Self-Diagnosing IBS?? - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

karenrenee · 12-31-2008, 09:22 AM

I cannot afford a doctor visit right now...as i have NO insurance. So, I would like to know if there is a way to narrow down to IBS? I can give a little detail on my symptoms and would appreciate anyones input.

alternating constipation/diarreah
severe cramping seems to only be at night (lasting until i eventually have a bm or until i finally go to sleep)
large meals
fried foods and tomato products are usually a trigger of cramping
have moments of difficult breathing and panic which are followed by a rough night
just a stressful day or worrying about finances or children, ect

The cramping/uncomfortable BMs are not an everyday occurance. But the cramping is sometimes so severe i would do anything for it to go away! I may go months without having any problems at all. I have not noticed any mucus in the BM, so that is different than most. I do not normally have bleeding. The ONLY time bleeding occurs is when the stool is extremely large and hard.

If this is NOT IBS, what could else could it be?
Thanks in advance.

precious49 · 12-31-2008, 10:32 AM

Hi karenrenee,
I do have IBS and your symtoms do sound alot like that could be it. My cramping is so bad at times that it make me remember birthing my babies. I found that I was also Lactose Intolerant (milk products) and lactose is in almost all processed foods. There are other names also--whey,monosodium glutamate,lactic acid,etc--I have to read labels on everything. When I quit getting milk products in my system--then I have no more diarrhea. And there are alot of good soy products. If you are interested I will share that info with you. As for the constipation I added alot of fiber--and drink lots of water or things with water in them. I also know what you mean about not being able to breath and panic--it hurts so bad that I've had to call my husband to the bathroom to help me--I would even sweat alot and shake uncontrolably. Finally realized that I was almost going into shock so I would drink as much water as I could and that helped. Hope this helps you a little. precious49
God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay

karenrenee · 12-31-2008, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by precious49

If you are interested I will share that info with you.

That would be wonderful! I am not going to say its good to know that I am not the only one....I would never wish this on anyone! I am just glad that you were willing to share with me. THank you!

janewhite1 · 12-31-2008, 11:21 AM

I do not see anything alarming in that list of symptoms. I'm not saying that you necessarily have IBS, just that I don't see evidence that you have anything terribly dangerous. I agree with Precious that you should try changes to diet and lifestyle and see if that helps.

Try eliminating dairy for a while, try eliminating gluten. Either lactose intolerance or celiac disease can produce those types of problems. Eat fiber, this should include whole fruits and veggies as well as whole grains (unless you decide grains are bad for you).

precious49 · 01-01-2009, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karenrenee

That would be wonderful! I am not going to say its good to know that I am not the only one....I would never wish this on anyone! I am just glad that you were willing to share with me. THank you!

Good New Year Morning karenrenee,
I pray that you have a good day. And I know what you mean about not wishing this on someone else. It's difficult to live with but the soy products have made my life easier--(I should own stock in them--not now I guess

--These are the best products that I've tryed so far and I'm very pleased with the taste and have incorporated them into my receipes and no one can tell--sometimes they say it's alot better. I use Silk Milk and Willow Run Soybean Butter--they are expensive but well worth it and my colon loves me for it. If people have never experienced the severe cramping that you and I have had and how it makes you feel afterwards--yes, it can be dangerous--don't let it go to long if you don't get better by changing how you eat. I've also started taking Probiotic Dietary Supplements (acidophilus)--Florajen is the name of what I'm taking--you can get it at a pharmacy that does compounding--it helps with digestion--it's the good bacteria that alot of medications kill. You don't need a prescription. I have gone a week many times without going to the bathroom and then I would have explosive diarrhea--not fun--but when I gave up the dairy and used alot of natural fiber then I'm doing alot better. I pray that this helps you and I pray that this year is a good one with no colon pain. precious49
God Bless You and Yours Today and EveryDay
ps--I will put you on my daily prayer list cause sometimes The Great Physician is the only one that can help.