Oh man, I was in the bathroom right after my first snack, I guess my laxatives were still working lol. I was still downing water afterwards because I just felt so darned dehydrated so maybe that had something to do with it. Its interesting that we have so many different experiences.
Hugs, Des
Moderator ~ IBS Forum
"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it" - Mary Engelbreit
Phoebe, yes, there are a million and one things it could be, and the likelihood that it is cancer in someone your age is pretty low! Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis) usually tops the list for bloody diarrhea in otherwise healthy Caucasian folks; if you've traveled abroad recently, it could be dysentery from a parasite or bacterial infection. Either of these options is enormously more likely than colon/stomach cancer for a 19-year-old. Anyway, the waiting is the worst part and everyone knows how that feels. Have you checked out the Crohn's forum? They, like the ever-supportive IBSers on this forum, have a lot of information to share and a lot of support to offer.
I know how freaky it is to stand up and notice cupfuls of blood in the toilet. If you start feeling really dizzy or weak and you're bleeding profusely, just go to the ER - better safe than sorry!
I am usually in the Fibromyalgia forum but years ago I was dx with IBS and have never been on any medication for it but,,,,,
I went to the bathroom earlier today and it was also filled with blood this is the first time I have had it in about 4 months. I had a colonoscopy back then and the surgeon said everything was fine and gave me no reason why there was blood. Should I just quit worrying about it when it happens? I do have hemmoroids externally could internally hemmoroids do that? It is like the 19 year old said earlier it is like I was on my period and I know thats not possible since I have had my plumbling out 3 years ago . Just thought maybe this forum could help me.....
oh yeah about the colonscopy I never what to have one of those again..It was not the procedure but the prep and I took the pills. I was on the toliet for 2 days straight and thought I would starve! I ate alot of lime jello (yuck) and sugar free popsicles. I was fine about an hour after the procedure and did not need anyone with me.
thanks for the help!Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him. and he shall direct your path. Proverbs 3:5,6
My favorite verse!
Fibromyagia, IBS, Depression, carpal tunnel in both hands, hypothryoidism, ovarain cysts, kidney stones, neck and back pain, costochondritis, herniated disks
Hi Vickimac, welcome to the IBS forum! The thing with blood is that it is not a symptom of IBS. Hemis, on the other hand, can cause blood. It may not be anything serious but I would still give the doc a call. It is better to be safe than sorry (sometimes people need surgery to correct hemis). Thanks for popping in IBS - you are always welcome here. Please donate to help HealingWell continue to help us..... www.healingwell.com/donate
Hi again everyone, Latest update is that yesterday I went to uni, it was a struggle because I was sooooo tired, totally exhausted all morning, but I got home and fell asleep on the couch for a couple of hours.
When my boyfriend got home he woke me up but I couldn’t wake up properly I was so weak and dizzy, and had this feeling like I wasn’t getting enough air, it was a strange feeling, I was breathing very fast trying to get enough air. Anyway we ended up going to the hospital because he didn’t want me to have to wait until Tuesday for something that might need attention right away. Gorgeous boy, he waited so patiently with me in the waiting room for almost two hours before the doctor saw me. She did an examination with a finger which was too painful (she was planning on insterting a small camera swell, I asked if she could sedate me but she said it would be ok, turns out it wasn’t because the examination she did was minor and it hurt too much for her to keep going), she said she could feel a lump inside, so she gave me hemmoroid cream stuff and some liquid fibre to take. But she said I still must have a colonoscopy because my diahorrea is not explained and that it might not even be a hemorrhoid, it could be an ulcer or something worse. The took lots of blood from me and then I went home.
I'm sort of back at square one but it was good to get looked at anyway because I have just been feeling so meh! They were going to test the blood for anaemia and the results will be at the doc’s in a couple of days. So yes … still sort of dreading the colonoscopy and prep, still have to see the specialist … just thought id tell you about my little adventure to the ER!
Hi Phoebe, I'm sorry you had to make a trip to the ER but I'm sure it is sort of a relief, isn't it? Granted you still have to wait until Tuesday but at least you got some blood work out of the way. Now when you go see your doc he/she will already have something to work with. about the scope, don't worry about it yet. As they say (who is "they" anyway?)... "cross that bridge when you get there." Phoebe, we all gather here so we can cross our bridges together. You are not alone. I hope you're at least feeling better....
BTW - That boyfriend of yours sure is a keeper. Please donate to help HealingWell continue to help us..... www.healingwell.com/donate
yeah it was a sort of relief, i was happy to get out of the hospital, we went and got takeawy for dinner to celebrate:) and getting the anaemia test is something ive been wanting for a while now, so it was convenient. just being able to tell a doctor about what's going on and having them say I'm not over-reacting and that I'm doing the right thing seeing a specialist made me feel a lot better ... tuesday felt like years away! Though dreading the colonoscopy I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing if they find anything there, because it's been on my mind constantly for months. Finally the mystery will be solved! (I hope anyway!)
:)
feeling a lot better today. I have a casual job on the days im not at uni, and i have get up at 4:50AM so i think naps will just have to become part of my routine!:)
Hey guys how has everyone been? It's the day of my consultation today hoorah! I just have a wee problem though, and it might be nothing at all, but was wondering if anyone else has stomach pain on their left side? I had a bad night lastnight, but thats usual, i got up four times, and thismorning my stomach is achey on the left side and I feel really exhausted. Is this a common symptom of IBS? It seems strange that its concentrated on the left side. Was just wondering if anyone knows what this could be? I will tell the gastro today. Could it be that i stretched a muscle or something? It really doesnt feel too flash.
Hi Phoebe, Whenever I get bad D attacks I sometimes have left side pain, or sensitivity. Once I had it while at the doc and when she felt around I gave a little yelp. She said it was because that side is where all your stool is collected before exiting. Because I was having so much D the night before she said it was just sore. I'm sure there could be other explanations (like gas) but I hope it is just sore for you. Maybe others will be along to give their ideas. Good luck at the docs today! Let us know what happens.Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
hi Lil! Yeah I was thinking it must have been from the attack, because i was pushing hard and probably strained a muscle. i just had a shower and it made my tum feel a bit better so hopefully the ache will go away through the day. Im still so tired though, it must be the getting-up-4-times-a-night thing, because its been months since I've slept a whole night through. Looking forward to finding out what's wrong with me! I'm pretty sure they'll schedule a colonoscopy, from what the docs have told me, i just hope they dont schedule it for a fortnight's time or something because I want it done now! I am soooo sick of having a sensitive/weird stomach/bowels!
my pain was always concentrated on my left side, i was told it is the decending colon, anyway mine has since gone away (i had a polyp removed) i don't know if the two were related or not. before the colonoscopy i had told my doctor that i thought there was something bad on my left side that needed to be taken out--he laughed at me and what do you know? i had a polyp!
it sounds like you think is it a muscle though--it probably is, you should know your body best!!!
in any way could it be your ovary? i just want you to take in to consideration the whole picture... not that something awful is wrong with you... i just know that when i was experiencing pain in my left side i was asked about pap and UTI... then again my pain is in my lower tract as opposed to upper...
best of luck!!
--bunny
what would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?
… well I have had my specialist appointment – feels like ive been waiting forever to see this guy! All went well, as expected, he asked lots of questions, poked me a bit in the tummy, did blood pressure and other weird things, and scheduled a colonoscopy for me. Initially it was going to be this Thursday but after I found out how much its going to cost ($260AU – I am a poor struggling unveristy student! And already had to pay $155 today!) I changed the date to next Monday. I am really going to struggle to get that money together. My life is so stressful at the moment, through all of this not sleeping, diahorrea and exhaustion I have to try and get a university degree AND work AND keep up the house AND not crack and have a nervous breakdown. The day after my colonoscopy I have a debate and two essays due! Ahhh!
Anyway just thought id put in an update. Definitely not looking forward to the prep.
Hey Phoebe tough chickie, do you have any sort of health insurance? I'm not familiar with the Australian system...you might want to talk to the hospital where you're getting your care and explain your financial situation. The least they could do is put you on a payment plan; sometimes they'll even knock down the price of procedures, etc. if you show them you intend to pay but are simply struggling financially.
As far as school goes, I have totally been there. Studying for my medical college admissions test (MCAT) between diarrhea/vomiting/pain episodes. That completely sucked and I never even ended up taking the test because I had to have surgery instead. Talk to your professors and tell them you have this medical issue you are in the middle of taking care of. Would they cut you any slack at all??
As far as the scoping prep, here are some ideas:
- Definitely get a bunch of those nice soft baby wipes for your bum. You are seriously going to need them!
- Buy some really dumb tabloid magazines or something hysterical to read while you're in the loo. Don't you dare try to study or prepare for exams or write your essays!
- Follow a clear liquid diet the day beforehand and preferably two days beforehand. This will make the prep easier on you. Blue Gatorade a couple days before your test will help maintain your electrolyte level, which can get seriously messed up during the prep.
- When the garden hose feeling is nearing completion (usually later in the evening), take a nice bath; it'll help your bum feel better, as well as the rest of you, which by that time will be grumpy and exhausted.
aww thanks for the advice im definitely going to use it! Glad to hear the garden hose feeling settles down in the evening! And I think I'm going to go and buy every trashy/women’s magazine out there! My life's definitely a juggling act at the moment, but i just try to be easy on myself and not put too much pressure on to do everything I can. Like my Dad says, the fact that you're still AT uni through all of this is the main thing ... I'm usually a perfectionist so it's difficult to hand an essay in when I know I could have put more effort into it. But just getting through and passing is the priority at the moment! I think if i'd had health insurance I wouldn’t have to pay for the colonoscopy, but the weird thing is I’ve never really ever been sick before this, so it was the last thing I’d expected! Wish I had it but hopefully I wont have to pay too much more! My parents are going to pay for it (or some of it) so that takes the stress off but I also don’t want for them to have to pay, I feel bad that it comes down to them having to fork out money for my being sick. My sister says that’s what parents are for, but I cant help but feel bad!
Anyway this thing should find out the problem and that’s the main thing hey!
I spoke to one of my lecturers/tutors about what’s going on and I'm taking the colonoscopy letter to class today and she’s giving me an extension for whatever it takes for me to feel better. They really are very understanding; they know how life gets in the way of UNI a lot of the time.
Thanks again for your support and advice guys, if it weren’t for you I would feel so alone!
Remember, buy lots of jello (not red or orange because it can stain and look like inflamation) and get magazines, crossword puzzles, hand-held games, etc. Also, like Sarita mentioned, those baby wipes. Very important baby wipes. If your "garden hose" doesn't stop by bed time, don't panic. I kept going up until 10 minutes before I had to leave the house (barely had time to shower). I told the doc I was worried I would poo on her table, but she said not to worry.
Be prepared for some flatulance afterwards. I remember when I was being prepped for the scope I watched an old lady being rolled out of the room and put next to me. All I kept hearing from her was farting. I was so scared that was going to happen to me (and embarassed - I didn't know how to keep pretending to ignore it). When I got out I felt a little crampy and gassy but nothing I'm not used to. Oh, after I had woken up the nurse, from across the room, asked "Are you passing gas?" I was mortified, you don't yell that across a room and expect an answer. Anyway, the procedure isn't that bad so don't worry. The prep is the worst part.
What sort of prep did your doc give you? Do you have Fleet, pills, gallon mixes, etc.? Just curious.
Your sister is right about your parents. Mine helped me (and I'm not even in school anymore). You are so important to your parents that I'm sure they'd pay anything to make sure you are OK and healthy. My parents told me that I can repay them later by not putting them in an old folks home. Maybe you can do the same. Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
Oh no I hope I don’t fart too much!! Knowing me I probably will. I did warn my sister though, that I will probably be a bit dopey and farty. She said she’ll still love me..
The preparation kit I have includes “ 2Sachets: Picolax and/or colonlytely and 5 Bisacodyl tablets”, lots and lots of sachets of stuff I have to make up to drink and some tablets. Is this what everyone else had used? The doc outlined different times I have to take the tabs/make up the drinks.
Again, not looking forward to the prep, I don’t want to feel like I'm going to poop myself when I'm not on the loo! Hopefully it won’t be too bad, ill try and have a low residue diet three or so days before, hopefully that will make the poop day a little easier.
Definitely getting those baby wipes, they’re going to be first on the shopping list. :)
Phoebe, don't worry about feeling like you're going to poop when not on the toilet. I didn't get ANY cramps when I was prepping. It's like normal, you feel like you have to go so you go; you just have to go more often. One thing.... it will be liquid after the 1st dozen times. It will be like you are urinating out your butthole. This is good. Usually you are all cleaned out when all you do is release clear liquid. Make sure to drink lots of water! You have the pills - that's great! I didn't have the pills but I hear it is so much better than drinking quarts of yuckiness. Let me know how it goes so I can ask for it next time (hopefully not anytime soon).Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
Okay, Phoebe, sounds like you're doing the GoLytely. You'll probably have to make up a gallon of liquid with those sachets - did they give you a jug for it? Does it say how much water to put in there? I've had two different preps: the 3 ounces of Fleet phosphosoda, which tastes like what I'd imagine battery acid tastes like, and the GoLytely, which is just briney enough to make you feel like you're drinking seawater. Neither of them are any fun, but I found the GoLytely tougher because there was so much more to drink. The Mayo docs told me that it cleans you out better. The bisacodyl tablets are taken before you go to bed and produce more BMs the next day. Lil, I don't think it's typical to JUST have the tablets because they don't clear you out as well...
And Phoebe, you won't feel like you have to go when you're not on the loo...because you'll be on the loo almost constantly! Seriously, do NOT stray too far from the toilet. During my preps, I easily went 30-50 times in just a few hours. And it was always liquid for me (then again, it's a rare day my BMs aren't completely garden hose-ish).
After the scope: your doc will probably tell you what he saw, but you'll be too out of it to remember, so bring your sister/mother/father/parrot with you to relay the message. You'll go home and want to sleep all day. You might have some gas pains - for me, it felt like a side stitch for a couple of days - and yes, you'll fart, hopefully not too excessively (for the sake of your caretakers) but you can assure them it won't smell like toxic waste because there won't be anything in your system to make it smelly!
yeah I have about four different sachets which I have to dilute with a set amount of water. each sachet has a day and time allocated on it. One says 'pleasant lemon flavour' but the doc told me that the others (some of them are two litres!:() taste 'ghastly' so I'm not looking forward to those! And then there's the tabs ... sounds like I have everything, he really wanted a clean slate didn't he!?
hehe I wish I had a parrot. My sister will be there and I told her to listen to the doc because I won't remember a thing! Then she joked about what she's going to find out about me while I'm all sedated and dopey (when we were little she used to tell me stories about aliens when i was asleep and the result was that they made dreams!).
Well atleast the bathroom is nice and cool ... I might set up some cushions on the floor or something so that if I get off the toilet for a minuite Im not far away at all. My prep will be sunday so my boyfriend will be home, he'll be wanting to look after me and I'll be wanting for him to not hear/smell me pooping!! I's great having someone love you even though they've seen the worst possible sides of you!
its so nice to talk to people who've gone through the procedure, it really sets my mind at ease. i have to say thank you in every post because I cant say it enough!
Yikes! I had no idea the stuff you got was the gallon stuff AND pills. I am terribly sorry for my mistake (or possibly getting your hopes up). I have only used the Fleet phosphosoda. It was bad but not unbearable (I hear the old gallon stuff is worse). Each time I had to mix a vial (6 total) I picked a new clear liquid. Sarita, I can't believe you went that many times during your prep (30-50 in a few hours???). I think I went maybe 40 times total (my apt was in the afternoon so I did it at night and then again in the morning). Phoebe, I sure do hope you live with 2 bathrooms. It will suck if you have to share just 1 with your boyfriend. Poor guy will for sure have to smell it then. Don't worry though, after you've gone a dozen times the smell starts to go away. All cleaned out! After all was over I actually felt good. It is nice to start over with a squeaky clean gut.
Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
. Just thought maybe this forum could help me.....
Oh, after I had woken up the nurse, from across the room, asked "Are you passing gas?" I was mortified, you don't yell that across a room and expect an answer. Anyway, the procedure isn't that bad so don't worry. The prep is the worst part.