There have been come changes since I last posted. There was thinking, mainly on my behalf that I could be suffering with IBD or gluten intolerance. My mum suffered with crohn's disease for many years starting in her early 20's. I was reluctantly refered to a specialist who I see in a few weeks. Now I couldn't take feeling ill so much, so decided to go onto a gluten free diet (2 weeks on it now). There was a change in my bowel movements (wasnt going as often and it was more formed), wasn't feeling as sick and a rash that I had on my chest for over a year had cleared up. I also didnt feel as tired.

However in the last few days Ive started to feel unwell again. Im starting to feel tired, Im not sure my iron tablets are being absorbed. I know that a normal side effect of iron tabltes are black stools. Well thats not happening with me. Ive been getting some mild stomach discomfort and feel slightly sick. Another problem Ive had is not being able to gain any weight at all. Now I seem to be losing weight, which makes me underweight for my height. Sometimes I feel like my body is missing something, sometimes Ive eaten and if feels like I haven't. The thing is Im eating more than enough during the course of a day, but it makes no difference. I just feel unwell. Ive not had a period in 5 months either. Sometimes I have 2 a year, but my hormones are all normal (had blood tests). Something just doesnt feel right.

I dont know what to say to the specialist when I see them, I just dont have a clue as to what is going on. It just doesnt make sense.

Sorry to hear you're feeling so unwell.

I would say to the specialist exactly what you've said here.  I presume you're eating a well balanced diet?  If you have colitis your system doesn't absorb certain vitamins as well and from what I've read anaemia is quite common, as is feeling sick and generally unwell.  It seems like you need a colonoscopy to find out if anything is going on.

Wheat is a common trigger with colitis, it's my main one, so it doesn't surprise me you felt better going gluten free.  It clearly isn't the only problem though.  Have you ever been tested for Coeliac disease?

I hope seeing the specialist helps to clarify something for you, or that they put you for tests to find out if you do have colitis.

Take care and keep us updated.

Thanks for your reply. I have my appointment tomorrow and Im worried Im going to be fobbed off with "its IBS".

This past week Ive been feeling really unwell. At work all it takes is for me to bend down for 2 seconds and my legs will ache really badly, I also get joint pain in my knees, that sometimes even hurt when walking. Ive been feeling sick all week and have been losing more weight, Im now under 7st. I just feel so unwell. Im due to be working longer hours at work, but dont know how Im going to manage. Its a physically demanding job. Plus I usually feel sick in the evening times. I cant cope with feeling sick whilst at work.

What happens when I see the specialist, roughly how long would I have to wait for tests.

I saw another gp last week and she said my iron levels werent low enough to make me tired the way Im explaining. So Im a bit confused.

Magpie,

Ask for an iron infusion, I also had problems with the iron tablets, aparenty it's quite common.  I'm also having B12 injections as well, and they make a big difference.  Good luck and keep us posted as to how you are getting on.

Julie

I had my appointment with the specialist and he said he is pretty certain I have crohns disease going by my symptoms and family history. Ive got a test next week and also had a whole lot blood tests taken. Im just hoping things become clearer after next week. Must say Im dreading the test and I will probably be anxious all next week. On my forms it says that from two days before the test I have to eat a low fibre diet, there is a small list of what I can eat, but Im wondering if there are more things. It seems quite limited.

Hello, sorry your feeling unwell, and sorry if you get diagnosed with Crohn's.... it's not that nice, but sometimes it's nice to put a name to the way your feeling rather than "it's IBS next!!" I would stick with the diet they give you just incase they cancel the test, what are you having by the way??
For nausea and sickness, ginger is brilliant and I swear by it when I run out of my sick tablets, which is a lot! Ginger biscuits, ginger tea etc... Takes about 15mins and it's gone. Tiredness, I can't help as I do it the young persons way... lots of coffee, lucozade and pro plus, but when I said this to my consultant he didn't really say much so I'm guessing it's ok?!? It takes while to get the docs to listen but once they do they do move a bit! You should have the tests, then within a short time you should see the consultant and be given what's needed, but it's always trial and error, so don't be down hearted if the first batch of meds don't work, they do get there in the end!! I hope you start feeling better and get the answers you need!!