Digestive issues- chat before I spiral??

[Button1]

Hi all, haven't needed to post in a while which feels like progress! Not too bad at the moment but do need to work something through before I do start teetering on the brink...

I've long had periodic digestive problems, IBS in late teens and early 20s and then in early 30s my HA started with what my GP eventually diagnosed as gastritis (based on symptoms predominantly and a clear bloodtest/ ultrasound) but I was convinced was bowel cancer. This has always been my trigger. For the past 3 weeks I've been really struggling with gas (both ends!) some acid and bloating along with soft stool (mostly in the morning). It's all upper abdomen- sometimes left, sometimes right and sometimes central. There's some feeling of burning and tightness and a bit of bloating (but not dramatic). I wouldn't say I'm in pain just a bit of discomfort and I know I'm focusing alot on sensations and worrying about going to the toilet. I've seen no blood, stool is normal colour (just very soft) and I'm not going more than usual. I drink alot of sparkling water, take creatine and collagen..and diet is reasonably healthy. I also go to the gym every day and feel fine otherwise. It doesn't sound like much I know but it's ongoing and anything digestive feels very very triggering so I try to manage it before it gets out of hand again...

Any advice or wisdom? I am not good with doctors so I'm not one to rush for tests and checks!

Thanks for listening x

[Button1]

I should also say my appetite is normal, if anything I feel hungrier! Definitely no weightloss...

[NoraB]

Hi all, haven't needed to post in a while which feels like progress! Not too bad at the moment but do need to work something through before I do start teetering on the brink...

I've long had periodic digestive problems, IBS in late teens and early 20s and then in early 30s my HA started with what my GP eventually diagnosed as gastritis (based on symptoms predominantly and a clear bloodtest/ ultrasound) but I was convinced was bowel cancer. This has always been my trigger. For the past 3 weeks I've been really struggling with gas (both ends!) some acid and bloating along with soft stool (mostly in the morning). It's all upper abdomen- sometimes left, sometimes right and sometimes central. There's some feeling of burning and tightness and a bit of bloating (but not dramatic). I wouldn't say I'm in pain just a bit of discomfort and I know I'm focusing alot on sensations and worrying about going to the toilet. I've seen no blood, stool is normal colour (just very soft) and I'm not going more than usual. I drink alot of sparkling water, take creatine and collagen..and diet is reasonably healthy. I also go to the gym every day and feel fine otherwise. It doesn't sound like much I know but it's ongoing and anything digestive feels very very triggering so I try to manage it before it gets out of hand again...

Common side effect for Creatine is looser stools.

Collagen can upset the stomach.

Sparking/carbonated drinks can be problematic with people who have digestive issues..

My poo comes out like My Whippy ice-cream when I'm on the magnesium... (1/4 teaspoon, fine. 1/2 teaspoon and I don't know whether to flush it or stick a Cadbury's flake in it)

[Button1]

Common side effect for Creatine is looser stools.

Collagen can upset the stomach.

Sparking/carbonated drinks can be problematic with people who have digestive issues..

My poo comes out like My Whippy ice-cream when I'm on the magnesium... (1/4 teaspoon, fine. 1/2 teaspoon and I don't know whether to flush it or stick a Cadbury's flake in it)

Ha! Don't stick a flake in it, a waste of a good flake!

All of the things you have suggested are right, maybe taking a break from supplements might be a helpful idea. Maybe perimenopause is an issue (I'm 43...) I just can't quite get my head straight around it- I'm not running to the loo (it's just when I do it's very soft) there's no cramping, it's definitely a gas issue. Maybe anxiety around it doesn't help. I just wish someone would say "ah yes, this is what it is!"

[Button1]

I feel really panicked. I’m so constipated today. I can also really feel my piles (I have grade 2 internal). I can feel all the old panic coming back 😫

[nomorepanic]

Drink a lot of water - it may help.

[Button1]

Ok I’ll try. I’m just feeling so overwhelmed

[NoraB]

I feel really panicked. I’m so constipated today. I can also really feel my piles (I have grade 2 internal). I can feel all the old panic coming back 

I have internals too.

Menopause made me generally constipated (IBS) whereas I used to be the other way. When my anxiety is high, my BMs naturally go looser. It's a balancing act between firming/loosening them up and not aggravating my Rockford Files (piles)

My advice would be to not stop taking everything at once because that could shock the system and cause constipation, but to lower doses gradually over a space of weeks until you hit the spot where poo is formed but easy to pass...

[Button1]

So things are a bit different this morning, I drank loads of water last night. It was an awful night- I forgot what this panic feels like...anyway after a coffee this morning I had a much more normal visit to the loo and feel alot better in lots of ways. I don't know whether to feel like this means things are getting better or whether I should be worried. I'd like to not be on high alert all the time, I feel like I've regressed 10 years

[Button1]

I’m so stressed, I thought I’d feel better after going to the toilet more normally but I’m still so anxious and so aware of my stomach 😫 I can’t help but feel something is so wrong