Are my symptoms normal?
Hi, my name is Rask and I've been dealing with gastro issues for a very long time now. I'm 34 non-binary amab and am currently experiencing the worst symptoms I've ever had. Well, the symptoms are normal but the frequency is very abnormal. For the last week I've had diarrhea about once every 2 to 3 hours with very little change in frequency. It's almost always watery but sometimes seems to have some texture. There is also blood but not every time. The diarrhea is usually preceded by stomach cramps and then the sudden urge to go to the bathroom. I have noticed that if I just endure the pain it sometimes goes away and I can last longer. When I do use the toilet I often experience full body spasms as if I were vomiting except it's all going down. I have a massive phobia of vomiting so that doesn't help at all. I am currently taking colesevelam 3 pills twice a day. I started them about a week ago. I should say, I was taking something for ibs symptoms prior to this attack and ran out. That's when this started. I'm hoping the pills will start working because right now I don't go anywhere. I barely eat, mostly protein shakes and am generally totally miserable. I could really use some support. I am also in the process of obtaining health insurance so I can get back to the doctor. Can anyone relate to these symptoms? I'm freaked out.
Hi Rask, I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this, that's very hard. Since you've mentioned that you get diarrhea multiple times a day and also blood in your stool, I would definitely talk to your doctor and get tests done as soon as you get your health insurance. Usually, blood in your stool is not a symptom of IBS, but it can be caused my something like IBD or even an infection. The only time I had symptoms like that was when I ate bad lunch meat which contained bacteria, and it only got better after taking antibiotics (although I waited a month before seeing the doctor because I thought it was just an IBS flare). How long will it take to get your health insurance? Is there any way to see the doctor now and get reimbursed later? I live in France and that's always a possibility here, but I have no idea how it works in the US... I hope you'll be able to get tests done soon. Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)
As Karina mentioned above: Ongoing dirrhea and frequent blood in your stool cries for a doctor. The severity of your symptoms are beyond the point of any well-meant advice here. Please don't delay.
So sorry you are going through this. Please see a Gastroenterologist as soon as possible. Blood in stool means there is something more serious going on. It could be Inflammatory Bowel Disease like Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. This is not meant to scare you. The earlier you catch it the better. Blood can also mean some sort of infection or maybe internal hemorrhoids acting up. You really do need to get tested by your gastro though. I would ask for a colonoscopy with biopsies. Ask for stool test too to check for pathogens and to see your Fecal Calprotectin level (shows inflammation in the gut) -Elizabeth (team member)
