Please help

By hotrod

1 min read

Please help. I’ll try to make this short and to the point. I’m almost 50 and I’ve had stomach issues my whole life. I’ve been to doctors numerous times. All to be told that I just have IBS.

Lately it’s getting worse. I’ve had a few colonoscopies over the years. The latest one last year where I was told again I have IBS and diverticulosis. I’m constantly bloated and gassy. I have a few good days followed by a couple torturous ones. The last episode I noticed I got a few small sores on the inside of my upper lip. Nothing too major but never picked up on it before.

I notice the older I get, the longer it takes me to bounce back from these episodes. I literally get body pains and have no energy for a couple days. My bloodwork last time came back normal aside from my C- reactive protein number was 15. I've tried gluten free, dairy free and the FODMAP. All to no avail. I’m at my wits end. Hopefully someone on here can help.

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rosiedays Member
This might not be helpful, but I find that the IBD AID diet from the university of Massachusetts (adapted from the SCD diet) helps me with gut symptoms. There are three phases depending on your symptoms, and the diet encourages slow progression and probiotic, prebiotic, lean protein, healthy fat, and a variety of veggies and fruits every day. It’s a lot of work which is hard when you’re tired. But I’ve found that oat bread, steel cut oats and puréed soups are my best friend. (As well as heating pads , herbal teas and hot baths for pain. ) Perhaps the information here about fatigue will help too. I have extreme fatigue and low iron (I have infusions scheduled for next month) and my doctor suggested that I do a little exercise every day. I’ll admit right now it’s only 50% of the time, but I think she’s right, I don’t really feel energetic anymore from exercise like I used to , but it is calming and quiet to go for a gentle walk outside, hang in there! I hope you find something that works for you 😀
Sahara Fleetwood-Beresford Moderator & Contributor
CRP can be raised for many reasons, and people with IBD are often in 3 digit numbers when in a flare. Have they done tests for allergies and stuff too? I can't really advise, as I'm obviously not a medical professional, so all I can say is that if you feel like there's more to it, you have to keep pestering! - Sahara (team member)
1. hotrod Member
 Thank you guys for your replies. I’m at the point where I’ll try anything. I’ve done all the diets it seems to no avail. I’ve had the allergy testing done and it was all good. I’m on my third gastro in five years but it doesn’t hurt to keep trying. My episodes are getting closer and closer together now. No matter what or when I eat my intestines make rumbling noises and then lower stomach pain. It’s a constant struggle as you well know.
thedancingcrohnie Moderator & Contributor
I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. There is nothing more frustrating than feeling bad and dealing symptoms and not having a clear diagnosis. I am of course no doctor, so I'm going out on a limb here but perhaps you have an overgrowth of some sort? Maybe your microbiome is severely off? Have you considered seeing a Naturopathic Medical Doctor? They are good with finding things like these. Just a thought. I really hope you feel better. I know what you are going through and sometimes you can just feel so helpless. But don't lose hope. Keep fighting for answers and you will get them. Sending you warm hugs your way. Elizabeth (team member)
1. hotrod Member
 Thanks Elizabeth. At this point I’ll try anything. I did have 4 decent days out of the past 7. It just seems like a vicious cycle.
2. thedancingcrohnie Moderator & Contributor
 Deep breaths. I know the feeling. It will get better. Don't lose hope. We are always here to offer support. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
Matt Nagin Moderator
Sorry about what you are going through. There are some things that might be worth trying that I've had some success with that are more alternative. TOPICAL DMSO (applied around abdomen)... ESSENTIAL OILS (such as blue chamomile applied around belly button)... HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE... A course of antibiotics (in case you have CANDIDA or according to MAP theories of Crohn's disease).... L GLUTAMINE SUPPLEMENTATION VIT D. SUPPLEMENTATION LOW-DOSE-NALTREXONE Definitely only try the above in conjunction with input from your doctor. It sounds to me like more testing and doctor visits are required. I hope you feel better. These gastrointestinal conditions can be nightmares but keep being proactive and hopefully your situation will improve.