Waiting for tests, worried
Hello guys, i just thought id pop in here for some advice as ive been really worried recently.
For nearly the entire year now ive gradually been getting worse and worse health wise. I had an operation to removed some very large ovarian cysts last oct, and since then ive started having worsening nausea and dizziness that have caused me to go on and off(currently compleatly off) work. Ive also been having worsening loose bowel movments - sometimes with blood. just before i went off compleatly 2 months ago, i started having bad abdominal pains, and sometimes these random unbearable pains on each side of my lower back that felt like its coming from the abdomen. At first id only have abdominal pain every few days or so, but now i constantly have bad abdominal pain. I was also always so tired and weak like i couldnt lift my arms up well. I also started having bad mouth sores, and my stomach is always so bloated and hard(i look like im 3 months pregnant even though ive lost 2st in 3 months). Ive had blood tests and stools tests, it came back that i had severe iron deficiency and my stool test came back abnormal.
Ive been waiting for a colonoscopy since the beginning of oct and still havent heard anything, but my symptoms are getting worse and my gp strongly thinks i have ibd.
Is there anything i can try to alleviate any of my symptoms?
Sorry if this is a bit of a mess, im just trying to relay all the info i can to try and get some info or advice as im stuck on my own with this. <3
I am so sorry you are going through this. For your safety, we cannot give medical advice as we are not medical professionals. However, I can share about my personal experience. I would definitely see a GI if you are concerned that you may have IBD. Here is an article that goes over IBD testing: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/diagnostic-tests-and-procedures Ask to have these tests done so you can be sure. In addition, diet is super important. How does your diet look? Stay away from processed foods. Eat organic when possible. Try to stay away from sugar, dairy and gluten. I hope this helps some. Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
I'm sorry to read that you're struggling, and that you're having to wait for futher tests.
I don't think I can add much more, to be honest. Elizabeth has shared the same link I would have shared with you.
We all have different triggers when it comes to IBD. Identifying those may help you manage until you get your colonoscopy. This article I wrote might help: https://inflammatoryboweldisease.net/living/identify-manage-triggers
Good luck, and keep us updated!
~ Sahara (team member)
Hi Boohoo. I've been were you are and think the pre-diagnosis/ treatment stage is by far the worst bit. I found it much easier after they diagnosed me. In my experience nothing has helped as much as the medication to stop the symptoms but there's still a lot you can do to help it naturally. I found that what I eat has a big impact on how I feel even with the medication. Everyone seems to have different triggers and you need to work out yours. I have strictures and eating certain foods - for me stuff with a lot of non dissolvable fibre ( nuts, seeds, vegetable and fruit skins, mushrooms etc) can have an adverse effect. By eliminating any foods that make you feel worse, it can really help with day to day management. For the tiredness just making sure I drunk enough water, took probiotics and daily vitamins helped. I'd just keep a diary of what you eat and how you feel - for me in the beginning this really helped to work out triggers. Even if one of those triggers is a favourite food, you don't have to miss out as there's always a way around it. Wishing you all the best and keep smiling as things WILL get better. @thank you so much for your reply! I have noticed some foods already that affect me worse and have been avoiding them as much as i can, and i have seen a slight improvment with my stomach aches and bowel movments. I hope i can get a diagnosis to get started on some medication soon.
Ps. Happy new year to you! 💙Great advice @qox1404 Thank you for sharing. Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
