cramps like period pains ibs?

Posted , 8 users are following.

I have had period like cramps for over a year,after all the usual tests, bloods, ultrasounds, and a colonoscopy, the consultant said I have ibs. But would I get lower stomach pain everyday and back pain radiating down my legs? I don't get diarrhoea just slightly constipated sometimes. I'm 58 years old and worried that it could be something else. Has anyone else had pain everyday, sorry for going on but sick of feeling like this all the time

1 like, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    Oh gosh I get exactly the same thing - not everyday though but pain exactly like you're describing. I've had bouts of diarrhoea with it previously and stomach pain higher up but for the past month its just been as you describe with nothing else.

    So similar to period like cramps that I can't distinguish - but I'm not due on my period when it's been happening. I've had all the samples and blood tests like you  (found nothing), not an ultrasound yet - I have one booked for next week. They've told me it is most likely IBS. Did they look at your overies etc with your ultrasound? They're going to look at my bowels and overies/cervix when I have mine - only becuase I've pushed for it though. 

    • Posted

      Yes they looked at my ovaries and my womb,and my blood test for cancer markers came back normal I also had a smear test that came back normal, then I was sent for a colonoscopy they then said ibs but that was last March and I'm still getting the pain
  • Edited

    Have you gone through the menopause? How often do you open your bowels?How much fibre do you get in your diet? It does sound like IBS. So you need to drink plenty of water and have plenty of fibre. If you do this you may find that your bowels relax and the pain will ease. Do go to the doctors though, as you may need another colonoscopy or he'll ask for a stool sample for testing.
    • Posted

      I went thru the menopause 9 years ago . I maybe don't drink enough . But I try to keep my fibre uptake up, I' saw my Dr on Monday she took more blood tests and booked me in to see the consultant again, hope I don't need another colonoscopy that was a horrible experience.
    • Posted

      If I need another one . Sorry this phone makes up its own words lol
  • Posted

    I just wondered if you could have two separate issues. IBS and the back pain down into the leg may be sciatica? Worth asking your doctor about it.
  • Posted

    I have been gluten wheat and lactose intolerant for over 10 years now and have managed to cope with the very restricted diet up until 2 weeks ago. For the past 2 weeks I have been experiencing severe abdominal pain cramps and flatulence. This started after I had eaten dairy free ice cream the evening before. Blood tests have come back negative. In and out I suffer from bouts of constipation. I really sympathise with you as this has again taken over my life.
  • Posted

    Coiuld be a rapped nerve in the spine/aciatica.

    That is what it is most likely to be. If you are oveweight that is the first issuet o deal with, then some physio or just anti inflammatories (short course) often knocks it back at least for a while

  • Posted

    Perhaps it’s a postmenopause stage, but if it’s an IBS then you have to change your diet and indeed consult a doctor for better medications.
  • Posted

    Well that's reassuring that they've done all the tests and haven't found anything as it was worrying me that it says everywhere that they often misdignose other things for IBS.

    My GP said to me that joint ache is very common with all the gastro problems from IBS to the more serious ones, but like you said the pain feels so similar to a period type pain that it's hard to distinguish especially for me. I've done stool samples and all the blood marker tests so the last thing for me is the Ultrasounds. 

    I don't think it can be to do with the menoupause as I'm 29 and have exactly the same thing. I'm certainley not overweight size 8-10 and 5'4. 

    Have they given you any dietry advice? I went about it 3 years ago when I was just having the terrible stomach cramps and toilet issues and they diagnosed a lactose intolerance, which when I did a food diary seemed the obvious culprit, however when it's flared up this time I haven't been having lactose at all. So I researched the FODMAP diet - I did this for 4 weeks and it calmed down massivley (it's quite restricitve though which got to me) I started re-introducing things last week (which have previously never bothered me) and I think it's the gluten and the houmous which had me running to the loo, that settled over the weekend now I've just been left with this horrible back/hip pain as you describe which stated on Tuesday - which is exactly what I had for 6 weeks Nov/Dec. 

    If I get a definitve IBS diagnoses I'm going to ask to see a dietician - maybe you should do the same. x

  • Posted

    Hi im 61 and have had period type cramps for three weeks ,is yours continual, also stomach very tight, i suffer from back pain anyway for last 15 yrs, but wonder if i have ibs, Stomach doesnt hurt to press,any info would be very grateful,people dont understand . Thanx

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