stomachaches during the night? - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

luvmyboys · 11-21-2003, 07:51 AM

I have some questions that I hope someone can help. I have IBS and have read that it typically doesn't wake people from sleep. Is that true? Does anyone ever wake up and roll over in bed only to start feeling the pre-rumbles and noises and gas followed by cramps and a stomachache? What about nausea? Can severe double over cramps cause nausea before and during a bowel movement? How long does one typically feel "bad" after an attack? Like how long before you can feel like eating again? I also am terribly rumbly after these "clean out" type stomachaches. Is that normal? Is it really IBS? I have read the typical symptoms of IBS and have read posts on these boards and there seems to be so much more to it than having to go to the bathroom after eating. I used to do that, but now it seems to be early morning when I wake up like 5 am or so. Anyone else have stuff like this? What do doctors say?

6th_sense · 11-21-2003, 08:44 AM

Hi luvmyboys,

Yes, I believe it is possible to have IBS wake you up in the middle of the night for different reasons - it is a strange disorder that way - although it isn't all that common. Unfortunately, I also believe that different combinations of how people feel and in what order they feel things can be mixed up completely.

- Raju -

Hope2Heal · 11-22-2003, 09:48 PM

yes it happens to me, also causes insomnia as I can't sleep when I feel that way. I try to relieve the pain. GAs -X very helpful. Also, eating more protein. Eating to treat my symptoms. Bubbly gassy crampy means Diarreah for me so I take immodium AD or eat something that will counteract that, meat, bananas, white rice, etc. also drink extra water, dehydration has similar symptoms. Pressure bloating sharp pain means constipation and I take a fiber supplement, eat high fiber foods and salads. For me it is changing my diet and supplements every 2-3 days to balance out the symptoms. Then eventually I feel better for awhile. Everyone is different so learn what pains go with what symptoms and find ways to treat yourself. Good luck

Hope2Heal · 11-22-2003, 09:51 PM

I have found taking Lorazapam or similar anti-anxiety meds (highly addictive, use only in emergency) calms the intestinal spasms and puts me right to sleep. If you can't get access to these prescription drugs, try benedryl or tylenol PM to knock you out when you can't sleep. It seems to dull the pain enough to put you out.
hope you heal!!