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Diagnosed with IBS but I feel it’s more severe than that, please help

Posted , 4 users are following.

tayls16
tayls16

I am 19 years old & female. For as long as I can remember I have suffered from painful stomach cramps & aggresive sickness mostly every single day, the symptoms mimic Gastroenteritis. At one point I fainted while on the toilet and my mum rushed my to hospital and they told me it was due to the amount of pain I was in. I have spoken with my local GP and he suggests I have IBS, but I feel it is something much more severe, I am being referred to the hospital but that can take up to 40 weeks. I have been kicked out of college 3 times due to my absences with my sickness & it is now effecting my job. Other symptoms include; bloating, itchy skin, depression & fatigue. 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 tayls16

    Posted

    Have you had a definite diagnosis of IBS and have you had tests to rule other causes?  If all other causes are ruled out, IBS is diagnosed.  Do you have change of bowel habit and does your pain move about and get temporarily better after a bowel movement? Do you get pain after eating? Have you tried a food diary?  IBS can range from mild, moderate to severe and everyone experiences it differently.
    • tayls16
      tayls16 pippa58442

      Posted

      Yes the pain eases once I am cleared out, but I usually have constipation and when I am able to go to the toilet it is very watery stool. I have tried keep track of what I’m eating but I still haven’t been able to figure out what’s kicking it off. 
    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 tayls16

      Posted

      My IBS usually gives me constipation, but it can swing to loose stools or diarrhoea.  If you have trouble going to the loo, try lots of fruit; when you get diarrhoea or loose stools try bananas or rice to bind you up. You could also try imodium.

      If food isn’t the cause, stress might be the trigger.  With me, I am fine with food, but stress brings on my symptoms.  Your symptoms sound like IBS, but a confirmed medical diagnosis is key.  Getting my diagnosis stopped my health anxiety and improved my IBS dramatically.

       

  • borderriever
    borderriever tayls16

    Posted

    Tayls

    I have not heard of anyone fainting with pain alone, if this is the case a course of Pain Management may be needed.I w as treated at Pain Management and most of the course is to do with Relaxation Techniques etc.

    Treatments are or can be very intense and you will need to follow their instruction and use their techniques on a regular basis.

    If you are awaiting an appointment you will know what department you will attend, Pain Management courses are like hens teeth.

    IBS can be treated by change of diet, your GP will know this and should be able to introduce you to various pathways. The Practice Nurse should be able to keep an eye on you. Can your GP arrange scans to check your tummy and also tests on the Bowel can also be undertaken, the latter is invasive and sedation can be offered

    Can you discuss your problems once more, generally scans waiting time can be excessive, not forty weeks. The bowel can also be checked in day surgery and the results may be immediate as will some treatments.

    If you are in so much pain you may be suffering Anxiety, as mentioned above, discuss this with your GP and explain how this problem is affecting your life

    BOB

  • robbie35496
    robbie35496 tayls16

    Posted

    A GP can NOT diagnose IBS. Get referred to a specialist gastroenterologist. Please please please insist on this! 
    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 robbie35496

      Posted

      A GP can diagnose IBS.  My GP diagnosed my IBS on the basis that all my tests were negative.  You only need to see a gastroenterolgist if your GP cannot diagnose you.
    • robbie35496
      robbie35496 pippa58442

      Posted

      Sorry but What do GPs know about IBS?  In my experience, nothing. The tests they can do is limited. I have been there and done that 
    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 robbie35496

      Posted

      No test or scan will show IBS because it is a functional disorder. iBS can only be identified when other causes are ruled out. My GP is very knowledgeable and was able to recognise my IBS when I outlined my symptoms.  I was most impressed with this because I had been seven times to different doctors and got nowhere.  On my eighth attempt, I got my breakthrough when I had given up hope.  

      My brother was also correctly diagnosed with IBS by a GP.  Some GPs are more knowledgeable than others.  The trouble is you have to see many poor ones before finding someone good.  It took me three and a half months of pain, panic and despair to get help, but I got there in the end.

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