At what point do you go to the hospital?

[barelyalive]

I have been flaring bad since January. I have tried everything - BRAT diet, liquid diet, Aloe juice, tumeric.

I cannot poop unless I drink coffee, I usually have at least half a cup by no more than a full cup in the morning. Upon drinking coffee, I will poop 2-3 times within a 1-2 hour frame. The rest of the day I usually have 2 or 3 painfull "poops" consisting of just mucus and blood and perhaps a very small piece of poop. I take canasa but sometimes nothing comes out.

My stomach is in constant pain and I often feel nauseus after eating. My poop shute aches and hurts like hell even upon passing gas. I am absolutely miserable, under constant stress and even have had a few cigarettes over the last week (I had quit 6 years ago).

I try to be as athletic as possible, I run 5 miles 5 times a week and strength training twice per week.

Desperately needing something positive about my appearance, I started exploring body building supplements. I started uisng Jack 3D, Yok 3D and Pink Magic about a week ago as that per what I have read and what the GNC clerk told me - is the stack of choice these days. I'm like WTF, what have i got to lose at this point - at least perhaps I could look good (for my age at least). Funny thing is - I want to look good to get more s-e-x, but since I am always feeling like I am on the verge of a historical poop - I never really feel like I can do it.

I have struggled mightily all my life with IBD and severe sleep apnea - I think I have just about had it!

 

[kossy]

Have you consulted your doctor recently about your issues? Are you using a CPAP?

 

[barelyalive]

No, I had better go see the Doc soon though. I really don't want to because he wants to do an endoscopy and another colonoscopy.

I have struggled with CPAP for over seven years. Tried and failed with dental appliances as well. I am by no means overwieght yet I have severe, as in 84 AHI, sleep apnea. The force of air needed to blow my airway open seems too much for my throat and or nose as the resulting pain and irritation (yes of course I use a humidifier on high) is too much to deal with on a regula basis. I have tried all kinds of sleeping pills, even seroquel, and nasal washes, irrigiation you name it.

 

[Trysha]

Hello Barelyalive
Sorry to hear you are having problems and not feeling well.
It may be a good time to talk to your gastroenterologist even though you are reluctant to have further investigations.
I can empathize with you on all of this being a bit reluctant myself to undergo any more intrusive investigations like endoscopy and colonoscopy but sooner or later it has to be done if we are to get the help and support we need.Mine too are overdue so I really know how you are feeling about this aspect.Shortly I have to face the issues though.,and keep the appointment.
Take a deep breath and make that appointment with your gastroenterologist.
Chances are you will feel better.
kindest regards Trysha

 

[Jennifer]

What meds are you on currently? Only good things come from getting those tests done. Be sure to get put under cause those aren't fun fully aware/awake. Its best to know what the cause is before beginning treatment. Diet and exercise is great and all but isn't going to stop a flare unfortunately. Once you get the treatment you need you should start feeling better which will help get you back on your feet for working out and getting your groove on.

As far as when you should go to the hospital, usually when you toy with the idea of going. For me bleeding means that I'm in a really bad flare and needs immediate treatment so I don't wait till Monday or even tomorrow to get treatment. I go to the ER right then and get tests and meds right away and see my GI after.

 

[lola99]

I would go see a specialist soon. I just turned 25 and i've had two colonoscopys and one i had a egd at the same time. I didn't even know they did anything to me. The prep sucks but thats it. I had to drink a bunch of gatorade with miralax and take laxatives. There is other stuff you can take but this was the cheaper option according to my doctor. It was really interesting. This time around i got pictures of my intestines. They took biopsies from my stomach and my intestines. I seriously had no physcial symptoms from having the procedure done at all. It put my mind at rest to know nothing was in there. I really hope you go to the doctor soon and that you'll feel better.

 

[barelyalive]

I have been to a specialist and I am on meds...but let met ask this...How worried should I be about the blood and mucus?

 

[Carrie]

How new are blood and mucous for you? I'd say if they are symptoms that you've not previously experienced, it's time to get the doctor and get the endoscopy and colonoscopy done. If the bleeding is severe (i.e. pools of blood rather than streaks), then get to the A&E/ER.

There are plenty of treatments available, and there really is not reason you should be suffering so much; even if it means a bit of trial and error until you find the right one.