Hey everyone! This sub has been my lifeline for the last 3 months after having strange and abnormal GI symptoms.
After a trip to NYC I came back home and the next day farted while cooking dinner. It didn’t feel right and there it was, mucus in my underwear. Things progressed there with constant mucus in stool, not being able to fart unless I was on the toilet, and eventually a lot of blood (or so it seemed, blood tests showed no anemia). I kept assuming these symptoms would go away since they came on so suddenly and I’ve struggled with weird bowel habits my whole life, mostly constipation. I eventually hit a wall 3 weeks ago and couldn’t keep up with it anymore. I was wearing loose clothing all the time because everything was so uncomfortable and spending excessive time on the toilet.
Anyways, I want to share how lucky I am. 3 weeks ago I had my PCP visit where I shared these symptoms and got referred to a GI. A week after that I was at the GI and right off the bat she did blood, stool, and wanted to order a colonoscopy/ endoscopy. I didn’t have to ask or beg for anything which I know is unfortunately the case for so many people (I live in the US). From that appointment my colonoscopy was scheduled in under a week thanks to a cancellation, and that day was today.
Everyone is right, it was easy and painless. They told me I woke up at one point (thankfully I have no memory of this) and needed double the dose of propofol someone my size would need. Doctor came back to me and my mom and I do have ulcerative proctitis, which I already suspected from reading this Reddit so much!
I will also note that once I got over the embarrassment of poop/ GI issues I started sharing my symptoms and path with everyone which really eased my mind. I feel so grateful my process was so quick and everyone was so kind along the way. I know I am lucky and that’s not the case.
Wanted to share in case anyone else is considering going to the doctor and needs some first hand experience to read. I’m waiting for the biopsy to come back but they told me I should be on medication in 2-3 days. My mind is much more at ease than it has been all year, and that’s thanks to all of you posting in the UC sub.