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Hey all
So for the last 3 weeks, I have been having an issue. Practically every morning, I awaken to a twisting, cramping, sharp pain in my lower abdomen, well below the belly button. It feels like gas or the kind of pain that is immediately followed by passing a very loose stool. Indeed, on a number of occasions, I have gotten out of bed to use the bathroom in the morning. However my stools have been completely normal as far as I can tell.
I have certainly been feeling abnormally gassy and bloated. The pain seems to subside or lessen when I pass gas or have a BM, but usually returns soon after. It is not a constant pain, though it is consistently present several times a day, every day. But like today, for example, while playing basketball for two hours, I felt no discomfort at all.
In addition to having this painful feeling in the morning when I wake up around 6:30-7:00, I also notice that it seems to intensify when eating meals. And I mean the reaction is simultaneous. I will be eating and the pain will start all the way at the bottom of my abdomen. I have read that the act of eating can trigger your colon? It seems like that is what is happening.
Overall, my stools have been normal. Always a shade of brown, never red or black. They have been normal shape and consistency. Nevertheless, the pain remains. It is the oddest sensation in the sense that I would swear I was about to pass watery, loose stool based on the discomfort I am feeling. Nevertheless, the stool is normal.
I did see my GI a week ago for my acid reflux/hiatal hernia issue and mentioned this all to him and he did not seem concerned at all seeing as I "was not loosing weight, having bloody stools, or intense pain." He did give me IBGard and I have been taking that 3 times a day. Not sure it is helping at all though.
A month ago, I also had an abdominal ultrasound ordered by my GP because he suspected I had an inguinal hernia due to an injury from basketball/weightlifting. The results showed no hernia and revealed nothing out of the ordinary except a left renal cyst that they will check again in 6 months.
Lastly, concerning my history, I can honestly admit that there have been a rather large number of times in my life when stress/anxiety/nervousness has directly lead to abdominal discomfort and loose stools. Whether getting ready for a presentation, or seeing a doctor, or waiting for a CT scan result on a lump that turned out to be nothing, I always seemed to have such problems. This feels very much like those times, except it is lasting 3 weeks now and the stools have been normal.
I also am aware that certain foods upset me. Greasy pizza, scrambled eggs, french toast ... often lead to loose stools and abdominal discomfort. I have had none of those things over this 3 week period, however.
So three questions:
1.) Can a person have IBS without having constipation/loose stools?
2.) Can an IBS flare-up last weeks?
3.) Do I sound like an IBS sufferer or is there something else going on
Thank you all so much for your time and advice!
0 likes, 9 replies
alexia99692 NC10
Posted
pippa58442 NC10
Posted
Shellie6810 NC10
Posted
Hi there! I've had ibs for many years, but am not an expert on the subject. I'm not sure if you can have ibs without the constipation or diarrhea. They usually classify ibs as one or the other. I do believe the flare ups can last. I have constant minor ibs symptoms. Daily. My extreme pain that I get thankfully only comes once a month to every few months. Your symptoms definitely sound ibs related, but only a doctor can tell you for sure.
NC10
Posted
Thank you all for your responses
It is true that certain foods often trigger discomfort. I generally stay away from the foods I listed above. Which, in a way, is what makes this situation and its longevity so odd. I have another question also, if you all don't mind.
Does the appearance of mucus on the stool ever occur for someone with IBS? I have not seen anything that would be considered a large quantity. But during this event, I have noticed a small amount of mucus. Truth be told, I cannot say if that has always been the case for myself as I have only recently begun actually investigating the stool. My GI doctor didn't seem at all concerned. But is that something others have experienced during flare-ups?
Thank you!
pippa58442 NC10
Posted
Shellie6810 NC10
Posted
NC10 pippa58442
Posted
Yaaaa .... I am trying to not be too neurotic about it lol. Ever since my doctor told me about blood in stools or changes in consistency/color I've been perhaps a tad too curious
pippa58442 NC10
Posted
Don’t worry about any of these things if these things haven’t happened. If they do occur, simply see your doctor again.
astrozombie NC10
Posted
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