Are you having much fibre?

I'm assuming you aren't doing anything obviously daft like drinking eight cups of coffee a day or living solely on Ginsters pasties; if you are, then obviously sort that out. Think about anything that might have changed in your diet or lifestyle in the last 3-6 weeks. Stress is a big factor that people tend to overlook - brains evolved as an extension of the gut, so anything that affects your brain tends to affect your guts and vice-versa.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gut%E2%80%93brain_axis

You should see your GP. They probably will just tell you it's IBS, but they should only do that after testing for bowel cancer. You almost certainly don't have bowel cancer, but the test is easy and it could save your life. Sudden changes in your bowel habits are a warning sign like a funny-looking mole - probably nothing, but something you should definitely get checked.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/symptoms/

If it is just IBS, there's a straightforward but slightly tedious process for working out which foods might be triggering your symptoms. Certain kinds of short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs can be fermented by your gut bacteria, which can cause symptoms like gassiness and diarrhoea. First you eliminate all foods containing FODMAPs from your diet to see if your symptoms improve. If they do, then you can gradually re-introduce those foods one by one to see which cause your symptoms to come back.

https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/media/documents/FODMAP_dietsheet_for_website.pdf

You could try a probiotic food supplement. Probiotics are things like Yakult that contain healthy bacteria. There's some clinical evidence to suggest that they might improve the symptoms of IBS. Watch out for prebiotics - they're pure FODMAPs, so they could potentially make things worse and there's very little evidence that they're beneficial.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/probiotics/

>>6238
Well I did go through an incredibly traumatic experience one week before this started. I feel ok now though but the gas remains. And that was a week before it started…

Thank you , I’ll try the GP.

How much sleep are you getting and how quickly are you eating?

>>6240
I’ve also reduced my food intake quite a lot , I’ve been on 1500 calories a day and losing weight at the expected rate. Normal about of sleep I think. 7+

>>6239 >>6241

If you're normally a stiff-upper-lip sort of person, this might be your body's way of telling you that you're not yet fully OK and you need a bit more time to recover and a bit of support. I'm not suggesting that you've got PTSD or anything like that, but there's a difference between getting over the initial shock and getting back to normal. I expect that you'll be back to your usual self with time, but it'll probably be easier if you can talk about it with someone you trust.

Yeah, ended up seeing the GP and feel fobbed off a bit. Some blood tests next week. Not even sure what for, although that’s my fault for not asking I guess. Is it really possible for stress to present as a near constant need to burp/fart?

>>6243

>Is it really possible for stress to present as a near constant need to burp/fart?

Absolutely, yes.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/stress-and-the-sensitive-gut

Really, how do I stop being such a major fanny about everything health related? I’ve got chest pains now which have convinced me I have a heart attack imminent. How can I relax? The gas never went away, too, and bloods have come back normal.

Im so fed up of living my life in fear of illness. It’s ruining me.

>>6245

>I’ve got chest pains now which have convinced me I have a heart attack imminent

I've inherited my mum's slight heart problems, and when she had a feeling of tightness in the chest, she would always drink a glass of cold tap water. I think her doctor suggested it to her as a quick fix. And it actually helps me too. I don't know how it does it, but when I'm under a lot of stress and/or I've had a lot of coffee, I get chest pains around the heart, and a good tall glass of cold water right from the tap takes care of it.

And it's normal, to an extent, to worry about your health. Just make sure you look after your mental wellbeing as well lad, so it doesn't become an all-out phobia or paranoia.

>>6245

Your local NHS Talking Therapies service should offer a course on managing health anxiety.

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-NHS-talking-therapies-service/

I'm embarrassed to type this, and even considered doing it in /emo/ instead, but I am really falling to pieces with all this stomach stuff. I wake up every morning nauseas, I have near constant gas, my BM's often feel incomplete. I can't help shake the thought that I have some sort of cancer, is there any re-assurance out there? I think if I really know there's nothing going on, then I'd be fine going forward. The doctors said the bloods have been done and they are happy...

>>6248
Do a coffee enema - really fill yourself up then let it out over the course of an hour. Will sort you right out. Probably.

>>6248

They did bloods but did they take a stool sample? Could be as simple as a gut infection. Bit of the old c diff or pylori. Those ones aren't judt like the normal food poisoning that clears up on its own, they will stick around for a while.

>>6250
Yep, negative.

>>6238
What exactly *is* the easy test for bowel cancer?

>>6252

They give you a little kit to take a sample of your poo. You send it off and the lab tests it for tiny traces of blood. If there is blood in your sample, you'll be called in for a colonoscopy to see what's causing it. Everyone aged between 56 and 74 is now routinely offered the test every two years, because that age group represents the overwhelming majority of bowel cancer cases.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer-screening/

>>6253
I'm assuming that if a 31 year old passes blood tests and this poo test, then the chances of actually having bowel/colon cancer is very slim...

I don't have much to offer in the way of advice, OP. However, about two years ago I was in a very similar situation, that I think was ultimately brought on by stress, even if I couldn't see it at the time. I even had, some, not much, blood in my stool. This meant I spent about two months convinced I was dying of cancer, but nothing was found and I think my lose shites have more to do with a diet high in sugar, red meat, coffee and not being in that early-to-mid-twenties age range anymore, where you can do what you like to your body and it will just take it. So while I'm probably on the path to stomach cancer without some kind of change, driving myself mad thinking I was already full of tumors, not sleeping and not eating were the issues at hand back then.

I hope that might set your mind at ease, at least somewhat, because everything you're saying ITT is remarkably similar to my own experiences.

>>6254
I should add the doctor said that he wanted to re-test my B12 levels in 6 months, but that it wasn't a problem.

>>6255
Thank you. I've been here before, years ago, with stomach symptoms (although different), so I really should know better, but I have OCD and find it difficult to break the worrying cycle.

>>6254

Basically zero. Bowel cancer is extremely rare in the under-40s. In the rare cases where it does occur, it's almost always a result of a hereditary condition like HNPCC and there's almost always a strong family history of early-onset cancer.

Me again... is it possible for anxiety to cause a light itch sensation across my body? Particularly face/scalp. I feel like I'm going a bit mad.

>>6258

Anxiety is unlikely to cause itching, but it can make you much more aware of uncomfortable bodily sensations. You might find this article helpful:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/managing-health-anxiety/202308/the-vicious-cycle-of-health-anxiety

>>6259
My mind is telling me I have some kind of crazy bacteria like hpylori on steroids that is making me itch now. Which would also explain the stomach issues. I really feel like I'm falling apart here. I'm worried my hair is falling out, I'm running my hands through my scalp dozens of times a day to check if there are strands in there. I'm itching. I'm going to read your link, thank you.

>>6260
Or that the b12 tablets the doc put me on are somehow related. He said I was minorly low in b12.

>>6261
I think this is what's freaking me out, attached. My itching on my face and scalp hasn't improved, I'm sure its psychological. My mind is saying the itching and low b12 are related and its a sign of a serious disease. My hair isn't falling out, I keep finding long hair stands on my shoulder, pillow, etc. but looking at my hair it looks thick and normal. I think I need to see a mental health specialist or something, I'm not sure what's happening.

I'm doing the following tests privately now, at great expense.

- Bowel (GIT) Profile (Profile 2+ Calcium, CRP, B12, Folate, Ferritin, TSH, Coeliac Screen)
- Faecal Calprotectin
- H.pylori faecal antigen
- Giardia serology
- Anti-gastric parietal cell antibodies


Stomach/gas, itching issues: If these tests come back with nothing...

and its not caused by anemia,
and its not caused by hpylori,

then what?

As I said, my B12 is very low, but presumably that has been for a long time, and the stomach/itching started suddenly.

This whole thing is Hellish, I know it sounds dramatic, but I've not been able to relax much at all. I've seen 3 GP's, two of which shrugged it off, the third (private) is taking some notice at least.

>>6263
Have you tried swapping out one thing you eat each day for something else? I fart pretty much continuously, and if I’m on holiday and don’t eat two large bowls of Shreddies every day, the farting diminishes considerably.

I must confess, I do think you’re being a bit mad about this, but I would be utterly thrilled if it turned out you really did have some mystery illness.

>>6263

If all of those come back clear, it's pretty much got to be psychological, to be honest, mate. I'm NHSLablad and I can reasonably assure you that our standards are quite rigorous, while it can be worth the second opinion for peace of mind I'd be pretty surprised if they show up anything that didn't show up on your initial tests.

If anything private labs are going to give you less reliable results because they have the freedom to cut costs that we don't. There's a reason during covid (and with the creeping privatisation of the health service in general) hardly any of the actual testing was outsourced, while pretty much everything else was.

>>6265
I think the thing that is setting me off is this b12 bollocks. Last test I was at 121. Now the doctor didn't seem to phased but looking online and at the b12 deficiency forums, you'd think that level meant I was about to croak it any second. And it's spooked me.

And yes I'm absolutely being quite mad about this. It's ruling my life, sadly.

>>6266

I don't want to spook you further and make you more paranoid but if I was in your position I'd be looking into other potential causes, than strictly medical ones and your personal health. Something in your environment you are allergic to, be that at work or at home, dustmites or something like that, who knows.

Maybe drink an intensive course of Yakult. There's not enough research on the whole gut bacteria stuff for it to become a real avenue of diagnosis/treatment quite yet, but it's actually quite fascinating what faecal transplants have done for health issues you'd never even suspect were related to your digestive system, like depression and anxiety. So there definitely is something to it. You might have somehow whacked your gut flora out of balance somehow.

>>6267
To be honest that stuff doesn't slook me at all, I would be absolutely delighted to think it was something other than a strictly medical thing. I'll give yakult a go.

Personally I think I might have Hpylori, and I'm surprised the first two gps didn't test for it. I did an at home faecal kit but I don't trust that.

If all of this stuff comes back normal and my low b12 is explained, I'll be happy, I think. And then hopefully my fucking itching and facial redness can stop.

>>6264 Have you tried swapping out one thing you eat each day for something else?

Yeah, this. Everything you describe, happens to me when I eat stuff I'm allergic to, and it's classic symptoms.
Finding out what you're allergic to, and then dodging it forevermore, is a ballache but worth it if it fixes your problems. Annoyingly, it'll likely be things you really fucking like, and eat too much of. But getting rid of the sick headache, the itching, the bloating, the mouth blisters (for me, ymmv obviously), easily compensates for a restricted diet.
Worth a look.

>>6269
Thing is, it's all come on so suddenly. Could it really be an allergy in that case?

>>6270
Yes.

>>6263
They all came back negative, apart from 'Serum Folate' which she said was low and needed medication. (it was 2.69, previous test it was 6.5). But my b12 has gone from 121 to 265 - thanks supplements).

Lablad, I've read serum folate test is incredibly inaccurate as folate levels fluctuate wildly?

Honestly I'm not sure I can be arsed making another £200+ appointment to be told "dunno".

Starting to think I've just given myself stress induced IBS/ Gastritis or something. Which is fine.

Anyway I won't be posting much after this unless its something fun because I've long bored people.

>>6272

>Lablad, I've read serum folate test is incredibly inaccurate as folate levels fluctuate wildly?

Couldn't tell you honestly, I'm micro not biochem.

Well this has spiralled. I'm terrified my itching is a sign of lymphoma. Mainly scalp and face. Feels light, like an ant crawling. Also losing weight. So I'm taking out loans and (badly) doing sport betting to try and afford a private scan. I've asked what little friends I have too. It seems my pride has evaporated. Any doctorlad here who can tell me why I'm being stupid?

>>6276
Can I just ask what it would actually take for you to no longer believe you are not riddled with a magical form of cancer than manifests solely as being itchy? One that the NHS have no interest or ability to find? And the symptoms of which couldn't possibly be psychosomatic despite your increasingly irrational behavior? I'm no doctor, I'll confess, but it looks to me like you're driving youtself utterly mad and seemingly towards financial ruin. You started off two months ago complaining about farting a lot, but now you're convinced you have lymphoma, take a step back and ask yourself if that makes sense.

>>6277

I think what would help is if someone looked at my results and said, "No, lymphoma would present in this test you've had done". Rather than just shrugging me off. I feel like none of the doctors who've spoken to have re-assured me whatsoever. I spoke to a doctor and said "I have OCD. I need to rule out the bad things before I can relax. How do we rule out lymphoma?" She just shrugged and said "we can't". Didn't offer any analysis of my many and expensive blood tests, just shrugged and said come back in 5 months after taking folate supplements. And yes, I am driving myself mad and I am begging them for an intervention of some kind.

-Tests Ran:

- B12 *(low)
- Folate
- Bilirubin
- Calcium
- Creatine
- Eosinophil Count
- Serum Ferritin
- Folate
- Haemoglobin
- Mean corpuscular haemoglobin
- Monocyte Count
- Neutrophil count
- Serum inorganic Phosphate
- Platelets
- Potassum
- Red Blood Cell Count
- Sodium
- Total protein
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
- White Blood Count
- Lymphocyte Count
- Immunoglobulin
- Basophil Count
- Red Blood Cell Size
- Serum Globulin
- Free Thyroxine
- Tissue transglutaminase IgA Level
- Stool sample for ova, cysts, parasites
- Coeliac Screen
- Pernicious Aanaemia


- Second Testing

- Full Blood Count and Differential
- WBC
- RBC
- HB
- HCT
- MCH
- MCV
- PLT
- GGT
- CRP
- TSH
- Red Blood Cell Count
- Red Cell Distribution Width
- Serum Folate* (low)
- B12 (back in range)

>>6277
Also, in my terrible habit of googling, I did read that lymphoma can manifest solely as being itchy as first , with rashes on the skin, which I have on my forehead now.

>>6278
>>6279
With all due respect, if you're compos mentis enough to recognise that this is your OCD, you should be seeking help besides pissing your money away on private medical tests for cancer because you've had a farty February and an itchy April. I'm not trying to make you feel bad by saying this either, but there are people with actual cancer symptoms who need to be diagnosed, which rightly takes priority over giving you a passing MOT.

It's very clear you need to be speaking to a mental health professional about this kind of thing, not an oncologist and certainly not bloody money lenders. It's no wonder you're going off your nut with fear with the way you're throwing away money. Why not try going for a drink and some mini golf or something with those mates of yours? It's going to make you feel much better than a biopsy.

>>6280
And besides, if he was dying of cancer - you do read about cases where doctors repeatedly dismiss a patient pleading for help only for the illness to be recognised far too late, how would he ever repay the money?

Yeah, you're all right. I've made a routine GP appointment to discuss options around my mental health. And I've made a therapy appointment for Monday. For now I'm going to avoid googling things, avoid seeking validation and avoid thinking I know better than professionals who see sick people every day. Yes, I'm itching, and that's fine. I'll discuss it in a few weeks and I'll be okay.

Well, I figured it out. It was stress/trauma, internalised deeply. I did some vagus nerve breathing thing. And I sobbed. I'm not over my relationship, I'm not fully right yet. And I think I bottled that up somehow. I could feel my itching melt away. Blimey.

>>6283

That sounds tough, but I'm glad to hear that you're making progress. Best of luck with your therapy appointment.

i bleed every time i take a shit the water in the toilet goes red and it's splatters around the bowl, my asshole leaks mucus all day and i have to wash my ass evey few hours and put toilet paper between my asscheeks like a woman's period nappy, i fart about 50 times a day and have an invisible stinky poo cloud around me all the time, when i need to go it comes on suddenly and i have to rush to the toilet right now and sometimes i end up shitting myself before i get to the toilet, pls help me

>>6285

You need to see a doctor, for fuck's sake.

>>6285
Bowel cancer. Bloody poo can be a few things, so start with bowel cancer and try to prove me wrong.

>>6285
have you tried vagus nerve breathing?