So, this is embarrassing. And possibly TMI, but please help.

135

Replies

  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    It's probably IBS but yes definitely see a dr. If you log honestly you will see what causes this the most. Try minimizing those foods on your own. A food diary is a real eye opener. Good luck! I empathize <3
    Interestingly, what my doc called IBS disappeared within days of eliminating gluten.

    It really depends on the person. I've had GI problems for years, and had to go gluten- and dairy free, but I still have quite a few problems. It's always best to see a GI who has a lot of experience dealing with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.
  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    Wow! Could be all sorts of things, IBS, Chrones, celiac disease, lactose intolerance, cancer? Go to a GI doctor indeed.

    This, and I'm surprised if it's been going on this long you haven't seen a doctor. Please do so
  • wilsoje74
    wilsoje74 Posts: 1,720 Member
    I have had similar problems in the past but ultimately decided that my problem is food borne bacteria. Even in teeny tiny amounts. So everything goes instantly into the fridge and even then no leftover chicken or any food that has touched the chicken, no fast food chicken, no chili or crock pot food, no chicken added to my salad or wraps, even at expensive restaurants, and no finger food with meat at parties. No undercooked fish (including sushi obviously) etc. etc. I know one person personally like me but haven't read about any similar stories on the internet. Good luck.

    There is tiny bacteria everywhere, so not sure how you are totally eliminating it. Has your doctor confirmed this?
  • vyorgan
    vyorgan Posts: 9 Member
    Didn't read the entire thread, but you should know that you should definitely NOT stop eating gluten before going to a doctor and being tested for celiacs. If you eliminate gluten before the common test for celiac disease, you are likely to get a false negative. If you have celiacs disease, versus just being somewhat intolerant, you need to know, because people with celiacs have to be way more careful and strict about gluten contamination in their food. It would also be good to let your family members know that you have it (for sure) and that they should get tested.

    After/if you test negative, you can try eliminating/reducing gluten anyway and see if it helps your problem. Not everybody who is somewhat sensitive to gluten will test positive. Good luck!
  • Lmans77
    Lmans77 Posts: 58 Member
    My best friend has colitis and had similar symptoms. I agree with everyone else, see a GI doc. Incidentally, a gluten free diet did not cure her. ((HUGS))
  • harvo
    harvo Posts: 4,676 Member
    GI doctor appointment...Crohn's and ulcerative colitis have similar symptoms....GI is where you should start...
  • My husband has had Crohn's Disease since he was 16 years old and has the same symptoms as you. This disease has been overlooked alot in the past but doctors are beginning to figure it out. You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms and have him refer you to a gastroenterologist. If your doc won't refer you I'd find a new doc. Have the testing done to rule Crohn's out. Better to be safe than sorry. Good luck
  • TheEffort
    TheEffort Posts: 1,028 Member
    Definitely speak with a doctor about this.
  • penash
    penash Posts: 35 Member
    My husband has this same issue. For him, it is IBS and what triggers his is processed oils. Natural fats don't affect him but anything with corn oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil tears him up. He really just has to avoid those foods as much as possible. He's not on medications for it, because he knows what his trigger foods are and he stays away from them as much as is reasonable. He basically had to go on an elimination diet to figure out what gives him distress.

    I echo what so many other people have said: a trip to the doctor is definitely in order. If it's not IBS, it might be something similar. What triggers yours could be any number of different things.
  • Lesa_Sass
    Lesa_Sass Posts: 2,213 Member
    Sounds like IBS to me. But I agree with everyone else, go see a dr as it could be colitis as well.
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    I have had similar problems in the past but ultimately decided that my problem is food borne bacteria. Even in teeny tiny amounts. So everything goes instantly into the fridge and even then no leftover chicken or any food that has touched the chicken, no fast food chicken, no chili or crock pot food, no chicken added to my salad or wraps, even at expensive restaurants, and no finger food with meat at parties. No undercooked fish (including sushi obviously) etc. etc. I know one person personally like me but haven't read about any similar stories on the internet. Good luck.

    There is tiny bacteria everywhere, so not sure how you are totally eliminating it. Has your doctor confirmed this?

    And why is chicken the ultimate culprit? Pork has just as much risky bacteria (if not more) if it is undercooked as chicken. Unless you are completely disinfecting every surface in your kitchen after every time you cook chicken, you are still exposed. Raw, refrigerated chicken is safe up to 3 days. Fast food chicken is kept frozen until use and is actually safer than what you buy and use at home. Undercooked fish is much safer than undercooked beef.
  • nathalier71
    nathalier71 Posts: 570 Member
    I take Metamucil (dr recommended) and it has solved my problem - I now go once a day like a normal person =)

    I had my gall bladder removed a few years ago - that's what caused my problem.
  • dianesheart88
    dianesheart88 Posts: 111 Member
    I don't have this issue but I know someone that does. They were recommended to start drinking George's Aloe Vera. I will tell you that it has had a vast improvement on their bowel issues. It takes just like water. It certainly beneficial for many other things too as Aloe Vera is an anti-inflammatory. I agree as well that I would see a Doctor. Good luck!
  • Ok. So here goes. I come to you all with red, embarrassed cheeks but needing help.

    For as long as I can remember, years...I've had 90% of the time suffered from diarrhea. When I was 130lbs, when I was 160lbs, now. I go around 5 times or more a day. And whatever I eat, I read is supposed to take at least a day to go through your system. Mine seems to only take hours.

    Milk upsets my stomach, but not yogurt or cheese. So I don't think I'm lactose intolerant, or at least not badly. And I don't really eat those things much anyways. A little milk in the coffee, a little in shakes. Even when I was on soy milk for a year, same problem.

    And if I eat a meal, or even some snacks, I'm going to the bathroom ten minutes later.

    It happens regardless of my food choices or fiber. I've tried high fiber, fiber supplements, etc. Not even Imodium helps.

    Does anyone know what this might be?

    Could be IBS. My fiance' is like that. Doesn't seem to matter what he eats though a gluten free diet may help--just hasn't tried yet. Worth getting checked out.
  • Sabine_Stroehm
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
    It's probably IBS but yes definitely see a dr. If you log honestly you will see what causes this the most. Try minimizing those foods on your own. A food diary is a real eye opener. Good luck! I empathize <3
    Interestingly, what my doc called IBS disappeared within days of eliminating gluten.

    It really depends on the person. I've had GI problems for years, and had to go gluten- and dairy free, but I still have quite a few problems. It's always best to see a GI who has a lot of experience dealing with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.
    Absolutely. I think we all agreed she should see a GI doc. And begin the long series of tests.
  • lradloff
    lradloff Posts: 59 Member
    I have a friend who has this problem, and she found out she has Celiac.... If she now eats anything with gluten, she is in the bathroom for the rest of the day.

    Also, my son's doctor said those with a milk sensitivity tend to also have problems with soy milk. She had us try almond, coconut or rice milk. He gobbles up almond milk, with no tummy aches. He still eats regular cheese and yogurt!

    See an doctor, for sure!!
  • wrcunningham
    wrcunningham Posts: 2 Member
    I had the same problem for years... go buy an over the counter probiotic (once a day type). It works wonders and you'll feel normal again.
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    It's probably IBS but yes definitely see a dr. If you log honestly you will see what causes this the most. Try minimizing those foods on your own. A food diary is a real eye opener. Good luck! I empathize <3
    Interestingly, what my doc called IBS disappeared within days of eliminating gluten.

    It really depends on the person. I've had GI problems for years, and had to go gluten- and dairy free, but I still have quite a few problems. It's always best to see a GI who has a lot of experience dealing with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.
    Absolutely. I think we all agreed she should see a GI doc. And begin the long series of tests.

    For sure.
  • bethkrusac
    bethkrusac Posts: 45 Member
    Like everyone else has said, it could be a number of issues. I think you should definitely see a GI specialist that could help you out. It might be good to show them your diary of food, so that you can maybe make a list of foods that trigger your system. With IBS, some foods just trigger our GI system and you need to avoid them. I have a friend who has a very small list of what she can eat, but she feels so much better for it. Try tracking your food and reactions to each thing to see if that helps until you can get to a doc!
  • mccindy72
    mccindy72 Posts: 7,001 Member
    I had the same problem for years... go buy an over the counter probiotic (once a day type). It works wonders and you'll feel normal again.

    Probably shouldn't advise someone who doesn't really know what the problem is to just go buy an OTC medication. Sometimes masking symptoms is more dangerous. Seeing a doctor should always be the first step with a condition this serious.
  • bacitracin
    bacitracin Posts: 921 Member
    I think you should make an appointment with a GI dr.

    This is the only answer the thread needs.
  • Mischievous_Rascal
    Mischievous_Rascal Posts: 1,791 Member
    My sis-in-law was just diagnosed with Chrohn's and she had all of your symptoms, plus. Please go see your doctor for a referral to a specialist. She's been on an elimination diet since just before Christmas and she's starting to feel a whole lot better.
  • Brown523
    Brown523 Posts: 112 Member
    I would definitely see a doctor. Also, if you use Splenda - I's stop using it. When I took that out of my diet I saw an improvement. Also, try taking Acidophyllis supplement andf Greek yogurt with the good bacteria. I also suffer from IBS-D its not a fun time but manageable. :)
  • ScottH_200
    ScottH_200 Posts: 377 Member
    It could be a number of things. You need to see a GI specialist.

    A general doctor wouldn't help? I couldn't go before because of money and no insurance. But I have insurance as of this month.

    Under the new health care provisions, you are able to receive a full physical every year at no cost to you or your deductible. I would schedule a physical first, then allow your physician to make recommendations regarding your symptoms.
  • Hello Hon,

    It could also be allergies....what used to happen to me was a combo of vomiting and diarrhea...
  • From personal experience (and having friends who have IBS and friends who have Crohn's) I think these conditions are not black and white but exist on a continuum. I have mild IBS that can exist or not based on stress levels, caffeine and/or general diet.

    I had similar symptoms as you do for many years. It just became "normal" to me. Since I have lost weight (and, more important I believe, am eating *much* cleaner now) they have all but disappeared. If I were to wolf down a big meal (I mean, like one of my *old* big meals) I would expect it an hour later. But I haven't been doing that, either.)

    Definitely start keeping a diary of what you eat and when and how much and how your body reacts. That will be one of the first things a specialist asks you to do. And you should definitely take advantage of your new insurance and see your GP. WHo will no doubt refer you to a GI doc.

    Good luck. Been there, no fun. But it can get better very quickly.
  • starrylioness
    starrylioness Posts: 543 Member
    Had the same thing happen to me over the years. Ended up going to a Gastroenterologist and getting a colonoscopy. Turns out I have IBS and take medication now which helps.

    Bottom line, see a doctor if you can. There's a few things out there they can prescribe to help.
  • sassyjae21
    sassyjae21 Posts: 1,217 Member
    Haven't read all of the replies so this may have been mentioned, but I had a friend who had this problem. She had Crohn's Disease. May be worth looking into. None of us can diagnose you :) Please go to a clinic (I think I read you have no insurance)!
  • nicola1141
    nicola1141 Posts: 613 Member
    DH has similar problems. I agree with the others that you need to see a gastro.

    He eliminated all dairy for two weeks to test. We knew he was slightly lactose intolerant, but didn't think it was that bad. The improvement on the elimination of dairy was amazing. He's now added back in milk products in baked goods, etc. but limits lactose (uses lactose free cheese, milks, etc.) It hasn't eliminated the problem, but has improved it.

    You may want to ask the gastro about Cholestryl. I know a few people who use it for similar problems and has helped immensely. My dad takes it every day. It was originally designed to lower cholesterol, but the 'side effect' that has been determined is to help with chronic diarrhea.
  • This content has been removed.