I don’t feel like I’m being taken seriously

[Robmarriott]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

No virus or food poisoning (touch wood) for a few years.

I’ve been looking at trying a low FODMAP diet next.

Re everyone’s suggestion of Yakult/kefir etc, again, something I’d been considering trying so I’ll give that a go.

I’m also going to speak to the GP again and explain that things definitely haven’t improved and ask what the next move is.

[Biglips]

Ask your GP for a faecal calprotectin test. This will show up any inflammation in the bowel. Probably ought to have a coeliac blood test too if not already done.

[Robmarriott]

Biglips said:

Ask your GP for a faecal calprotectin test. This will show up any inflammation in the bowel. Probably ought to have a coeliac blood test too if not already done.

They’ve done a coeliac blood test - all clear
I’ll have to check but I’m pretty sure they did a faecal calprotectin test too. I had to give stool samples first, way before they did the blood tests. Again, all clear.

[halo34]

Robmarriott said:

Yeah I’ve checked IBS and followed the advice of cutting certain foods and food groups to find the trigger but to no avail.

There is a theory that IBS is a culmination of toxins that builds up. It just happens that what you eat can trigger the overload and hey presto fun and games.

Fasting moderately and cutting carbs can be excellent ways of settling it or at least giving the system a break to see if that's contributing. Without of course advocating any major changes if there is any question about your underlying health.

[bristoltype603]

Get a fecal qFIT test. It's a stool sample kit you send off. From memory I think everyone over 50 is going to be getting them sent out every 2 years. You can also get them done privately for around £60(?)

Ultimately though no about of well meaning advice is going to be a substitute for seeing a gastroentrologist.

[Robmarriott]

Update (sort of). Had a telephone consultation with a gastroenterologist who suggested I get an X-ray the same day, so I did. Result came back later that evening and the only thing they could find is that apparently I was constipated and therefore needed a prescription of laxatives.

Took them for the period of time recommended and I felt exactly the same.

Had another appointment with the GP and they gave me something to relax the smooth muscles in my bowel. I’m currently taking them and feel…. Exactly the same.

I really want to get to the cause of this problem because I’m nervous that the longer it carries on, the higher the risk of not catching something major ‘early’ is.

What’s my next step?

[Robmarriott]

And yes, maybe I’m being paranoid but every single day of my life at the moment I’m in a constant state of discomfort and I’d just like to feel ok for once.

[Largechris]

Robmarriott said:

sherman said:

Try some Sennakot. See if properly clearing yourself out helps allieviate the problems.
Do you need more fibre in your diet

I did think that but I’m reluctant to make myself st more!

I probably do need more fibre.

Rewinding to this point - did you try this? Inulin powder (doesn't taste of anything) or Psyllium husk for example?

You are NOT going to lose control of your bowels from having more fibre, that's not how it works.

[Wacky Racer]

All Bran for breakfast.

Worth a try.

[Robmarriott]

Largechris said:

Rewinding to this point - did you try this? Inulin powder (doesn't taste of anything) or Psyllium husk for example?

You are NOT going to lose control of your bowels from having more fibre, that's not how it works.

I was prescribed Laxido, 3 times a day for a month. No change, still feel crap.

[ReverendCounter]

Robmarriott said:

I was prescribed Laxido, 3 times a day for a month. No change, still feel crap.

Did you try this as suggested end of August?

ReverendCounter said:

mcelliott said:

2 weeks of taking probiotics and a digestive enzyme and everything was back to normal.

I was just about to suggest that OP hammers a load of good bacteria down his gullet.

OP try getting things like these into your diet: kombucha, yakult type products, apple cider vinegar mixed with apple juice as a drink after food, and kefir (you could eat the grains as well as drink the by product - it seems the milk version has greater beneficial bacterias/yeasts)...

[Robmarriott]

I tried actimel or Yakult or one of those brands. The only thing it seemed to affect was my wallet, didn’t notice any change other than that.

Tried kombucha before and absolutely cannot stomach it. Pickled stuff I do like though but I’ve been avoiding, maybe I’ll try some of that again for some vinegary input.

[DodgyGeezer]

There was a (very funny as it happens) thread about 'agent picolax' which is, I suspect, where your worry may come from (if you've read it). My (limited) understanding is that the explosive outcomes of toilet are vanishingly rare. If it does get to that stage (as with the norovirus) there is warning

[Largechris]

Robmarriott said:

Largechris said:

Rewinding to this point - did you try this? Inulin powder (doesn't taste of anything) or Psyllium husk for example?

You are NOT going to lose control of your bowels from having more fibre, that's not how it works.

I was prescribed Laxido, 3 times a day for a month. No change, still feel crap.

That's not fibre, that's a medicine.

Fibre like inulin you take a spoon EVERY morning in your coffee.

OP - I'm finding the thread a bit perturbing, not sure you're really helping yourself much tbh?

[Robmarriott]

As I said, the doctor prescribed it to me as I appeared to be constipated from an x-ray. They suggested that as a way to try to fix it not fibre so I didn’t argue.

You’re right though, maybe I’m not helping myself. That’s why I’m here. I don’t know how to fix the issue and I’m asking for advice.

[Boosted LS1]

Robmarriott said:

I did think that but I’m reluctant to make myself st more!

I probably do need more fibre.

Have a beer in the evening. I had issues for years without knowing the fix. The fibre in the beer sorted me out and now I'm as regular as clockwork. I also used to get terrible stomach cramps if i drove long distance. Years later I realised it was trapped wind. A stop half way on a long journey and a short walk fixed all of that along with a few farts.

Edited by Boosted LS1 on Tuesday 7th December 19:19

[i4got]

DodgyGeezer said:

There was a (very funny as it happens) thread about 'agent picolax' which is, I suspect, where your worry may come from (if you've read it). My (limited) understanding is that the explosive outcomes of toilet are vanishingly rare. If it does get to that stage (as with the norovirus) there is warning

Having had picolax or equivalent twice a year for a few years now, I would not venture more than a few yards from a toilet until its effects are complete.

[lord trumpton]

OP I would look to involve some core exercises to tone, strengthen and increase control around your abdomen and bowel.

You can stimulate a bowel movement by lying down on your back and cycling the legs, then follow with basic body squats etc.

[Dave.]

lord trumpton said:

OP I would look to involve some core exercises to tone, strengthen and increase control around your abdomen and bowel.

You can stimulate a bowel movement by lying down on your back and cycling the legs, then follow with basic body squats etc.

Username checks out (Sorry!)

[romeodelta]

There’s many potential reasons for this type of thing, that’s why most GPs get bored as it takes time to get to the bottom of it (pun intended).

I would push for a colonoscopy and endoscopy or go and see a specialist.