Almost always, it seems that I only get bloated while at work. I have an office job and spend the majority of my time sitting at my desk. When I get up in the mornings I am fine. But almost like clockwork, when mid-morning hits, I start to get bloated and it stays around until the end of the day. It is very uncomfortable. However, it seems to subside quite a bit, if not totally, once I get home, change my clothes, and relax. I also have constipation off and on, and a little gas, but this does not usually go away once I get home. I also notice that when I am bloated I tend to have to urinate more frequently.
I have had this bloating, gas, constipation problem since last spring. When I went to the doc he ruled out lactose intolerance and decided it was IBS.
Does this sound like IBS? Can it occur only at certain times during the day and then subside? I don't really have any pain, mostly just discomfort. Although last week I did have some cramping/aching in my lower back.
I started taking a low dose of Elavil (for vaginal pain) about 6 months ago and it seemed to help my symptoms. I quit taking it for about a month and since then my problems have been back and I started taking it again about a week ago.
Please help! Does this sound like IBS or could it be something else?
Thank you!

Hi Missourigirl,

It is possible it is IBS that you are suffering from - the Rome II Criteria by which a determination is made as to whether you have IBS can be found in the "Worth Reading for IBS'ers" sticky at the top of the IBS board. So, you can judge for yourself.

Cheers,

- Raju -

If it continues without getting better, you should get more testing other than Lactose intolerance. I've battled IBS for 6 years and have improved over time from fiber, relaxtion excercises and trying to find food triggers. I had all the major tests done such as Colonoscopy and Endoscopy after about 2 years of suffering. I'm 34 and the only thing they found was a benign colon polyp. So it was peace of mind nothing major was wrong but then again, the frustrating thing is the doctor tells you it is IBS. Good luck and I hope it get better.

sitting is probably the biggest trigger for the bloating it sure does it for me. Especially on trips when you are very still
Good luck Have you tried any anti gas remedies? Do you drink carbonated drinks? These will cause you to bloat bad