New here, looking for insight

[Pinger_genguin]

Hi guys,

I've just joined here and I'm not entirely sure if I do belong here since I don't have a diagnosis and I haven't actually discussed anything with a doctor yet as I have been really embarrassed to talk about my bowels.

I have been having issues with stomach cramps with diarrhoea since I was a kid. I apparently had colic when I was a baby and I have always just assumed that I have never grown out of it. I'm not entirely sure if what is going on is an IBD or an IBS thing (and I appreciate that these are very different) but I was wondering if you guys could offer some insight. I will be discussing my symptoms with my GP come January (as I am away from home until then).

I currently take methotrexate for seronegative inflammatory arthritis (which I know can be associated with IBD) which seemed to improve my stomach symptoms and diarrhoea for a while but it seems to have come back in flares recently - and tends to go along with my joint flares. At the moment I get watery diarrhoea about 3 times a week and looser than normal stools the rest of the time with occasional constipation. However, my weight is stable and I haven't noticed anything trigger the symptoms. When I need to go to the toilet, it is usually very urgent. I also have a lot of nausea which may be related to to the methotrexate.

I know you guys can't diagnose or offer medical advice on here but I was wondering if these symptoms sound similar to what you guys have, or if I may be barking up the wrong tree?

Thank you in advance!

 

[ronroush7]

Welcome. I think some people here have had similar symptoms. Let us know what the doctor says when you go for your appointment. There is an undiagnosed section here in the forum if you would like to check it out.

 

[scottsma]

Hello and welcome.
Please,please don't let embarrassment stop you from getting help.Embarrassment can kill !!! But we've all been there so understand.Your first step is to make an apt. with your GP/family doctor.Write down your symptoms and frequency,and how long you've had the problem.I agree with Ron that your symptoms do sound familiar.Don't let them go on any longer.It could be easily sorted with mild meds.We do have an "Undiagnosed" thread that might be of help to you.