Getting a colonoscopy in a few days and worried, does this sound like it could be IBD or worse

[yuoke]

I'm M/24. So around this past december or so, I started getting indigestion. Not what I would call severe, but definitely was gassy and belching a lot. I also started getting a very light dull feeling around my stomach, but not even really pain. Long story short, I ended up getting some different tests done. I got blood tests done (and a bunch more later), and an abdominal ultra sound. All of that was fine. I did also get a thyroid ultra sound along with a thyroid blood test. The blood test was fine...but my doctor said my thyroid ultrasound was slightly off, but nothing serious.

So for awhile the indigestion feeling and light stomach feeling were kind of on and off, nothing bad. Around the time of early February or so though, I noticed I started getting some constipation. Not severe, like days without going, but a little longer than usual. I also noticed two times (two days in a row) My stool came out dark. I dont think it was tar black, but it was definitely dark brown. I had some on and off constipation for a while then and took some ezo, but it didn't help too much. I had dark stool again two times in a row like maybe 3-4 weeks later, but no time in between that (and haven't fully to that extent since then.

My constipation ended up kind of regulating, but I started noticing around that spot where I had a light stomach feeling kind of become very dull light pain. It's mostly in one spot slightly right of my belly button, but kind of moves around, and sometimes just feels crampy. I also feel very boated throughout the day on and off, which has started the last week+ or so. Also recently I have started getting some back pain, and its more strong after laying down when I wake up, but then it alleviates for the most part after getting up. I havent had any diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. My stool mostly for awhile has come out normal in consistency, but

I notice that its mixed color between some lighter and darker brown. I also noticed a few times some light mucas/particles. Hard to tell red blood or anything like that. I ended up going to a GI last monday and he wanted me to come back this coming monday to see how things are having trying some more ezo. He said I should end up getting a colonoscopy if things don't seem better.

Now the last 4-5 days I have had kind of diarrhea. Not like all day, but when I do go its borderline diarrhea. I have also felt more muscle aches/soreness/chills. I also kind of had slight nausea. I had recent blood tests and not showing anemia even though I'm having some blood still.

I'm just really worried of this being "that worst case scenario." I never really any had any issues in terms of going to the bathroom, stool color, or constipation. There were maybe like one or two times like a year and a half ago or a little less of like having to go more right away, but it wasn't consistent. For the most part my stool was always normal from what I could tell.

 

[ronroush7]

Welcome. I am not sure but the blood could indicate some form of IBD. Sometimes, dark stools can mean bleeding. I would, in general, be concerned about the chills. I would check with a rheumatologist about the muscle aches. I hope the best for you. Keep us updated.

 

[yuoke]

Welcome. I am not sure but the blood could indicate some form of IBD. Sometimes, dark stools can mean bleeding. I would, in general, be concerned about the chills. I would check with a rheumatologist about the muscle aches. I hope the best for you. Keep us updated.

Thanks. I forgot to mention that a few days ago I got a few blood tests done, including one for red cells and it showed no anemia at all, and also had another abdominal ultrasound which showed up clear. I know those are both good signs , but still doesn't take away the worry that much honestly.

 

[eleanor_rigby]

In general blood tests and ultra sound tests are not very reliable for diagnosing or ruling out IBD. Both can be normal even in severe IBD cases. If you want to investigate whether or not you have IBD the best tests available include:
- A stool sample called a fecal calproctectin
- A colonoscopy
- An MRI with contrast
- If the above were all normal but you were still getting symptoms then the next test would be a pill cam to look at the lining of the small bowel

I cannot comment on your symptoms really. They don't jump out to me as IBD particularly but then no two people with IBD are the same and people have all sorts of symptoms. Some people have no symptoms whatsoever. There are many GI problems that could be causing your symptoms. You might want to get tested for coeliac disease. If your symptoms persist it would be a good idea to proceed with the above testing. In particular I would recommend you doing a stool test based on your concerns about blood in your stool.

 

[yuoke]

In general blood tests and ultra sound tests are not very reliable for diagnosing or ruling out IBD. Both can be normal even in severe IBD cases. If you want to investigate whether or not you have IBD the best tests available include:
- A stool sample called a fecal calproctectin
- A colonoscopy
- An MRI with contrast
- If the above were all normal but you were still getting symptoms then the next test would be a pill cam to look at the lining of the small bowel

I cannot comment on your symptoms really. They don't jump out to me as IBD particularly but then no two people with IBD are the same and people have all sorts of symptoms. Some people have no symptoms whatsoever. There are many GI problems that could be causing your symptoms. You might want to get tested for coeliac disease. If your symptoms persist it would be a good idea to proceed with the above testing. In particular I would recommend you doing a stool test based on your concerns about blood in your stool.

I'm having a colonscopy in a few days, and I know that it always ultimately the best way to see pretty much everything possible. It's just scary because there's no way to really get a sense at all until the colonscopy is done.