Hi there Gavin,

Firstly, I’m sorry to hear about the sad passing of your brother.  I can see the post is a few months old, which your symptoms may have changed in that time...I hope for the better! I do have professional experience in healthcare, I want you to know I appreciate how open you’ve been and how honest about everything. If your symptoms at still present, I would advise that you seek some support and help from your gp. Be as open with them as you have been here. Express how worried you are aswell. I feel if the symptoms have been persistent and given your past history, a full blood work up of your FBC(full blood count), BCP(biochemical profile), CRP(standard Inflammatory market), Amylase(helps rule out  pancreatitis-please don’t think this is the cause, I’m not suggesting it is, many tests are done to often rule out causes but I do think it would be helpful) and hopefully taken a more thorough history and assessment.  Also, please don’t take this insensitively, but if your gp doesn’t suggest it, please ask for some mental health support. Even if to just be able to express your concerns and discuss them and gain some emotional and well being support. I don’t want to assume your life in regards to your use of alcohol and weed, I hold no judgement, I feel you’ve mentioned these because you feel they maybe linked to your health concerns? It maybe. The blood tests can look at this in some areas-liver function, kidneys, electrolyte imbalances, inflammation etc), I would also ask if an ultrasound scan would help. Try make a list of when it started, how long, if anything aggravates it or eases it etc and any other general health, social, emotional and medical history. If your symptoms are persistenting, pleae visit your gp, but I do hope you have received some support and your symptoms have been relieved! :)