Dull ache in my tummy

If its benign, ( and looks like a variety of IBS then I did what Grammaretto's mum did and cut out dairy, and also went on a low FODMAP diet. (Look it up - some people go and do the whole hog and do it with an elimination diet, but I just checked if food was low or high FODMAP. Its all worked great, just be prepared to say goodbye to onions forever.

Perhaps ask GP to test for Coeliac disease my understanding is it can appear at any age.

Keep a diary of everything you eat and also go to the doctor for tests. I had a similar situation about five years ago and the diary revealed that I was intolerant to wheat, lentils, garlic, and onion. Check out things like the low fodmap diet, acid reflux, and also perhaps try eating more root vegetables for fibre. Some of the prescribed things can be quite harsh on the gut. Are you drinking up to 2 litres of water a day? Walking for half an hour? All these things count. Stress levels? Difficult people?

It's good that you've seen a GP. I'm not going to go into details, but don't get fobbed off. If simple medication and tweaks to your diet don't work, keep pushing for further tests - endoscopy /gastroscopy, if necessary.

'Achy tummy'? Surely 'stomach pain'.

You are right to get checked out. I hope it proves to be something just needing a change of diet. I have noticed that several people develop food intolerances as they get older. My mum gave up dairy in her 60s and her health improved. A friend is on an elimination diet and found gluten is the culprit. She had pain and lethargy.

My DH died from kidney cancer. His symptoms were nothing like yours.

GPs tend to diagnose IBS at the drop of a hat IMO so it’s good that you’re having the appropriate tests for your symptoms and that you’re not having to wait.

I hope it all works out well for you.

When I started taking prebiotic inulin I took too much too soon and had tummy pain for quite a while so I think changes in diet need introducing gradually. The trouble with IBS is that they can’t test for it just use a process of elimination. Good luck with all the tests and yes, keep us up to date. I’ve always felt that my digestive system doesn’t really like me and just wants to make my life as difficult as possible.

Mattsmum2, you did the right thing by contacting your gp, hope everything turns out fine for you. It will put your mind at rest, let us know how you get on.