Does IBS cause you to have diarreha 10-20 times a day, day and night for 3 months, then turn to constipation for a month with maybe 1-2 bowels movements everyday two weeks? My gastroenterologist says I have IBS but I have also lost 15 pounds and from what I have read IBS folks do not lose weight??? I am nauseated at times with the dry heaves but never vomiting. I just hope I have not been misdiagnosed and have further hades to go through before this is over??
Hi Cathy,
Sorry you are having so much trouble!! I agree that you need to see another Doctor for a second opinion.
I suggest you read the first magazine article in the post "Worth Reading for IBSers" ---it outlines the symptoms for people that have IBS. I don't think nausea is included. But, to properly DX IBS it is a matter of eliminating other bad things.
God Bless-----Harry
Try getting a stool test for parasites. (giardia, d. fragelis). I had giardia and had all those symptoms plus the weight loss. when meds helped get rid of it i started to gain the weight back. just a suggestion. my doctor told me parasite infections are surprisingly common (especially in the mountain states) and easily beaten.
I know exactly how you feel. I've been living with IBS for 4 years now, and I tend to jump back and forth between extremes. I've lost a lot of weight, too--mostly because when I'm having diarrhea, I've found that my stomach will calm down if I don't eat for 24 hours.
Metamucil seems to help, though. I can't stand the drink mix, but the cookies are really good. I have also heard that people with these symptoms should get their gallbladder checked. I think your family practice doctor can do that through a blood test.
