Hello,

I have had this now since before christmas and there is no respite. I have a constant discomfort in my lower abdomen with occasional pains in upper abdomen.

The feeling of needing to empty bowels is almost constantly present, and I have an actual evacuation three or four times a day, sometimes more, and often soon after eating. The stools are extremely soft (almost shapeless at times) and very dark.

I went to the doctor in December and she said nothing to worry about, probably an infection - go back if not better after a week. After a week I went back and she said the same thing, so I did not bother her again. Now, after a further seven or eight weeks, it is not better. I am worried that there may be something serious going on but don't want to make a nuisance of myself at the surgery.

Other details that may or may not be relevant:
I am grossly over-weighht (19 stones at 5 foot 10 inches), and not losing any despite reducing food intake. Exercising is difficult because I broke both of my feet and they still have a lot of pain, but I do manage to walk a couple of miles every day, bowl once a week and fish for a couple of hours at a time before I get too sore and tired.

I have sleep apnoea and use a VPAP machine. I usually sleep for two periods in the night, first period about three hours - second period between one and two hours, then I get up feeling physically tired but mentally unable to get back to sleep.

My muscles and joints are extremely sensitive. Sitting or lying in one position for more than 20 minutes results in pain in shoulders, back, and legs when I move. Movement upon waking in bed is excrutiating and often exacerbated by cramp in my calfs.

I work as a web designer, which involves siting at a computer.Regards

Tog