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

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

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Largechris

2,019 posts

92 months

Tuesday 7th December 2021
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Robmarriott said:
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.
Right ho.

Inulin, 1 kg from Amazon, delivered tomorrow, £14

Put 1 teaspoon in morning coffee Thursday

And every day after

Solved!

mcelliott

8,713 posts

182 months

Tuesday 7th December 2021
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Anxiety and stress can have a massive impact on gut health and bowel movements, what works for me is mindfulness techniques along side taking digestive enzymes and pro biotics.

JJ55

658 posts

116 months

Tuesday 7th December 2021
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Endoscopy/ colonoscopy + dietician is the next step. You need to go back to the gastroenterologist.

imck

789 posts

108 months

Tuesday 7th December 2021
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Robmarriott said:
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.
If this is an anti-spasmodic, I remember my GP saying they take some Weeks to make a difference.

I apparently have IBS. Bloating and Wind (North and South)

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,641 posts

159 months

Tuesday 7th December 2021
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It is indeed an anti-spasmodic, I’m 3.5 weeks in and have about another 2 weeks of tablets left so maybe something will change soon.

Wind/bloating is a massive issue for me too, regardless of what I eat.

Thanks everyone else for the suggestions. I’ll speak to the doctor again at the end of this course of medication. I’ve been reluctant to try anything which wasn’t recommended in case it exacerbated the issue so I’ll ask them about fibre (however that is administered) and push for some further inspection at the same time.

CAPP0

19,647 posts

204 months

Tuesday 7th December 2021
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OP, have you talked to the GP about diverticulitis/diverticular disease? MrsC was diagnosed with that earlier this year and certainly at least some of the symptoms seem to be the same. That was found via a CT colonoscopy (I may not have the exact term correct there).


imck

789 posts

108 months

Wednesday 8th December 2021
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For uncomfortable bloating - I feel like a can't breath sometimes.
Senocalm helps me.
Contains Simethicone and Peppermint.
Peppermint Tea helps too.

B12 OK?
Mine is a bit low (tired and some dizziness for several Months) and will be getting some injections in Jan.
Seems there can be a link between IBS/Gut problems and B12

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,641 posts

159 months

Saturday 4th June 2022
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It’s been a while so it’s update time, or more accurately… not.

Several more doctors phone calls and after what felt like far to much negotiation, one visit, several more stool samples and blood tests and every time, the response is the same. “Normal, no further action”. So as far as the GP is concerned, I’m fine.

Gastro follow up appointment was scheduled for April but was cancelled because the specialist was ill, which is fair enough, can’t be angry about that, but the rescheduled appointment isn’t until November and the symptoms are definitely not improving so I’m still a bit frustrated.

In the mean time I’m still avoiding exercise, running is impossible because I’m constantly uncomfortable and I’m very aware that not exercising means all the hard work I put in to weight loss and fitness the last couple of years is going out the window as time marches on.

Hoofy

76,518 posts

283 months

Saturday 4th June 2022
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I appreciate your desire to find out what's going on. Most blokes put off seeing a doc.

Re exercise, I know it's not quite the same as proper gym work but you could try yoga or tai chi. Yoga has the added benefit of twisting which can result in better digestion. Tai chi is good for the legs (well, better than sitting on your arse watching TV because you can't exercise).

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,641 posts

159 months

Saturday 4th June 2022
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Oh I’m terrible for seeing the doctor, something has to have been bothering me for a long time for me to go but I don’t seem to be able to convey that to them well enough I don’t think.

I’m willing to try anything if it might help a bit, I’ll have a look at both of those suggestions, like you say, it has to be better than nothing.

Carlososos

976 posts

97 months

Sunday 5th June 2022
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Robmarriott said:
Oh I’m terrible for seeing the doctor, something has to have been bothering me for a long time for me to go but I don’t seem to be able to convey that to them well enough I don’t think.

I’m willing to try anything if it might help a bit, I’ll have a look at both of those suggestions, like you say, it has to be better than nothing.
Occult hernia?

Cannot be detected by examination, X-ray, ultrasound or Ct scan. MRI is the best bet but only to around 90% successful detection.

Some hernias can’t be felt until the consequences like a obstruction occur. Would a hernia make sense for you at all?

romeodelta

1,124 posts

162 months

Sunday 5th June 2022
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Colonoscopy/Endoscopy is the next step.

Is a private specialist an option?

If it's impacting your life significantly and you're getting no traction with the NHS, this will speed things up for you.

croyde

23,059 posts

231 months

Monday 6th June 2022
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I feel the same OP.

Had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago which found a few polyps which were removed, still awaiting the biopsy, but still no reason for feeling bloated, constantly feeling I have to go, never feeling empty and terrible wind.

Like you, the best I feel is if I don't eat.

I've tried high fibre, low fibre, just soup as well as fek it loads of curry and other crap.

Doesn't seem to make any difference.

mike74

3,687 posts

133 months

Monday 6th June 2022
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Have you looked up Levator Ani Syndrome?

It's basically where I think the muscle (pelvic muscle?) goes in to a permanent spasm and results in a feeling of constant pressure and dull pain in the rectum area.

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,641 posts

159 months

Monday 6th June 2022
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croyde said:
I feel the same OP.

Had a colonoscopy a few weeks ago which found a few polyps which were removed, still awaiting the biopsy, but still no reason for feeling bloated, constantly feeling I have to go, never feeling empty and terrible wind.

Like you, the best I feel is if I don't eat.

I've tried high fibre, low fibre, just soup as well as fek it loads of curry and other crap.

Doesn't seem to make any difference.
Ah this is good news. Well, not good news but you know what I mean, it’s good that I’m not alone.

How did you force the issue with the GP?

Edit- whenever I talk to them I feel like I’m not able to articulate the problem well enough for them to understand and they just think “this dude just needs a st”.


Edited by Robmarriott on Monday 6th June 09:40

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,641 posts

159 months

Monday 6th June 2022
quotequote all
mike74 said:
Have you looked up Levator Ani Syndrome?

It's basically where I think the muscle (pelvic muscle?) goes in to a permanent spasm and results in a feeling of constant pressure and dull pain in the rectum area.
It’s a possibility at a glance. I’ll do some reading.

croyde

23,059 posts

231 months

Monday 6th June 2022
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Robmarriott said:
Ah this is good news. Well, not good news but you know what I mean, it’s good that I’m not alone.

How did you force the issue with the GP?
Well I'm 59 and my dad and grandad both had colon cancer in their 60s, so the GP was quick to have my insides seen.

It was barely 2 weeks from seeing the GP to having the investigation on the NHS.

They were trying to call me with an appointment whilst I had been on hold for ages to my private health insurance provider.

It has now been a bit of a wait for the biopsy results but I doubt the polyps were anything to do with my symptoms.

Robmarriott

Original Poster:

2,641 posts

159 months

Monday 6th June 2022
quotequote all
croyde said:
Well I'm 59 and my dad and grandad both had colon cancer in their 60s, so the GP was quick to have my insides seen.

It was barely 2 weeks from seeing the GP to having the investigation on the NHS.

They were trying to call me with an appointment whilst I had been on hold for ages to my private health insurance provider.

It has now been a bit of a wait for the biopsy results but I doubt the polyps were anything to do with my symptoms.
Ah ok, I’m 35 and they said they don’t normally do colonoscopies for ‘people that age’, which wasn’t helpful.

Fingers crossed they can find the issue for you.

liner33

10,704 posts

203 months

Monday 6th June 2022
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I went through similar in my late 30's, bloating and cramping, wind, as well as diarrhoea, indigestion and acid reflux at times as well

Had a colonoscopy and endoscopy as well as other investigations and they couldnt find out what it was, so put down to IBS (This is the common label given to many disorders that they dont know what causes them or how to fix)

Over the years its become much better , I try to maintain a healthy gut biome (Tim Spectors books are useful), have either actimel or bennecol from time to time

When its bad I take a peppermint tea , that relieves the bloating and helps relax things and lactulose to have a good clear out

To be honest I think my problems started after a long bout of pneumonia and antibiotics

egomeister

6,717 posts

264 months

Monday 6th June 2022
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I know you have said you tried probiotics like Yakult and Actimel with no effect, but you could try some different products.

I was suffering a bit with digestive issues a while back (towards diarrhoea, very noisy gut etc) and had tried probiotic drinks without improvement, so I thought I'd give some capsules a go: https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/hol...

My guts are now as good as I ever remember, although I can't be 100% sure that the improvement is down to these as I started taking medication (unrelated to gut) at the same time. For the sake of £30ish, I'd say try a couple of boxes and see if they make a difference. There are different options available too, with more strains of bacteria or higher numbers but the one I picked seemed a reasonable middle of the road choice.