Severe cramps and "going" after I eat...anyone else? - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

bleweyes · 11-24-2005, 01:43 AM

I had my gallbladder out about 6 months ago. After surgery I had bathroom problems, and I went to a gastro dr. who told me I had IBS. I took meds for it, and it seemed to get better. Here is my problem...I don't have diarrhea or constipation, but kind-of a combo of the two. After I eat, I feel the "urge" to go. Sometimes while I am still eating and other times right afterward. Depending on what I eat, I get severe cramps. These cramps are definitly "I have to go" cramps. At times I am doubled over in pain so severe, I cry. I feel like I have to go, but can't. Once I finally go, it is very, very soft but not water. I usually go after I spend 20 minutes or so in the bathroom. During that 20 mins. I suffer cramping, sweating one second and then freezing the next, pain in my calfs, not being able to sit still...it is driving me crazy! I dread eating and sometimes I can't eat. I am at the point where if I look at certain foods, I get sick to my stomach. Any help or suggestions would be wonderful. This is my first post, sorry it is so long!

Barefoot1 · 11-24-2005, 08:46 AM

I've stopped eating out (anywhere!) because of the same problem. I eat, my intestines start running full speed, and within a matter of an hour, I'm on the toilet, sweating, cramping, crying and cursing!

I've heard that a medication called Questran can help folks with IBS after gallbladder removal. You may want to check into that.

Also, I've found that when I eat, if I eat bread or rice before I start eating my meal, helps considerably. I DO NOT eat salads, fruit or veggies unless I'm absolutely craving them, and know that the bathroom is free and stocked up with toilet paper!

Barefoot

bleweyes · 11-25-2005, 10:13 PM

Thank you so much for responding. Questran...I believe I was put on that by the gastro dr. I know he gave me Bentyl (sp?) and I think Questran. I know one med was a powder that I had to mix with water...yuck...very yuck! I will try eating some bread before I eat, thanks! Salads and fruits are bad on me as well. I was dreading Thanksgiving dinner! I took some Levbid about an hour before I ate and no trips to the bathroom...yet! Thanks again!

river525 · 11-25-2005, 10:53 PM

Bleweyes and barefoot......Everything you describe is me!! Infact just got back from going out to dinner and the minute (it felt that way) after I took a few bites my stomach started going haywire and I was racing towards the women's room!! Horrible pains felt like I wouldn't make it, etc etc. and then to beat all - a line out the door to women's room!!!!!! So there I was sweating, pacing the floor, and then by the time it's my turn, nothing. So back to the table I go and eat a few more bites and whammo I'm racing back to the bathroom. My husband ended up paying the check and getting our food to go because it was just a comedy almost with my getting up and down to go.

Long story short I had my gallbladder out also a few years ago. I always wondered if my "new" problems was due to having it out. Although the pains from my gallbladder are gone; I feel like I have gained a new problem! Does it ever end?

I'm having my first colonoscopy this Tuesday and as I'm not looking forward to it; I will be very interested to hear the doctor's suggestion on what to do because I am sick and tired of feeling like I am tied to the toliet when I eat.

I will post what he tells me and hopefully it will be helpful. Just wish me luck on drinking all the prep junk on Monday - YUCK!! but as much as I'm dreading it; I am so hopeful that I will finally have some answers.

Sorry for such a long post; I'm just "thriilled" to find others experiencing the same symptoms and to know I'm not alone.

bleweyes · 11-27-2005, 11:48 PM

River...I'm so sorry about your bathroom disaster, one of many I'm sure! Good luck Monday and Tuesday, I hope everything goes well and you get some answers! Please do post how things turn out for you as well as what the Dr. says. It is a good feeling to know that you are not the only one with "bathroom" problems. Again...Good Luck!