IBS with back pain - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

Black Kat · 04-07-2004, 07:52 PM

I went to the doctor about 1 1/2 years ago because I was having pain in the right side of my back, through my kidney area. I had already had several UTI's, so I thought maybe that had something to do with it. The first doctor insisted it was a muscle, even though she did absolutely no tests to come to that theory, not even an x-ray. I am very active & I know what a pulled muscle feels like, so 2 months later I went to another doctor. She thought my problem was IBS, because I had also become very irregular with my bowel movements. They went ahead & checked out my kidney, but even though there is a prominent area on my right kidney, they said it is fine. I am still having the pain, but I've noticed that I get air lodged in the middle of my stomach, & that's when my stomach & back starts hurting. The air moves when I breathe, & it's very audible to people around me. Lately its been starting shortly after I get up in the morning. Things like Gas-X just don't cut it. Does anyone have any suggestions? This is getting very frustrating!

6th_sense · 04-07-2004, 11:53 PM

Hi Black Kat,

I don't know what to make of your symptoms, but when I started with IBS I had similar episodes to yours and that is why I would suspect that your second doctor might be right about the IBS. I had pain on the right hand side of my intestines and pain in my back (right hand side) too - although in my situation, the pain was usually after a particularly fatty or heavy meal. It just sounds like your gall bladder is acting up slightly, and you are getting the gurgling sounds of IBS - common to many of us whose intestines are trapping air due to the erratic peristaltic movement. (movement of food through the intestines). Well, there are a lot of us here with IBS, and we can relate and hopefully offer you some helpful advice in dealing with your troubles - if you read the other posts here - you will find that many bring up interesting topics and information that relates to what you are going through.

As for helping with the pain, I find that active yogourt helps me with the pain to a certain degree.

Well, I hope others can help you too.

Cheers, Raju.

Black Kat · 04-14-2004, 07:56 PM

I went back to the doctor on Monday and she is sending me to a gastroentrologist on the 27th. She did some more blood work to double check my liver & kidney function, & to check for inflammation. The results came back perfect! Does anybody have any advice for my appointment on the 27th?

Asleep · 04-16-2004, 11:12 PM

Sometimes back pain can indicate ulcers. I'm sure your GI will check this all out. Don't be afraid if he says he wants to do an upper and/or lower GI. Uncomfortable and all that, but well worth it to find out what is going on.

Good luck.

jossr · 04-17-2004, 07:02 PM

For years, I have had this upper back pain especially on the left side that radiates to my side especially after eating fatty foods or bending over, pushing or pulling something. It usually last for about a day with me taking pain meds and using a heating pad. My gastro dr says I have GERD, gastritis and IBS. Not gallbladder problem, had all the tests. I wondering if this is a back problem because I have large breasts.