Hi Worriedwillow,

Sorry to hear you are going through this.  Have you had an update since Feb ? 

Hi Toddy. Since Feb ive been treated for IBS, an infection,chronic constipation and no treatment has worked so far while my symptoms persist. Im now being referred in the next few weeks to a gastroentology consultant for a colonoscopy amd scans. What worries me is prior to these symptoms i spent almost a year visiting a gyno for menstrual problems including prolonged heavy periods, irregular bleeding, pain and bleeding with intercourse, the gyno prescriped me to try a progesterone only ontraceptive pill which actually stopped me from having periods, shortly after my menstrual problems stopped these symptoms started and have now worsened over time. Feel like pulling my hair out at this stage, every doctor just wants to pass it off as the easiest solution by saying its IBS but i know my body. Its just so frustrating not to get an answer or solution to this for so long.

Hi WorriedWillow.

This is the situation I was in when I was in my late 20s during the late 1970s.  Of course, we didn't have much in the way of scanners, endoscopes, etc and I had to get on with it.  Which I just about did.  I managed with combinations of additional bran and Fybogel, Colofac tablets, Aloe Vera gel, and Peppermint tablets.

About 5 years ago, after a couple of attacks of diverticulitis, my GP referred me for a colonoscopy.  That was clear of cancer but did show (as expected) diverticular disease.  From there, she referred me to a dietician who put me on the FODMAP diet.

There's no doubt the FODMAP is hard going.  It's really difficult to follow, and it's easy to eat something you shouldn't by mistake.  I also thought that it was a waste of time and wished I hadn't started.  I nearly gave up several times. However, I eventually discovered that my food triggers include mushrooms, baked beans, and milk in large quantities.  Guess what was my favourite breakfast? 

So, from my own experience, I wouldn't assume that because you tried the FODMAP diet and it didn't seem to work, therefore you can't have IBS.  I don't know how assiduously you followed the process but unless you check the ingredients of every item to eat (and, yes, I do know what a pain that is) then you might be accidentally eating one of your trigger foods.

I don't know how you feel about restarting the FODMAP diet again.  That's something only you can decide. But by cutting out my main triggers, and switching to almond and soya dairy alternatives, I'm 99% cured of my IBS. However, I really miss eating mushrooms...

Hi Willow, 

Literally the same as me in relation to Gynological issues firstly, mine was heavy periods.... now they think peri menopausal as they stop and start each month.

I had all scans, an operation to remove womb lining - this failed as too thick to be reached was told by surgeon I would need hysterectomy and wait dates. As the mirena coil would do nothing for me. 

Had biopsy all clear thankfully. Went back to Gyno team was told to try mirena coil before hysterectomy takes place for 6 months....incase it works?? 

Had appointment for check for fitting and to consider attempting old way of scraping womb lining ( this is outdated but older gyno will attempt) but cancelled appointment due to lockdown and heard nothing since.

In meantime hormones are crazy ! I'm now on antidepressants from G.P as no resolve for me ! 

Periods are hit and miss, when here they are horrible and I can not leave the house :( impacted every aspect of my life !/

Now I have had Colonoscopy and waitting for biopsy results due to sweats, fatigue, nausea, feeling full eatting little , weight gain in abdomen area only,

I have a scan tomorrow on my neck as lymph nodes on  both sides..... and the stomach bloat makes me look pregnant....it bloats to 47inchs

I'm.hoping for some answers from Colonoscopy biopsy, blood test showed inflammation- more blood test next Friday ...neck scan tomorrow! 

If all clear ......I will be referred to menopausal unit for ongoing treatment....I'm only 44 ;) and this has gone on for almost 2 years 

Stay in touch and keep updating how you are getting on 

Take care xx

*UPDATE*

So because of Covid the hospital rang to say theres a backlog so will be weeks until they can get me in. My doctor has advised to stop all laxatives and suppositories because its definitely not constipation.

The pain in my abdomen now has spread across my upper abdomen, is radiating into my lower back and pelvis and ive had constant diarheea since I stopped the medication thats a mix of yellow and black (sorry for tmi). The bloating still remains the same but now the abdomen tenderness is so bad i cant work because i cant physically wear my work pants without being in pain. Fingers crossed I get my referral soon!