strange symptoms
Hi. My name's Bob and I've had a few strange symptoms and i'm coming to the conclusion i atleast have UC. My dad has UC and my 11 trips to the bathroom yesterday certainly indicates he's passed down a gift.
It started with a perennial abscess. At first i assumed it was piles.
After a trip to the doctors he confirmed it was an abscess.
He asked me a few questions and ordered some blood work.
Everything except my calproctectin was normal But Calprotectin was 218.
That was a month ago and sinse then my bowel habits have gone mental.
11 visits yesterday all of which were diarrhoroea. That's been my worst day yet . But I've gone from going once a day to on average 4 times a day most of which are between soft and diarrhoroea
I haven't seen any blood. But i can feel discomfort and lots of action going on in my abdomen. Not pain but uncomfortable.
I am being referred to GI for sigmoidoscopy. He's not sure what's going on. I gather absesses are more common with Chron's.
I'm concerned it's cancer, Chron's or UC or all 3 lol.
I am in a bit of a mess mentally as i'm worried what my future holds. Bwing self employed fatigue is something i could do without. And working outdoors poses its own problems when numerous visits to the loo are necessary.
I guess i just don't want to feel as lonely as i do right now so joined a forum for a little support and maybe some advise.
Do my symptoms sound typical UC or something else?
the discomfort is in my left side which i have found out is more typical of UC?
Thank you in advance for any replies!
So sorry you are going through all of this. It is uneasy when you are unwell and you don't have a diagnosis, because the mind can come up with scary scenarios. I am not a medical doctor, I am just a patient who was diagnosed with both IBS and Crohn's Disease which is a form of IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease). I can only speak from personal experience here:
First, a colonoscopy is a very important test to be had and I would make sure biopsies are taken. A sigmoidoscopy is less invasive and only shows the lower part of the colonoscopy while a colonoscopy shows the entire colon. If you are going to go through the prep for me personally, I would ask for a colonoscopy to get a picture of my entire colon rather than just a small portion. It is the same prep for both.
Secondly, making sure you have a GI that has experience with IBD is a must. They know what to look for. Not all GI's have this experience. Just like with anything in life, you want to make sure you are in good hands. This is your health.
Thirdly, being that I have IBD your Calprotectin is not very alarming. It is only slightly elevated, however, could it be that something is brewing? Again, catching things early is key. But just so you have an idea, I have had my Calprotectin results be in the 1,000s and for the most part over 500. I have been feeling my best lately and my last result was in the 300s.
Fourthly, deep breathes. Do your due diligence. Get the tests done being colonoscopy, blood work and stool tests which you have mostly done. Wait for the facts, then proceed.
Fifthly, in the meantime look into diet. Diet is a huge part to this puzzle. Eat well. Get rid of processed foods. Fish is always a good idea. Steamed veggies. Broths. Soups. Fermented foods. Hydration. Get sunlight. Move your body daily. Walking is always a good idea. Sleep. Infrared light is healing. Grounding lowers inflammation. Inflammation is the root of all disease so do what you can to lower inflammation.
Lastly, reach out anytime. You can message me as well. Take it a day at a time. Keep a food journal to see if there are foods triggering the urgency. It is scary when you aren't feeling well, but this can be controlled with effort and focus. I once was going to the bathroom over 20 times a day. Weighting 79 pounds. In pain. Blood and diarrhea daily. I know how you are feeling. You aren't alone.
Big hugs,
Elizabeth (team member)
Food journal template:
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/food-journal-downloadThank you so much! I will definitely ask for a colonoscopy now.
What you said about something brewing makes sense. When I had the 218 result I barely had any symptoms. But that was over a month ago and since then thing have progressed. Id bet the calprotectin levels would be higher now. But who knows!
Thank you that's really good advise and I really appreciate it. I walk practically all day at work and I go to the gym 3 times a week.
I'm drinking keifer, eating saurkerout (can't spell it) and taking probiotics. I'm drinking lots of water and am going to experiment with intermittent fasting. I could do with losing 6lb. My gut is a bit bigger than I like. I'm restarting regular mediation.
I will look into infrared light! And will now eat more fish!
Thank you so much, Bob.Oh you are so welcome. Yes, research into diet. Food is a big piece to the puzzle. I know the Anti-Inflammatory Diet was helpful for me. But fish is so good for the gut. Wonderful that you are having fermented foods. Overall, I think it would be excellent if you are able to see a Dietician. Everyone requires individual foods for their microbiome and I saw a Dietician for some time and it was so helpful. She taught me so much about food. If you are able, I highly recommend. -Elizabeth (team member)
Hi Bob,
, I don't have much to add that Elizabeth hasn't already shared, but I really just wanted to reiterate that this community is here for you! It an be emotionally taxing to be dealing with health issues, especially when there isn't yet a diagnosis so the mind can go crazy with scenarios. I also wanted to share this information about getting an IBD diagnosis, https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/diagnosis, Please don't hesitate to reach out here any time, and, if you're comfortable, let us know how it goes with the doctor and what you find out. We are crossing our fingers for some answers and some quick steps to relief for you! Sending you gentle hugs. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) Hi, Bob.
Hang in there. It sounds to me like you have UC, but you'll have to see what the doctor says to know for sure. Having lived with Crohn's disease since 1978, I can tell you that the treatments are greatly improved and your odds of feeling a lot better once treatment begins are very good. This is a lifelong condition (so far), but research is ongoing and more solutions are being found each year. Find the foods and conditions that trigger your symptoms and do your best to avoid them. For me, it's stress and super fatty foods like whipped cream.
This isn't something to be taken lightly or ignored, because it can get a lot worse. My mother had Crohn's and died at 71 of colon cancer, but she didn't take good care of herself and she was angry a lot. Be kind to yourself and reach out whenever you need to. We know what it's like and we're here for each other.
Kate
