2nd colonoscopy in 2 weeks
Hi!!
I’m 26F from Australia and have a colonoscopy in about two weeks. I’m not looking for a diagnosis, just wondering if anyone had a similar experience while waiting for answers.
I’ve had bowel issues for most of my life and was previously labelled as IBS, but over the last year things have become much worse, especially since having my gallbladder removed in Feb (pathology showed chronic cholecystitis/cholesterolosis).
My current symptoms include:
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation (sometimes weeks of very urgent diarrhoea, then a week of pebble-like constipation).
- Very urgent bowel movements with little warning.
- I am also now incontinent between toilet trips, not much but I definitely leak mucus daily.
- Yellow/mustard/orange stools during diarrhoea flares.
- Large amounts of mucus and small amounts of blood.
- Feeling like I never completely empty my bowels.
- Severe bloating and visible distension, even after eating small amounts.
- Bloating often gets worse after I poop.
- Lower back pain and deep pelvic pressure, especially during bowel flares.
- Occasional bright red blood on the toilet paper when constipated and straining.
- Symptoms are affecting work and my day-to-day life.
I had my first colonoscopy in 2023 which had signs of some inflammation and polyps but nothing too sinister I believe I’ve tried low FODMAP, elimination diets, CBT and antidepressants over the years without much improvement.
My gastroenterologist has ordered:
Blood tests (FBC, CRP, iron, B12, folate, vitamin D, etc.)
Faecal calprotectin.
Faecal elastase.
Stool PCR for infections.
Colonoscopy with biopsies.
She’s investigating inflammatory bowel disease and/or malabsorption, and if everything is normal she’s planning to trial treatment for possible bile acid diarrhoea. I’m also seeing a gynaecologist because both my surgeon and gastro think bowel endometriosis is worth investigating.
Has anyone had a similar combination of symptoms? If so, what did your eventual diagnosis end up being (if any)?