I started having "attacks" when I was 22 weeks pregnant. Abdominal and lower back pains - with nausea, dizziness, feeling faint and hot flushes before having a bm. Stools were totally different - hard and small. I felt constipated but every now and then I had diarrhea.

Twice I woke up in the night and felt like I was going to die - went to the bathroom - had a bm came back and was shaking uncontrollably.

I started taking Zoloft at 30 weeks pregnant - coz everyone said it was anxiety attacks.

Now, at 3 months postpartum, I realize that something is definitely going on. I went to a gastroenterologist and he wanted to do a colonoscopy (I have blood sometimes - although maybe it is a fissure or something??). But I said no, because I don't want to stop breastfeeding. I did have a blood test this week for Celiac and am awaiting the results.

What do you guys think? Does this sound like IBS? I had an attack on friday in the library - I thought I was going to faint on the floor. I had to leave both kids and run to the toilet.

Any help and advice appreciated. Thanks for listening.

Love Sarah

Hi Sarah. So sorry for your problems. Why not consider the colonoscopy and return to breast feeding after the sedatives are out of your system? You are really suffering from this problem and need to get some answers to get the right treatment.


Can you store your breast milk prior to the procedure to give you enough milk for what your baby will need for a few extra days?

Just a thought. Good luck and keep us posted,
Katie G

Hi Mumpy,
I experienced several of the same symptoms (waking up in the middle of the night with chills, hot flashes, extreme dizziness, nausea and then the big d) and I'm pretty sure it wasn't food poisoning. I've had it twice since I found out I have IBS-C. Also, it only happened when I ate onions, which I'm pretty sure by now I'm allergic to. I can totally relate, because it felt like I was going into shock. It seems that ever since I found out I have IBS, I have fewer things I can eat. Try the fiber thing. It helps along with picking off the things that give you a worse time although if you're hard headed like me, it may take you a while to admit what those things are.
Take care and good luck.

anna

Sarah, your symptoms don't sound too good.

Post>>Abdominal and lower back pains - with nausea, dizziness, feeling faint and hot flushes before having a bm. Stools were totally different - hard and small. I felt constipated but every now and then I had diarrhea<<

Just about a year ago I had Emergency Surgery for a bowel impaction.
It was Emergency Surgery because bowel problems can turn life threatening very quicky.
You are a new mother.
You need to be healthy for the sake of your children.
Period.
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and tell you exactly what I think.
Stop breast feeding and get your health tended.
A toxic body full of toxic body toxins from being so backed up in your bowel can't be all that healthy anyway.
I have chronic constipation from extensive endometriosis and adhesions to my external colon.
My body gets so toxic that my skin will fester and break out.
Think about it.
TAKE CARE,
kat

Hi,

I just thought I might mention that I have had a colonoscopy without any sedatives. It is not that bad. If you can tolerate labour, this will seem like a walk in the park.

Best of Luck

C.

I was in your shoes.... I was breast feeding and put off a colonoscopy and other tests due to that very reason.... till my son was over two years old.

now I wish I had just stored my milk let my hubby or I bottle feed the stored milk for a few days while I pumped off the milk in the interim... having had the tests I feel much better. Not because they found anything or because my symptoms are gone but because the stress of all the what ifs is gone. No more worrying about colon cancer, bowel diseases etc... it really takes a weight off trust me! Plus the symptoms HAVE eased up and I believe that it is the reduction in stress that has truly helped me.

What ever you choose to do remember that the healthier you are the happier and healthier your family is! I was constantly in paranoia and fear of attacks.. we didn't leave the house very much particularly due to the pain and gas it just wasn't the happy easy going lifestyle we have now!

I now treat myself with metamucil 3X day (don't feel you have to do this once or twice is fine for most!) a very concentrated effort to drink more water daily that there is in Lake Ontario, and to up my fruits and vegs.... if that isn't working I will fall back on a glycerin suppository to help get me back on track, so far its working fairly well, but I'm always prepared for the ineveitable relapse knowing it too will pass!
good luck 'sammy

Hi,

Check out "adhesions"!!!!!! This could very well be your problem!!!
Karen