stomach issues...meds?

tkachev

For the past 3 years, or maybe more , I have had a problem where I have to rush to the loo really quickly. If i'm downstairs I can get 'caught out' as I have very little warning. Its only that I know it is likely that keeps me on alert.It used to be just mornings but now it seems to be all day. I'm not in pain but it is awkward as I worry about going out anywhere now.

I'm finding it difficult to write in detail but I wondered if it was a medication issue.I have mentioned it to my rheummy but she seems to ignore it and goes onto other subjects so this leaves me feeling as if i'm wasting her time.As it has got worse lately I wondered if it could be IBS but again do not want to suggest things to the rheummy and look like i'm a hypochondriac.

I see my Nurse next week so maybe I will try and mention it to her.Could it be a side effect of meds? It has gone on so long now and i'm getting fed up.


Elizabeth

tjt6768

the sudden need to go is one symptom if ibs that I definitely suffer with. I do have a lot of pain with it too though.
Mine can be set off by trigger foods. Also stress.
Is there any kind of pattern with it hun?
And I apologize now but I forget, is it RA you have? I'm assuming yes.
IBS is an inflammatory disease. My rheumy nurse told me it's my RA that's caused it.
For years I did suffer with very bad stomach problems that weren't ibs but that was mainly due to the dihydrocidiene and being erm, blocked :shock:
I'm now on fentanyl patches, paracetamol and diclofenac, still get bunged up every now and then but the ibs is much worse than that.
I'm taking an anti-spasmidic called alverine and peppermint oil tablets, both three times a day.
You could ask your GP to try you on something similar.
If you are on any strong pain meds you should be on a stomach protector anyway, I'm on lanzoprazole..
Sorry, this turned into am essay

elnafinn

Dear Elizabeth,

You really should get this sorted. I do not know how you have coped for so long. With symptoms getting worse it really should be addressed. You know that I had severe diarrhea for a many months and the first gp told me to take cocos as this would make me go less as they tend to cause constipation. I was not happy with this because that was masking the symptoms. I eventually saw a lovely gp who referred me to a gastroenterologist, had a colonoscopy, diagnosed with IBSD and what worked for me was him subscribing amitriptyline starting off at 10mg and as that did nothing it was upped to 20mg and then 25mg and I got my life back. No more dreading going out, where was the nearest loo, taking immodium like sweets. Now I have very few worries about it - some days are not so good but I do not need to take immodium. and never think about it really when going out. I was given a sheet of what to eat and started on this but now I can eat anything and that wonderful little amitriptyline pill works for me. The gastro said it did not work for everyone but I was one of the lucky ones.

Please go and see a gp and get referred. You must look after yourself, dear Elizabeth it has been going on for too long. It could be meds but the only way you will know is to come off them as I had to come off my anti inflam to see if that was the cause, but it was not.

Love
Elna x

dreamdaisy

Oh tkachev, you poor thing, I don't know if it's the meds or possible IBS but I do know it's WRONG. Get thee to the doctor, please, ASAP. DD

tkachev

Thankyou Tony Elna and DD.

Yes I have R.A. Tony. Because I'm not in pain I have ignored it and because my daughter had so many recent difficulties I'm almost grateful for it! But now I feel there must be some underlying cause. My blood pressure has gone up too but I cannot blame stress as my life is always on hyper mode(well my mind is hyper and the body struggles to keep up) so nothing new there.
One thing I have noticed is it doesn't happen when I have been camping.I'm on red alert as I need help to stand up in the tent which means waking my tipsy partner(i'm being polite here) and then have a long,torturous walk to the loo, followed by the early morning shower/toilet crowd. But i'm always fine so this indicates it could be something linked to stress. I don't know.

Elna I know you have suffered with IBS, this does seem different from what you have told me because i'm not in any pain. It is good to read that it is now more under control

I suppose its another trip to the GP but will mention it to the nurse first to see what she thinks and if it is common with my meds. From what I have read on the forum most people are constipated from their meds.She'll probably tell me to go to the GP anyway :roll:

Right i'll add this to my basket of 'problems that need solving'. Thanks for your input DD, Tony and Elna. You have helped me a lot.

Elizabeth

tjt6768

The only one good thing I can say is that you don't have the pain with it hun... I know pain is pain but some pains are just, more destressing than others if that makes sense.. I'm not sure it does but I know what I mean, lol...
I hate anything stomach related.. I hate being stock on the loo either way, blocked or opposite. It's a very painful position to be sat in, really hurts my hips and knees..
Sorry.. Moaning again :roll:

elnafinn

Dear Elizabeth

On the whole I was not in any pain, but felt lethargic. One time I do remember having to lie on the floor outside the loo as I felt really hot and as if I would be sick or faint, before I had to crawl into the loo again for another session. :oops: Sorry if that is too much information. :oops:

Love
Elna x

elnafinn

Aw, Tony, pain on top of all the other symptoms, I really do feel so, so sorry for you.

Elna x

frogmorton

Elizabeth

l am so sorry you are suffering so much and have to agree - the docs it is for you. Likely there is 'something' they can do to help.

Love and hugs

Toni xx

woodbon

Hi, I think you need to talk to your doctor and get it sorted. My husband has IBS, which started when he had diabetes diagnosed. He has medication for it now and most of the time he's Ok, the only thing is that he used to love cheese, but now if he gives in and eats even a small bit, he feels sick that night and the next day, also milk and other dairy products. So, it may be worth looking at you diet and seeing if anything you eat seems to effect it. I should add that stopping the dairy hasn't curred his IBS, just helped him avoid some of it! Meds stop the most embarrissing part of the condition! :oops:
Love Sue.

julie47

Hi Elizabeth

Sorry that you are suffering with this symptom, I would make an appointment with your gp.

Hopefully it is one of the meds and that med can be changed.

Hope you feel better soon
Juliepf x

tkachev

Thankyou Julie, Sue and Frog. I have noticed tea can bring it on and that has got milk in it, or maybe the water isn't boiled enough because I have one of those tefal one cup kettles that heat the water up immediately from cold. All sorts of theories have crossed my mind.

Yes I'm very lucky not to be in pain as I am aware many of you suffer so much. But then again pain alerts you to a problem whereas I have just carried on regardless.

Thats not too much info Elna. Never worry about that.Sometimes my body feels totally drained and i sit on the shower seat for a rest! I couldn't get up off the floor if I tried.

Tony, yes I know about that pain from hips and knees. Have you got a raised toilet seat as that did help me? It just means you dont have to bend the knees and hips quite so much.

Elizabeth

lindalegs

Elizabeth, are you my twin?

Over the years I'd noticed that when I was away on holiday or a day trip out I would suddenly need a toilet, now :shock: Had a couple of very embarrassing accidents, :oops: not being able to run, :shock: and after getting over the tears and upset of that happening I finally went to chat to my GP.

I have no pain and I don't feel ill I just have diarrhoea.

After talking to my GP he diagnosed stress related IBS and prescribed Lopermide. This is a capsule I can take up to twice a day and it slows down the contractions of the bowel allowing the liquid to be absorbed and food to stay in your bowls longer therefore stopping the diarrhoea.

I just take a capsule now if I'm going out for the day and when I'm on holiday I take one a day. So it can be controlled if this is what you have.

You really need to talk to your GP as the others have said.

Let us know how you go on.

Luv

tkachev

Linda thank you. That sounds like mine.No pain, very little warning but not enough time to look for a loo if out. Someone else has to help you out of your clothes if too late...it is a nightmare. Off to the GP I go.

Someone mentioned stomach lining meds and I don't think I have any so I will mention that to my Rheummy Nurse at my appt next week.

Thankyou all

Elizabeth

bubbadog

Hi Elizebeth, This is exactly what I have been going through for nearly 6 years now! And what put me in hospital 8 weeks ago. I have problems where if I eat or drink something I can't hold it inside for more than 10/15mins then I have to rush to the loo.
The doctors/consultants have said it's either IBS or meds causing it. And just fobbed me off with Lopermide tablets. Then 8 weeks ago the pain got so bad I was doubled over and feeling hot and nasueus (sorry bout spelling!) luckily my sister-in-law was able to rush me to doc's who rushed me up the hospital, they thought it was appendicitus. But still now after 4 weeks in hospital they are saying it's either endrometiosis on the bowel or it's to do with my osteoporosis!! so now I wait and see what the tests I'm due for are gonna say! My thoughts still say to me it's to do with the meds!! So if you ever wanna talk to someone who knows exactly what your going through you are welcome to PM (private message) me anytime. Amanda/bubbadog

tkachev

Thank you Amanda . Sorry you have had to put up with this for 6 years! Did the lopermide not work for you? I would be interested to hear your test results. Can you PM me when you get them if you don't want to put them the forum? Good luck and hope you feel better soon.

Elizabeth

kellerman

Amanda, If you are taking extra calcium for the osteoporosis this can cause the problem.I had to stop taking mine and just try to get enough in my diet.But no cheese either,this doesn't bother me as I never eat it.

Every form of medication effects people differently as you know but so does food so all of you with the problem you could try and pin point if it's worse after eaten something in particular.Ridiculas as it may sound I get really bad stomach cramps with bread but not with toast.
Ask your GP though as it could be anything that you are swallowing.
Kind regards May

bubbadog

Hi Kellerman, I had to stop all dairy as it caused me to have aweful stomach problems, and now also stopped all cafeine as well as it causes my migraines to flare up!! I had to stop Lopermide as it didn't work for me at all, so at the moment I'm still learning what works and what doesn't. Will have to talk to GP incase I may need some sort of calcium replacement never thought of that!! Thank you for bringing up and I'm more than happy to stay in touch with you Elizabeth regarding what happens and what might be suggested to help control this nasty problem. Amanda

mermaid

Hi there,
Just adding to the number of us who have had similar problems for years.
I have RA and for 16 years had problems like you have but with severe pain too. Put it down to IBS and self treated with colpermin and imodium.
My rheumy, who is very thorough, sent me for endoscopy because of recurring anaemia, and they did some biopsies. Several weeks later I was told the biopsies showed coeliac disease (similar symptoms). Went gluten free a year ago and no more problems - heaven!

It really is worth investigating and possibly undergoing a few tests. First stop the GP and maybe referral to a gastroenterologist to check you out.

Lots of luck,
Lizx

Stu69

Hi Elizabeth,

I have a similar thing, and have had for a while now. Rheumy put it down to meds, the bum doc who presented a fine set of fat knuckles :shock: said RA and IBS (no pain here either) probable cause.

Only happened after I started DMARDS though, 3 or so years ago, but I know what that's like, being caught, and sometime 6 or 7 times a day too. Drives me mad, and we only have one loo at home :shock: :eek: so there has been the odd embarrassing mishap!

I do know that I went and had a c-scope (colonoscopy) about 6 weeks ago. Came back all clear (phew) so that's what my Dr and rheumy have said... painless IBS basically.

I know it doesn't help, but I really do 'get' your point that the meds generally do the reverse than bung someone up, so you're not alone!! I'm no wiser now either so have just added it to the list of 'oh-well's!

Stu.

constable

Hi Elizabeth

I am late on this but I have the same problem, and after camera's up and down, they told me I had Divaticulitus(cant spell it) very simular to IBS one day cant go, and the rest, well I had just as well stay on the loo for the day. And it can be very painful and embarrising. They have put this down to me taking my anti-depressants, apparently they can cause this.

So you should get yourself to the doctors. And let us know how you get on wont you, sending you hugs of comfort Elizabeth,

karen xx

theresa4

Hi
Im having bowel problems too but my rheumy and GP thinks its Inflamatory bowel. My GP treatred me for IBS but nothing helped at all. I get alot of pain and right now Im not eating or taking pain meds as my stomach is empty. I am lucky not to have an accident the best of times. My GP has referred me to gastro Im going next week it took 8 weeks
Go to your GP and speak to them as rheumy cant do referrals anymore so Im told unless thats just my region. Either way youre GP might be more sypathetic.

Good luck

Theresa xx

lupin15

I would get yourself to the doctors and ask advice...i had ibs for years various meds....never sorted out until 6 years ago when i cut out all wheat goods....since then i have never looked back....BUT some meds have given me awful stomach problems and i have been told that my stomach is now sensitive and that will never change.

theresa4

lupin15 wrote:

I would get yourself to the doctors and ask advice...i had ibs for years various meds....never sorted out until 6 years ago when i cut out all wheat goods....since then i have never looked back....BUT some meds have given me awful stomach problems and i have been told that my stomach is now sensitive and that will never change.

You are so lucky I cut out wheat 15 yrs ago along with red meat, potato, soy, oats due to severe intolerance and things just keep getting worse :sad:

barbara12

Hi Elizabeth
This will be my 5th go at posting on your thread...this dongle is driving me mad..I think you should go and see your GP..like Elna said the amitryptaline has really helped her.
I do hope you get some help very soon....now here goes...will it send...pleaseee

tkachev

unfortunately there are quite a few of us suffering from this. It has taken me years to post as its not an easy subject to talk about.

Thanks for everybody who has posted.

Elizabeth