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I think I may have IBS...

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april14718
april14718

I am in my twenties and female. As far back as I can remember I have had issues with my bowels. I get constipated every week. I used to only have a bowel movement once a week, sometimes once every 2 weeks. All the online research I have seen always said to exercise, change what you eat, drink more water. And I have done just that. I even went as far as taking a laxative, which I honestly can say did nothing but make me gassy. My newest thing is eating an Activia yogurt one to two times a week. That has been helping but mostly I have more gas than an actual BM. So, my main symptoms are constipation, and I am bloated a lot! I bloat very easily. I also have GERD (acid reflux disease) so my stomach is very sensitive. Another symptom I get is right after having a successful (medium to large) stool, give it about 10 minutes and I feel pressure on my bum as if I have to go again. When I sit for long periods of time I notice the pressure gets worse, and when I try and go- nothing. I get gassy even right after going. I think, ok maybe I am not done and there's more. but sitting on the toilet trying to go and no result. 

Does this sound like IBS-C? Should I see a doctor for this or is there no treatment or cure?

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • confusedhere13
    confusedhere13 april14718

    Posted

    I was diagnosed with IBS-D, so I don't know what you would be going through on the constipation side of things.

    However, your symptoms could definitely be related to IBS-C

    There is no "cure" for IBS, however there are medications that make coping with it much better.

    So, I would say that whether this is IBS or not, going to a gastroenterologist would do you some good.

  • Missjosefina
    Missjosefina april14718

    Posted

    I've seen some very sympathetic gp's and specialists. But the one who has made a difference is seeing a dietitian. Instead of focusing on getting a diagnosis, the dietitian has just gone straight in and put a food plan that works specifically with my individual symptoms.

    We had an hour together, where she went through my exact symptoms, what kind of stools I'm having...she had about 10 diagrams and descriptions for me to choose from hahahaha!...and the frequency (including whether I felt 'finished' after I'm done).

    Already, I'm feeling massively better by following her regime. I have ibs-d and diverticular disease so there's little point me suggesting what works best for me.

    However, if you're constipated, it usually suggests that stool is not moving through your system as it needs to. One tip I got from my occupational health specialist was that if I feel constipated on this new food regime, I should lie on my back and imagine my body is a clock face, with my groin area being 12o clock. From 2o clock, deeply massage the belly in a clockwise direction until you get to 11o clock. There's plenty of videos available on YouTube that show you how to do this.

    I hope you get more great advice from the forum and I hope your symptoms improve like mine have xxx

  • astrozombie
    astrozombie april14718

    Posted

    Possibly but I would say visit your doc first because if it is not then any advice will be worthless. 
  • philippa61759
    philippa61759 april14718

    Posted

    I have IBS C but when it started I had IBS A as well. Now it is back to IBS C.  After eating Activia my bowel movements got more regular.  I have mild stomach pain which can be occasionally agony.  Buscopan and painkillers work.  Food causes no problems.  However, see your doctor to get a diagnosis.
  • vincent3
    vincent3 april14718

    Posted

     Yes go  see gastrologist and you will have a colonoscopy because that's the only help they will give you and most likely they will say everything is fine after the exam
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