Possible ulcerative colitis?

So I'm brand new to this forum, but I've been dealing with a bit of pain and symptoms that are really impacting my life. Many of them are fairly gross and kind of embarrassing. I went and saw a gastroenterologist a couple years ago, but she gave a blood test for Celiac (negative) and suggested I join Weight Watchers. I'm still dealing with distressing symptoms such as intermittent bloating, stomach pain/cramps, fatigue, diarrhea (sometimes bleeding afterwards), and an occasional sharp, sudden pain before I need to have a BM. This comes and goes; sometimes I feel great and sometimes I can barely get through my workday. It has also been suspected I have endometriosis (not confirmed because nobody will do a diagnostic laparoscopy unless I try to conceive), but right now I'm at a loss as to what could be causing me symptoms.

Now that I'm in a better place financially, I'm looking into getting a more thorough examination than just a blood test, but it's really distressing that doctors don't look past my weight to address underlying symptoms. I know I need to lose weight, but I don't think rectal bleeding is something to push to the side. Any tips/advice on how to be a better self-advocate with medical professionals? Should I be pushing for both a colonoscopy/laparoscopy this time?

Hey girl, I'm sorry you're going through this.

I agree with you 100% that rectal bleeding isn't something one should just ignore. I'd say find a good GI doctor you can trust and insist for a colonoscopy. I wouldn't to the laparoscopy yet.

Sometimes the ignorance of some doctors make me sick and sad.

Keep us posted.

Also vote for a new GI and a colonoscopy. You really don't want to be guessing.

Many of us have had that fear that they'll find nothing. It could be just hemorrhoids, or it could be UC or who knows? You deserve a DR's help to figure this out. A lot of times DRs expect people with inflammatory bowel disease to have weight loss as a symptom, but there are many here (including me) who are not underweight and have not experienced significant weight loss in a flare.

Thanks for the reply colitis32- I'll try to answer your questions as best I can, but I have a loooong menstrual history so bear with me.

1. As much as I would like to put off the laparoscopy, I recently found out my mom has a rare genetic mutation that predisposes her to cancer (she has had breast and ovarian cancer in the past year) and as part of genetic counseling for that, the oncologist suggested confirming the endometriosis since it is also a risk factor for ovarian cancer so they can fully assess my risk and when I should begin regular screenings.

2. My periods were HORRIBLE. I had severe cramps in my pelvis and my legs so I could barely walk, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, back pain, migraines, you name it. The older I got the worse they got and even prescription narcotics did nothing to relieve the pain. I got a transvaginal ultrasound which showed ovarian cysts and the OB-GYN thought PCOS except I have no other symptoms except ovarian cysts and being fat- no insulin resistance, androgen excess, etc. I was on a few different kinds of birth control that did nothing to relieve the pain so about two years ago I got the Mirena IUD since it didn't have estrogen in it and I don't have periods anymore, which has done wonders for my pain. If it weren't for the ovarian cancer risk, I would say it's all good and not worry about the laparoscopy. My GI symptoms were definitely worse during my period, but I still have GI issues and I still get that sharp, stabbing pain before a BM. My periods were so painful I can't really be sure where the pelvic pain ended and the digestive pain began. I don't think anyone else in my family has endometriosis, so I could just be someone whose body produces excessive prostaglandins.

Hope that was helpful! Sorry for the writing the novel. I'm going to see both and GI specialist, an OB-GYN specialist, and a genetic counselor in the coming months so lots of appointments and info to absorb.

Thank you! I will definitely keep that in mind and hopefully the doctors will take me more seriously this time.

And the Mirena has worked wonders for me. I stopped having periods a couple months after getting it inserted and it has helped a lot with the menstrual cramps and pelvic pain, but unfortunately I still am experiencing the GI symptoms. But my quality of life has increased a lot and I no longer have to suffer excruciating pain every month. If strong pain meds don't get rid of the pain, something is wrong and no periods =no problem. I hope you find something that works for you!