Looks like Im in a similar boat to most on this thread.

Im a 52 year old guy. Keep myself fairly fit, go to the gym 4 days a week.
I work days and nightshifts which isnt ideal for long term health, but it pays the bills.

Started having issues 4 months ago. Incredible amounts of wind noise/stomache rumbles. Coupled with constipation and abominal pain, often all over but consistently to the right of my belly button as I look down. Also frequent chest pain which seems to go right through to my back, although I think this is linked to the wind issue.

Eventually got to see a GP after 6 weeks of constant trying.....COVID has totally scuppered the NHS, its almost impossible to see a doctor.

Did numerous blood and stool tests - apart from slightly elevated blood sugar (which was ok on a re-test) everything else was clear.

GP seems to think it may be IBS, and gave me buscopan which I take whenever the pain is building.

Ive also changed to a full FODMAP diet to try and alleviate the symptoms.

However, as things stand- whilst the wind/rumbling is a tiny bit better, nothing else has changed. Im still struggling with abdominal pain and even as I type this, my stomach sounds like the percussion section of the royal philharmonic! 
 

Im not sure what to do next, although I am sure that this isnt simply IBS. It never goes away and is constantly on my mind.

Any advice as to the next steps would be appreciated.

Thanks.

I'm experiencing similar symptoms to many who have posted here and wanted some advice if possible.

Firstly, I'm a 35 year old male with no known underlying conditions and have always been healthy, as have most of my family. Roughly 1.5 years ago I visited my doctor due to persistant blood in my stools. After a quick examination she advised me it was due to anal fissures and no treatment was prescribed, I was simply given some diet advice. 

The blood in my stools has persisted since then but due to the advice I was given I was never concerned until a range of other symptoms have gradually built up over the past few months. I now have incosistent stools, some very loose and other times very solid and hard to pass - all shapes and sizes. I also have occassional stomach pain, like a dull but intense wave - oftentimes it can stop me in my tracks and force me to double over. I also have loud gurgling stomach noises when my stomach is both empty and full. I have quite bad flatulence every day and finally I have a pain the centre of my chest although I only usually feel this when I stretch or move my arms.

I have blood and stool tests underway and have been prescribed medications related to soothing symptoms of fissures (a cream) and also bowel irritation (tablets). 

What is the current situation for cancer diagnosis in the UK? Are doctors being more deliberate in eliminating every other possible explanation first due to the strain on the NHS (i.e. are they more reluctant to refer for colonoscopies)? 

I'm wondering if I should be pushing to be referred for more tests? Especially worries due to the length of time symptoms have already been present.

Thanks (and good luck to you all!).

Hi everyone, 33 M

This is the most accurate thread i've managed to find with people who have similar symptoms to me.

I went to the doctor a couple of years ago thinking there was something wrong with my kidney because I had a feeling of "fullness" on my left flank. The doctor didn't really have any answers and sort of implied I was being paranoid to be honest.

The feeling in my side has never really gone away but a lot of the time it's barely noticeable so I've just kind of lived with it for the past 2+ years. Recently it's been getting really uncomfortable, especially the past couple of days and i've had a fever, shivering for a few minutes and then hot a sweaty for a while. The constant gurgling stomach has been a recent development over the past few weeks as well.

I'll go see the doctor again as soon as possible because this is really concerning me now.

I'm not medically trained, but you could think about having a colonoscopy and/or CT scan, even if you have to pay privately for it (but do push for it on the NHS). 

My blood and stool tests were fine, but either of these tests would have picked up the tumour. Sadly, I wasn't offered either. 

Have loose stools become the new normal for you? I passed this off as a touch of IBS. Doing so almost killed me.

Bowel cancer can sometimes be cured if caught early before it spreads. Get the tests! 

Hey LuckyLuke, I have read all your comments and wonder how are you now? How do you feel? Hope you're better and the storm has past..  

Hi SevenOfNine

I'm doing remarkably well thanks. Despite the less than great prognosis, I've had no further treatment since June 2019 and all scans and recent colonoscopy/biopsies have shown no evidence of disease - even at the site of the resection which remained cancerous post operation. I've changed jobs to something less stressful, downsized to sort out our finances, taken up boxing training to raise my fitness levels and started eating loads of live yoghurt - 'cos that just can't do any harm, right?!

They still want to scan me every 6 months as I remain at high risk of a recurrence, but right now I'm all good healthwise, and I'm happy. Long may it continue! 

I'm so happy to hear it! So so happy. Your brought tears to my eyes! Thank you. 
Live long looong, healthy and happy with your loved ones!

xx

hi everyone on this post,

hope you're all doing well.

i came across this as have similar symptoms, in particular the stomach noises (even when not hungry) and that sicky feeling you get when you are hungry (but i'm not)

also general abdominal discomfort that i would describe as being like my stomach has been folded in half?

the difference with me that i've seen no one else mention is i'm having trouble swallowing also. has anyone else had this problem?

it's taking me upto an hour to eat a meal and frequently abandon one half way through, to finish later.

i think there is some acid/reflux going on but feel this is just a symptom of something more rather than just the problem...

thank you

Could be a large hiatus hernia, but I'm not medically trained so I'd say definitely get it checked out, if nothing else to put your mind at rest. Hope it turns out to be okay.