I have been doing a lot of online research on my symptoms and have heavy suspicions that I may have Crohn's, or some form of an IBD. I had lactose intolerance as an infant and thought that was just coming back, but I've since ruled that out after a little 'lactose challenge' and getting sick on days I don't even eat lactose...
I sometimes get painfully bloated (+6 inches to my waistline), have issues with constipation (Miralax helps after a few days), and have experience horrendous smelling gas. About 4x in my life I recall experiencing a rectal spasm after a BM -- maybe a fissue or hemorrhoid? I usually only BM 2x/week, feels like constipation. Within the past 6 weeks something seems to be getting worse -- I've been getting "attacks" where I eat a meal then 30-60mins later need to run to the bathroom with diarrhea (5x in the past 6 weeks). As of 3 days ago I've also developed what seems to be an external hemorrhoid which is quite itchy/painful!!
I am wondering if I should go to my General Practitioner first, or just skip right to a Gastroenterologist to get better/more specialized treatment? Just trying to be efficient in this possible diagnosis and not miss too much work for dr appts.
Any tips would be very helpful. Thank you!
I sometimes get painfully bloated (+6 inches to my waistline), have issues with constipation (Miralax helps after a few days), and have experience horrendous smelling gas. About 4x in my life I recall experiencing a rectal spasm after a BM -- maybe a fissue or hemorrhoid? I usually only BM 2x/week, feels like constipation. Within the past 6 weeks something seems to be getting worse -- I've been getting "attacks" where I eat a meal then 30-60mins later need to run to the bathroom with diarrhea (5x in the past 6 weeks). As of 3 days ago I've also developed what seems to be an external hemorrhoid which is quite itchy/painful!!
I am wondering if I should go to my General Practitioner first, or just skip right to a Gastroenterologist to get better/more specialized treatment? Just trying to be efficient in this possible diagnosis and not miss too much work for dr appts.
Any tips would be very helpful. Thank you!
There are a few of us that have suspected IBD but not yet diagnosed.
