in this struggle right now. Here's a bit of background:
In 2010, when I was 27 years old, I started to experience frequent and urgent toilet trips, loose bowels, and extreme stomach pains. It was a very stressful time in my life after losing someone close to me, and I put it down to stress. But as it continued, and my bowel habits changed from "normal" to "loose", they stuck me with an IBS diagnosis.
I pressed the GP to do more tests, after having anemia, because I was worried, but they kept saying it was just IBS. And then in around 2012, I experienced the first sight of blood. I went to the hospital, but got scared and had no further tests.
Finally, at the end of 2023, after seeing blood more frequently, I had the camera test, and they found "patching" on the intestinal walls. But I did not see a gastroenterologist until the beginning of 2025. He scratched his head and said, "It might be IBS, it might be UC, we will do all the tests again".
At the end of last year, I lost someone close to me and another relative has been diagnosed with a lifelong problem, who I now care for. And stress has once more found me, but I've had a flare-up that has now lasted for 7 months, and the GPs will not give me any kind of medication. I asked for some anti-inflammatory pills just so I could get a handle on this inflammation. I feel more ill by the day, my immune system is rubbish and I catch everything going around. Strangely, I haven't loss much weight.
I'm kind of at a loss for what to do, and beginning to worry, which I don't want to do, as that'll make things even worse. Anything I eat just goes right through me, even when being very restrictive.
Any sorta help or words of encouragement would help. Thanks.
Hello and welcome
, I'm so glad you've reached out here. My heart goes out to you that you have been dealing with these symptoms on and off for so long. I can hear how frustrating, discouraging, and worrisome this has been and I want to let you know that you aren't alone.
When you saw the GI doctor at the beginning of 2025 and he ordered all the tests again, how did those tests turn out? Did you ever end up with a conclusive diagnosis? Having a seven month flare sounds miserable, and I am curious as to why your doctors would not want to give you anything to help you get some relief. Please don't hesitate to be a squeaky wheel with your doctors. Whether you've been diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel disease, IBS, or even are yet to be diagnosed, you deserve to have your symptoms taken seriously and helped with management.
I also want to share some information about treatment, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment. And, as you mention food, have you ever kept a food journal or food log to help keep track of what foods might trigger a flare for you? I know we have a lot of community members here who recommend a food journal (here's more information, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/simple-act-writing) and even seeing a dietician to help manage the challenges of finding safe foods while monitoring nourishment.
Please know that this community is here for you! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have other questions, need to vent, or could use some support. I hope some of our community members can also share their thoughts with here. Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Hi
. Your frustration is more than understandable. I just want to echo Christine about being the squeaky wheel. Also, I want to share this article from our contributor Julie Marie on when is it time to get a second opinion: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/crohns-second-opinion. We know that this is often easier said than done, but when you feel your concerns are not being heard and you are struggling you have to do what is best for you. Wishing you the best and hope you can get some relief soon. Richard (Team Member)
