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On the road to a diagnosis

Catinthehat

Hi everyone, I'm new here and was just looking for a place to connect with other people and their experiences.
I have suffered on and off, mostly on for a long time.
I was told by my GP that I had IBS "it's common"
Then when I had to beg for a scan it confirmed I had Gallstones, so I had it removed about 6 years ago.
I've not really been right since but just put it down to IBS and tried to be careful with diet. Nothing much changed.
Now I'm having less and less time where I have a normal bowel movements. Sometimes it's severe going up to 10+ times a day and then others it's not too bad where I only go twice.
I am waiting on the 2ww telephone call to get the ball rolling there. My FIT test came back abnormal with blood present and the calprotectin was moderate at 73.5.
I'm hoping to get to the bottom of it soon. I'm so drained all the time, I literally could sleep all day....when not on the toilet!

Vern Laine Moderator & Contributor
I know exactly how you feel about not sleeping because I was in the bathroom all the time. Have you had a colonoscopy? Usually when there is blood present, the next step would be a colonoscopy. I take Imodium to help with urgency and diarrhea but confirm with your GP.
Let us know how you get on.
Vern - IBD Team Member
Catinthehat Member
Its my favourite place in the house thinking of getting a tv in there!!
I'm waiting to speak to the specialists and then hopefully a colonoscopy will be the next step. I had a really bad reaction to imodium last year, we were away for the weekend so I didn't want to ruin it. It ruined it!
1. Vern Laine Moderator & Contributor
  Sorry to hear the Imdium did not work for you but also glad to hear you have appointment to talk to a specialist, its the best next step. Hopefully they will get you the colonoscopy but you can also advocate for yourself and request it (sometimes insist) for your own piece of mind when there is blood present.
  Vern
2. Richard Faust Community Admin
  Hi . Right there with Vern in thinking that it is great that you will see a specialist. I want to share with you this article from our patient leader Eshani tips and questions to ask for better doctor's appointments: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/tips-for-better-care. It is always useful to have questions and a plan ready. Hoping you can get some answers and relief soon. Please feel free, if you like, to keep us posted on how things are going. Best, Richard (Team Member)
Wasagapaul Member
I too was suffering for years before the correct diagnosis was given to me. My only suggestion at this time would ask your GP to seen you to a gastroantiologis. This is there specific field.
Best of luck.
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
  great tip to see a gastroenterologist. They specialize in the digestive tract. I'm also sharing a link to an article with more information on types of doctors for living with an inflammatory bowel disease in case someone who saw your comment is looking for more information, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/treatment/types-of-healthcare-providers. How are you managing currently, ? Have you been able to find a treatment that's giving you relief? -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)