Lifelong Gut Struggles.... Has anyone else felt like giving up hope?

I am on a similar path to yours. Mine is partially due to prescription med- the dose was reduced. I am very close to a state of hyperthyroidism so the dose of that med was adjusted. I havd ptsd so there is a factor. I started using a mix of green peppermint and ginger- lemon tea. This helps me too. Still adjusting my diet. I cannot drink milk anymore. Dark chocolate helps.

Thanks for the reply. Can I ask how long you've been on your healing journey and if/when you've started to see any real change? The strangest part of this journey has been how incredibly sensitive my gut has now become, after making so many healthy changes to what I eat. I'm hoping this is a good thing.

Amazing how many, especially woman, have the same issues then yours, after several years with constipation, diarrhea, etc. and doctors telling me I have IBS live with it I finally was diagnosed with collagenous colitis after a biopsy during a colonoscopy, the only way to diagnose this disease, can not be cured but kind of managed with medication and diet. I am also gluten sensitive, lactose etc. at least now I know the cause of my colon issues and can handle it better. You might especially at your age have this checked better then the not knowing.

Hi @lee2025
Thank you so much for posting. “Just knowing someone else gets it helps more than you know! 🙏“.
I am here to simply sit with you, and say…..the struggle real, and exhausting. I get it!

I keep seeing more about gut microbiome, also the gut-brain connection. The more I learn how to navigate my own journey the more I realize just how much seems to be a mystery. I found a couple resources down this path:
-research is happening: https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/enteric-neuroscience-program/overview
-gut brain overview: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/the-gut-brain-connection

It sounds like genetics gave you a place to hone in and focus. How did this work?
Do you notice any systemic cycles of whatever-ness happening in your body? I know, I know…living in a bubble enough to be able to answer that question is part of the exhaustion.

@lee2025
Are you working with a gastroenterologist and nutritionist/dietitian? Are you taking any supplements or medications?

Have you had a endoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsies/samples tested for bacteria/viruses/parasites, etc.?

1. https://medicalhealthauthority.com/info/why-is-my-poop-like-a-pile-of-mud.html
2. https://www.prevention.com/health/a20441452/7-textures-of-poop-and-what-they-mean/
3. https://enviroliteracy.org/why-is-my-poop-like-mud/
4. https://www.oh-mygut.com/mushy-stool-and-gas/
5. https://www.healthline.com/health/loose-stools
6. https://wellwisp.com/why-does-my-poop-look-like-mud/

Thank you for sharing your experience. I have struggled with rotating diarrhea/ constipation for 30 years and am in the middle of a five day constipation event following last weekend's three days of diarrhea. My gastroenterologist has yet to find a cause and I'm extremely careful with drugs as last fall I was diagnosed with liver Fibrosis, thanks to three years of Prednisone, followed by methotrexate to recover from Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I have lost 30 pounds and lessened my fibrosis degree through a diet very much like yours. In February I had emergency surgery when an abdominal adhesion from an old surgery attempted to strangle my bowel. Fortunately, the surgeon saved my bowel but its performance never improved. As I'm getting ready to call my doctor on a holiday weekend, believe me when I say, I feel your pain. Hugs for you and don't give up the fight.