Irritable Bowel Syndrome

05-23-2004, 10:58 AM

I've been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome by a specialist, but i don't think that is what my problem is. I get horrible abdominal pains so that I can't stand up sometimes when I haven't even eaten all day. I also get pains sometimes as soon as I swallow something. I thought they have tested me for ulcers and anything else that could be the problem, but maybe there is something they haven't taken into consideration? Has anyone else found that there is actually something- not Irritable Bowel Syndrome that is the problem? Im also wondering if this is the case because my periods are irregular and my abdominal pain gets worse around time of ovulation. Actually I don't think I'm really constipated anymore, although I used to be. Help! My abdominal bloating has gotten so I constantly look pregnant. I can't fit into my pants and my waist is almost as big as my hips.

05-23-2004, 12:30 PM

Were any tests done to determine IBS? I think a lot of doctors are fast to label you as having IBS based on certain symptoms without doing any testing. Maybe your doctor is right since IBS can cause stomach pains, bloat, constipation and sometimes the opposite.

If your stomach is bloated it could just be from gas. Other possiblities would maybe be something gynological in nature. I do feel it is probably GI related and most likely is IBS, but if you are really concerned you could get another opinion. Have you seen a GI specialist.

By the way, I was told I may also have IBS based on my symptoms, but sometimes I have to wonder since I have not had any tests done.

Today the latest thing is everytime I eat something I feel a kind of lump in my throat. The doctor told me that was acid reflux and to take an antacid. When I do that it does improve so maybe he is right. Sometimes I get so frustrated myself.

05-24-2004, 07:32 AM

IBS is diagnosed by exclusion meaning you have to rule out all the other possible disorders first. Your symptoms couold be IBS. For instance, some IBSers shouldn't go a long length of time w/o eating anything since it can cause pain. I gave that example because you mentioned that you would sometimes w/o having ate anything. I have been labeled w/ IBS and I have had pretty much all of the tests but I still don't believe I have IBS. I have been in many circles trying to figure out my problem and I have finally come to accept my discomfort until something else pops up. I still have blood work done from time to time but the doctors don't want to do any more diagnostic tests. One doc thinks that I have Costochondritis which seems valid at times but not at all the time. Anyway, research IBS and see if you believe that's what you have. If you don't think that is what you have, push your doctor for more tests. Good luck!

05-24-2004, 07:40 AM

Have you had an upper endoscomy done yet? That would help rule out some other problems. I have similar symptoms & get worse attacks around ovulation as well. One thing that has helped me is avoiding trigger foods such as wheat, nuts and chocolate. Good luck!

05-24-2004, 07:53 AM

I know that a diagnosis of IBS shouldn't be made until tests are run just to rule out other things first. I think a lot of doctors label patients as having IBS without doing any testing and just based on what the patient says. I just hiope in those cases, iincluding myself these doctors are right and it isn't anything more serious.

My symptoms really do seem to match IBS but they match a few other things as well, so who knows? I just live with my aches and pains and hope for the best for the time being.

05-24-2004, 09:14 AM

Hi I'mStuck,

Went through the EXACT same thing you are going thru now, along with chest pains. My gastro said IBS and put me on Zelnorm and I'm better. The one thing I could not understand was why all of the sudden. I've never been sick a day in my life. I ended up talking to my mother about it and she started going thru "the change" at 37. I am 39. I called my gyno and had my hormones tested - sure enough - I'm in permenopause - this causes IBS, reflux, constipation, strange periods - try getting your hormones checked - might give you an answer to why you are going thru this.

Feel better,
kc

05-24-2004, 05:21 PM

heh, thanks for everyone's replies

My GP sent me for a number of tests to rule out other possibiliies, but i am not informed about what all these tests were all about, or the full number of things that should be tested for. I had an abdominal and stomach ultrasound, barium swallow, and blood tests. This week i finally saw the GI specialist and was surprised that all he did was ask a couple questions, press on my stomach and then prescribed me Zelform.

At any rate, i'm going to take the Zelform and see if it works. If it works than great! I just want to feel better. If not than i guess it's a sure indication it's something else.

I'm 23, BTW so I doubt I'm going through something premedopausal, but at this point not much would surprise me about my body. There is a possiblity my hormones are imbalanced though. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

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