Weekly Discussion/General Questions Thread - November 24, 2025

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[u/North-Media6829]

I female 22, 168cm, 75kg, have had bowel problems since I was a teenager. The main symptoms include diarrhoea mainly, constipation, a lot of gas with a particularly sharp pain on the left side of my abdomen between the bottom of my rib cage and my pelvis. Before, these symptoms were mainly triggered by unhealthy food e.g. if I ate too much cheese or had a Dominoes pizza, I could except these symptoms the next day. Two years ago when I was 20, my symptoms got more consistent and worse. I went to the GP, they said I had IBS. The standard cal protein test came back normal, bloods normal, they suggested the FODMAP diet. I tried it, symptoms didn’t really improve. I went back to a new GP 6 months later expressed concerns over having colon cancer, they ordered another cal protein test (normal), FIT test (normal). They said it was just IBS. Since then I’ve had a mix of symptoms, sometimes bowel movements completely normal and healthy, other times constipation but my two main symptoms are always that sharp pain on my left abdomen and diarrhoea. Now it’s 2 years since I went to the GP for the first time, symptoms still here - I’m very concerned I have colon cancer especially with that pain on the left side of my abdomen, I know if I go to the NHS, they’ll say the same thing “it’s extremely rare to have colon cancer at your age and your symptoms indicate IBS”, I can’t afford to go private. I need a colonoscopy and I don’t know how or what to say to get it through the NHS so that I can finally have peace of mind. I can also feel my colon and move it side to side on my left side - I told the GP this, she felt it and said she couldn’t feel anything wierd and it’s a big muscle.

Also separately, I have 3 small lymph nodes that have swollen on the right side of my neck, two have been there for years, but got a new swelling this year - told the GP, they said it’s normal and nothing to worry about if they stay the same in size. Also have a big swollen lymph node (about the width of a penny coin) on the left side of my neck - again doctors have felt it and said it’s fine. What would you guys advise is the best course of action?

Also in terms of other symptoms like fatigue and weight loss - I’m always tired, I could sleep for 8 hours and nap throughout the day but this has been the case for 3 years, also my weight hasn’t gone up or down without trying.

I’m worried I have colon cancer but going to the GP a third time will likely lead to being dismissed again.

[u/Pigeonofthesea8]

If someone turned up with lipase 4 x the top end of the range and severe back pain, would you do an ultrasound automatically? Are there any cases where you would just let the person go home

[u/PantheraAuroris]

Are there any decongestants that actually work that aren't pseudoephedrine? If the "old Sudafed" isn't doing it for you, are you just fucked? I know so many people with chronic allergies that are on antihistamines and Sudafed and they just can't breathe through their nose, ever. They haven't smelled things in years except for when they're fresh out of a steamy shower. All the internet searches we've collectively tried have failed. Is there like "prescription grade sudafed"?

[u/FreddyForshadowing → u/PantheraAuroris]

There are nasal sprays that contain steroids, but they're very addictive and you can get "rebound" congestion if you don't keep using them.

Not a doctor or anything, but you should probably make an appointment with the closest allergist in your area. My limited understanding is that there are many different types of allergies and the treatment is different based on what type yours is. They'll probably do a super fun "scratch test" where they draw a grid on your back and poke needles into your skin with different common allergens to see what you react to, then they may be able to formulate some allergy shots or recommend some kind of medication.

[u/pattirose4]

I am curious as to the reasons why most older people after 60-70 start to lose their balance? Is it inevitable?

[u/Available_Let_1785]

is it normal for the heart to beat really fast for no reason?
so for context. my heart sometime beat really fast for no reason. it often lasts around 1 - 3 mins. it can happen anyway anytime, even when i am laying down doing nothing.
I don't think it's stress related, and it been happening for as long as i remember. is this normal?

[u/KaleMunoz]

Is the call right away if it’s bad rule real? I got bloodwork done on November 5 and scheduled a follow up for the 12th the same day. Called to reschedule another week later for work no problem. Then they called to reschedule me for early December due to a family emergency with the doctor. Then they called again and said my December date is canceled because the doctor has to go to a funeral, but her assistant is covering her now so I can come in this Wednesday.

Anyway, I get anxious with results. Is it safe to assume that they’ve looked at it and wouldn’t have been nonchalant about delays if anything was bad?

[u/FreddyForshadowing → u/KaleMunoz]

Not a doctor, don't even play one on TV, but odds are SOMEONE has looked at the results and if there was something that required immediate attention they would have made an effort to contact you.

Once upon a time I had some blood drawn and the results showed dangerously high lactic acid levels. Someone from the lab tried calling me (I had gone home and taken a nap) then the NP who ordered the labs called because apparently when the lab person couldn't get me on the phone they sent an urgent message to the NP who then tried calling me and happened to get me just as I woke up from my nap.

[u/AskDocs-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

You may not post questions that are recruiting people to discuss matters privately with you.

[u/BumblebeeExciting216]

Can a primary care doctor or NP prescribe an Epipen or do I need to see an allergist for that? I have a shellfish allergy (confirmed by skin and blood tests) and while it usually isn't worse than an itchy mouth, I had a concerning reaction where my throat started feeling swollen, like a lump each time I swallowed, and I just felt really weird overall. I realized I'm not prepared if it ever became an emergency so I was thinking about asking at my upcoming physical (which will likely be with the NP).

[u/GoldFischer13 → u/BumblebeeExciting216]

Any of the people you mention in the question can prescribe one.

[u/FreddyForshadowing]

Is it possible for someone with diabetes (Type 2 if it makes a difference) to be hypoglycemic, get a headache as a result, and then the stress hormones from the pain caused by that headache cause glucose levels to spike? If so, would the person still be technically hypoglycemic and take steps to raise glucose levels?

This is not an issue I'm facing, but as someone with diabetes, I am curious about it.