I need some advice - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

zeldafan · 04-21-2003, 01:43 PM

I am a 32 year old male. I have had stomach problems for a few years now. I went to a GI last week these are my symptoms. I have constant swelling/bloating pain all in my abdomen particularly down the right side. I have usually 4 bowel movements a day, it is usually normal but takes me a while to go, sometimes I get diarrhea but more recently it has been constipation. I don't get a lot of gas its more a constant pain in my abdomen. My tummy bloats up (every day)& it makes me look like I have a big beer belly its awful and it hurts.

The GI examined me last week and said I was very tender down my right side. The GI noted that my gallbladder may be inflammed and hitting on my liver. He ordered blood tests. My white and red cell counts were normal. My liver enzymes (AST and ALT) were elevated, I am not a heavy drinker by any means. I am going to have a Colonoscopy performed on Wednesday of this week. I do not see any blood in my bowel motions. I do not think I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome, but it could be that.

I have not suffered any weight loss. I go to a gym three times a week but tummy exercises are very difficult for me. My gym instructor noted that I am not very flexible when it come to tummy exercises. Plu I find it quite uncomfortable to do abdominal exercises.

Anyone else have symptoms like these and what have you been diagnosed with??

Many thanks in advance

kat721 · 04-21-2003, 09:38 PM

Since your liver enzymes are elavated that means something is going on.
I had a bad case of Hep A years and years ago.
When the liver gets sick it's a pretty painful and traumatic situation.
You might want to simply cut out all irritants to the liver even if you are just the occasional drinker.
You really don't want a bad case of liver pain.
There are also other body conditions that cause liver trouble. It doesn't always have to be alcohol.
Get a good gastroenterologist and take care,
kat

Sarah68 · 04-22-2003, 11:06 AM

Try taking some Milk Thistle. This is very good for liver problems and could help to reduce your liver enzymes. Hospitals do sometimes use this in people with acute liver toxicity. It also helps hepatocyte regeneration.

kat721 · 04-22-2003, 11:17 AM

Milk Thistle works well for Liver dysfunction. But it does not work well enough to continue on with any substance intake that is a stress and strain to the Liver.
The Liver is a pretty vital piece of equipment and it's important to understand the dietary needs when one is trying to maintain good liver health.
With liver issues you may experience waxes and wanes of the condition.
It may flare up and then quiet down. It's what livers do when they are operating from weakness.
So I would think that looking at your liver as a long term consideration regarding health maintenance would be the optimum.
kat

DAnn73 · 04-23-2003, 12:12 PM

I had the same symptoms that you've described above. My liver enzymes were elevated, the pain in my stomach was unbearable and I was bloated to the point where even breathing was painful. I finally (after a few episodes, one lasting 3 days) went to the doc and had an ultrasound and HIDA scan. I was full of gallstones and my gallbladder was completely non-functioning (which in turn elevated my enzymes). About 3 weeks later, I had my gallbladder out.