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Do my symptoms sound like IBS

Posted , 6 users are following.

launa27438
launa27438

Hi, just wanted to get some advice from people in the know, with regards to my symptoms as they seem very similar to that of IBS sufferers, so wanted to see what you thought please.

It all happened very suddenly and one night October last year I woke in the night with horrendous stomach pains that I was doubled over in pain with, didn't know what to do with myself as whether I stood, laid or sat they were constant with occasionally extra stabbing ones too. I was sick a bit and had diarrhoea. I thought it was my appendix and didn't know if I should call an ambulance as not experienced pain like that, but ended up in a heap on the bathroom floor. The following morning I shuffled to the doctors as couldn't stand straight with the pain and he was thorough but sent me to a&e where I was prodded and poked around for the next 8 hours, they said my bowel was inflamed but put it down to gastritinitus and sent me home.

I didn't think it was that due to the severity of the pain which stayed with me for 3 days and then started to ease, but left me with a dull ache on lower right hand side for a good week. I kept getting niggles and was aware of dull aches etc, and then about a month later the exact same pain came again one night, id been out all day with no problem or warning but then it happened again. this time only a tiny bit sick and no diarrhoea, but horrendous pain aginand the same patterned followed after.

In total I had the intense pain 3 times in last 6 months. I was sent to a gynaecologist as scans hadn't shown anything or blood tests. My doctor thought it was endometriosis but the gynae doesn't think it is, and I go back in a month to see how I've been.

I haven't had the intense pain for 2 months, just niggles and quite bubbly tummy at times but that's been all, if I eat a big meal can be a bit painful at night but seems to pass.

IBS hasn't been mentioned by anyone, but just from doing my own research I came across things that seemed very similar, so wanted to go in to my next appointment armed with info so I cant be fobbed off or just left to see what may happen, as the intense pain has me bed ridden which is not me, so shows how bad it is.

I look forward to hearing from you and any views or info you can give.

Thank you

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • elizamac
    elizamac

    Posted

    Hi there, I have to say that vomiting is not usually associated with IBS (although you can experience nausea at times). It sounds to me as though you experienced a bout of 'upset tummy', or gastritis due to either a virus or something you had eaten, and that this has, in turn, left your digestive system a little 'irritable'.

    Sometimes following a tummy bug your system can become a little intolerant to certain foods, such as milk, which can lead to diahorrea and cramps.

    At least your doctors have ruled out any gynaecological causes.

    The whole IBS thing is a bit of a grey area and there are many of us sufferers out here still trying to find answers and solutions! If your symptoms continue or worsen I would definitely pursue it with your GP as there are a number of tests that can be done to exclude other inflammatory bowel conditions.

    Best of luck! smile

  • caro13
    caro13

    Posted

    Read up on Coeliac and also Crohn's disease via the internet ....your GP should test you for Coeliac disease via a blood test before giving you a diagnosis of IBS....but if you look at Coeliac Org UK website you will see symptoms to look out for - which are many and varied - diagnosis and how it affects your gut ....read up as much as you can so you have more understanding of Coeliac and Crohn's - and see other forums on this website for lots of information too......And ask for a referral to a Gastroenterologist - that would seem best bet. It was he who diagnosed me after being ill for over two years...just by talking to me he told me he was 95% sure what was wrong with me. GPs don't always have all this knowledge so Consultants are the best way forward if you have no improvement within a couple of months. Do not eliminate anything from your diet until you have had the Coeliac blood test or you may not get an accurate result - very important this!
  • ice-cream-sarnie
    ice-cream-sarnie

    Posted

    Sounds like a dose of food poisoning. Suprised a stool sample wasnt taken. IBS symptoms rarely induce vomiting. Gastrointeritus and food posoning will make you vomit and diarrhea, both ends at same time. However, the body does deal with the bacteria on its own if you keep yourself hydrated.

    But to be honest your symptoms could be a number of causes and best let your doc do the basic tests to rule out any severe illness with organs or intestines. I assume you have had ultrasound done and standard blood tests.

    Elizamac makes a valid point. Possible complications include the following: Persistent diarrhoea syndromes may rarely develop. Irritable bowel syndrome is sometimes triggered by a bout of food poisoning. Lactose intolerance can sometimes occur for a period of time after food poisoning.

    Actually, bad indigestion can be really painful and you suggest its after you have over eaten. So dont over eat.

    IBS tends to be chronic and with only a few episodes in six months it may just be sensitivity to your initial problem. Only time will tell. Try not to over eat, avoid alcohol and eat tummy comforting foods and herbs for a while.

  • lynn51967
    lynn51967

    Posted

    Have you been tested for Gall Stones? I had very similar symptoms with terrible pain on a regular basis.

    It was always fobbed off as gastroenteritis.

    Eventually it was diagnosed as Gall Stones, but while waiting to be operated on I had an excruciating attack

    And emergency operation.

    Of course this may not be what you have, but worth an investigation.

    Good luck!

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