Is it possible to have diverticular disease and ibs at same time - Bowel Disorders Message Board

dee01 · 12-09-2008, 01:36 AM

I have had ibs for 8 years. A year ago i had an episode of what i thought was ibs, i had severe stomach pain, diarrohea and lots of rectal bleeding, went to g-docs and was told it was just ibs. Had another similar episode a month later, my doc sent me to hospital for tests. I had a sigmoid colonscopy, scans etc, surgeon said i have beginnings of diverticular disease and scheduled me for barium enema, the results came back clear, which i cant understand. Went to doc several more times to be told i have ibs not diverticular disease. I am now having these episodes on a weekly basis, severe stomach pain, constipation, diarrohea, fever, headaches, some rectal bleeding and vomiting with pain that bad i feel like im going to pass out. Doc never gives me anything but painkillers which just constipate me.Have been to doc countless times , then to be told i dont have ibs i have diverticular disease. Had another episode 2 days ago, went to doc again to be told that i have ibs and diverticular disease, i dont know if im coming or going. Hopefully someone can throw some light on the subject for me.

vh90453 · 12-09-2008, 04:23 AM

Sorry about your dilemma. IBS never causes bleeding. IBS is a diagnosis of elimination, everything else has to be ruled out first. The only way to do that thoroughly is by a full colonoscopy. The symptoms you describe could be diverticulitus, if this is the case and you are having fevers etc. the diverticuli is probably infected and needs to be treated now. I'm not sure about the vomiting, you may also need an endoscopy. I'm sure it's possible to have both at the same time. Bleeding from the bowel is never normal and needs to be thoroughly investigated. I would change Doctors, he's giving you the run around. All the best.

dee01 · 12-09-2008, 05:08 AM

Thanks for you help. Doc says vomiting is probably due to extreme pain. Im changing docs after christmas as cant take this pain any longer.

Redneon82 · 12-10-2008, 02:45 PM

I have both diverticular disease and IBS. My doctor initially put off surgery because he said it would aggravate my IBS. I finally had a severe attack resulting in an abscess and after healing, had the surgery.

He was right, my IBS does seems to flare up but the surgery eliminated the sick feeling and constant pain in my lower left quadrant.

I never had rectal bleeding or vomiting (thank God) but I do sometimes have some nausea as well as some severe indigestion and diarrhea about two or three times a week. These are probably from the IBS.

I agree, a second (or third) opinion, including a full endoscopy and CT scan with contrast are probably a good idea. Hope all goes well.

Harry · 12-10-2008, 11:19 PM

Nausea and indigestion is not retated to IBS.
The Rome II criteria is the recognized symptoms Internationally. It is a Lower Bowel Syndrome that is not related to the upper part of the digestive system.

Diverticular pockets can certainly form in the colon and associated with IBS but not caused by it.

There is now on the market a very high potency probiotic supplement -- VSL#3 -- that is being used to significantly help IBS.

Harry