Hi Telemando,

Sorry I didn’t see ‘read more’ until after i posted.

I’m really happy you found what your triggers are and you’re no longer suffering!! I guess it’s a case of trial and error for everyone. Since I’ve got erosive gastritis I’ve been eating very bland but still have pains so I might have to test out the foods I’m eating one at a time and see if that helps.

Thanks again!

SMx

The process I went through is called the FODMAP diet. It is not something you can do by yourself - you need professional help, and randomly removing foods from your diet in the hope you might hit a trigger is highly unlikely to be effective; I would have sworn blind that my trigger foods were not the cause of my problem, because I ate them so frequently (more confirmation bias, I now see)

With the aid of a dietician, I went on a highly restricted diet for three months, then cautiously re-introduced food groups until I found the culprits.  The three month diet was difficult, and my foods were highly limited.  However, after three months without the trigger foods, when I tried them there was an immediate reaction.  I now know that I can tolerate lactose in small quantities, sufficient to put milk in a cup of tea or coffee, but no more lattes. I'm also highly triggered by mushrooms and beans, both of which I miss badly, but when I accidentally ate some mushrooms a few weeks back, I was in the bathroom all night! 

If, as I think will happen, you get the all clear after your tests, I recommend you ask to be referred to a dietician and ask the dietician about the FODMAP food plan. It will be hard work, and you can't do it by yourself, but there should be a payoff down the line.  In my case, my bowels are once again under my control, and not the other way round. I'm no longer on antispasmodics, simply watching what I eat and drink is sufficient.

Hi Scaredmummy,

Sorry, my email was down for a while there.  Just wanted to check in and see how you're doing with distracting yourself.  Mind you, if you're on here that kind of doesn't work :D

And again, your worry is natural, just best not to let it get the better of you.

LJx

Hey scared, I’m experiencing similar symptoms and I’d love to hear how you got on?

I’ve also got similar symptoms and feel like I am not being taken seriously 

Hi

Also check for H. Pylori...

I have had very similar symptoms over the past year, and like you convinced my self that it was something very serious. 

Abdominal pains, knawing pain in stomach area, knawing pain lowest part of ribs on both sides, general abdominal pains, sometimes worse than other times, and also a back ache. Also had weight loss, about 1 stone over past 4 months, to the point ppl were asking if I was OK. 

Also, on waking in mornings, my spit was also dark brown / black. Only first thing, after that perfectly clear. 

Spent alot of time researching what it could be, and anxiety was through the roof! Regular palpitations and pounding heart!

Gave me alot of anxiety, and like you didn't want to share with family for fear of worrying them. 

Had blood tests, all clear. Had abdominal ultrasound, also all good, and just had Ct results back, also all fine. Stool stamples were not possible due to current coronavirus fears. 

I did come across h pylori (a stomach bacterial infection) during my "research". Decided to check for this. Fortunately, you can buy a home testing kit from amazon (I got the one step test for £5) and this came back positive! 

I spoke to the doctor about the test results, and he put me on antibiotics and a PPI. It's been 4 days, and my symptoms are already getting better. 

I think my weight loss was actually down to my stress and anxiety. I'm consciously eating alot more to put on weight. I don't think my back ache is related to any of the other issues, It was just a back ache. 

So, if not done, ask your doctor to do a h pylori test, you never know! 

Wishing you all the best.

Hi do you have any update please? I'm going through similar symptoms. I'm awaiting on a colonoscopy but I've been told I may not be prioritised (I'm 28)

Hello, have tou had any news back on your results as i'm going through the same symptoms and am worried sick! Thanks

Same as me,  I'm having panic attacks I'm that worried. I'm waiting on results