Hi,
I am female, 28, athletic, slim, eat a healthy diet. I have a complex set of gut symptoms...
5 years ago, I was diagnosed with IBS (constipation type) and hemorrhoids 2nd to 3rd degree, which were treated with elastic ligation. The symptoms (urge to have a BM, constipation, mucus in the stool) came and went.
4 months ago, I had blood in the stool a couple of times. Results of the allergy tests (fructose not tested yet though), blood and stool examination (Elastase, Helicobacter, Calprotectin), ultrasound of the abdominal region were all good, except elevated bilirubin levels, bland cyst in the left lobe of the liver, ancillary spleen, small hernial orifice. The rectoscopy (16 cm / 6.3 inches) showed hemorrhoids 2nd to 3rd degree with signs of bleeding. As advised, I started taking a preparation out of diosmin and flavonoids against the hemorrhoids.
Soon thereafter, my usual symptoms got much stronger: feeling of incomplete emptying (3 BM a day), anal pressure sensation, sitting uncomfortable, hard and pen-shaped stool, rectal ‘pulling’ sensation e.g. when I bend down, flatulence, winds that could not pass. Symptoms occurred mainly in the evening or during/after exercise. The rectal bleeding had stopped though. I tried different fibre supplements (while eating plenty of veggies anyway), but stopped the supplements due to insane bloating. Additionally, I suffer from muscle and joint stiffness.
I did another rectoscopy (10 cm, 3.9 inches), which showed improved hemorrhoids. The doctor said, they shouldn’t be treated with elastic ligation now, because ‘they sit so low that the treatment would hurt badly’. He said I have a weak pelvic floor and should do pelvic exercise (note: I have an increased urge for urination, also at night). I started with a low Fodmap diet, which made me much less bloated. But all other above described symptoms stayed and really worse my life.
What could this be, apart from hemorrhoids? And what can I do?
Thanks for your answers!
Anna