Is This IBS? - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

Kackie · 11-17-2003, 12:36 PM

Very brief history: Visited a GP in June for ongoing problems. Was diagnosed with hypothyroidism (constipation is a primary symptom). Mentioned an intermittent "squeezing" sensation immediately below and between my breasts. She sent me to have a sonogram of my gallbladder. Results were gallbladder cysts and she sent me to a gastroenterologist. Unfortunately, her office had not sent the file over and the doctor didn't have a clue why I was there. Quick scramble, my file is faxed over, and the doc glances at it and says, "It's (the gallbladder cysts) nothing." However, he then prodded my abdomen for a few seconds and said I probably had IBS and scheduled an endoscopy. I refused, however, to have the procedure. He gave me a sample of something and said to take it the next time I had the squeezing or, if it was really intense, I should go to the ER because it could be my heart (!?!).

I've also since been diagnosed with probable fibromyalgia (although my joint, skin and muscle pain is ALSO probably related to thyroid).

I've been suffering from the constant sensation, that I would now term "gnawing," for over a month (again, right below and between my breasts). For the last few weeks I've had soft, very malodorous bowels, several times a day (often floating). I have a sense of fullness, acid reflux, flatulence, and nausea. My belly is bloated. For the last three days, I've had an INTENSE stomach ache, such that eating is too painful; I haven't eaten at all today and have a stomach ache.

I apologize for the length of this post and the graphic nature. I'm just confused, particularly since bowel disorders are symptomatic of thyroid. It was my impression that IBS caused extreme pain/discomfort in the lower bowels and and immediate diarrhea. Do my symptoms sound like IBS?

Thank you.

actudan · 11-17-2003, 06:07 PM

Your problems could be IBS but you have to run tests to exclude other possible diseases. That's how IBS is diagnosed, by exclusion. IBS can cause extreme pain/discomfort in the lower bowels and diarrhea/constipation. It can also cause upper discomfort too. There is a criteria that most IBSers meet and you can find that information here

[url]http://www.jhu.edu/~jhumag/0497web/gastro1.html[/url]

However, my doctor said that the majority of people with IBS usually follow the criteria but it doesn't mean that you don't have IBS if you don't follow the crtieria exactly. I believe you need to have some tests run before you can say that you have IBS. You don't want to be overlooking something that isn't IBS and you let that something turn into something serious.

Good luck!

Kackie · 11-18-2003, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by actudan

Your problems could be IBS but you have to run tests to exclude other possible diseases. That's how IBS is diagnosed, by exclusion. IBS can cause extreme pain/discomfort in the lower bowels and diarrhea/constipation. It can also cause upper discomfort too. There is a criteria that most IBSers meet and you can find that information here

[url]http://www.jhu.edu/~jhumag/0497web/gastro1.html[/url]

However, my doctor said that the majority of people with IBS usually follow the criteria but it doesn't mean that you don't have IBS if you don't follow the crtieria exactly. I believe you need to have some tests run before you can say that you have IBS. You don't want to be overlooking something that isn't IBS and you let that something turn into something serious.

Good luck!

Actudan: Thank you for this information and the link to the informative website. I still can't put my finger on what's going on - some of my symptoms may be consistant with IBS; others seem to have no bearing. I am seeing an endocrinologist for the first time on Friday and then, based on anything he may say, will seek out a gastroenterologist. Had a few bites of egg for dinner last night, 2 OTC Pepcid and 4 Pepto-B's and woke up with a "punched in the stomach" ache. SO not looking forward to another day like this.

Again, though, thank you for your help.