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IBS or something else?

Posted , 3 users are following.

xrosie82x
xrosie82x

I have been having pain lower RHS of abdo for the last 4 years.  4 years ago i had lower abdo ultrasound, CT scan and colonoscopy nothing was found so IBS was diagnosed.  the pain had always been like a tightness upon movement rather than cramping etc.  Ever since I have had random nighttime bouts of Diarrhoea and severe cramps then once that has passed waking in the morning just the usual ache.  Usually once in a couple of weeks.

in Dec I was referred to A&E by GP for severe upper RHS abdo pain, unable to sleep through and was constant. suspected gallstones/pancreatitis.  Bloods ruled out pancreatitis but was sent away for a follow up upper abdo ultrasound for 4 weeks later.  All this scan showed was a cyst on my liver but no issue with gallbladder. 

Ever since then the pain has changed from the severe acute pain in upper abdo to a pain similar to a constant stitch which seems to wrap around to my side and back.  This discomfort never goes away, just can get worse.  

I am also now randomly sick in the night too, no more diarrhoea or cramps just vomit then back to sleep and back to normal the next morning.  This happens at least once a week but I havent yet been able to link it to any particular foods or food groups only that any alcohol whatsoever appears to guarantee it.  I have obviously given up any alcohol but i was only ever an occasional drinker anyway.

I am aware that everybodies symptoms for IBS flare up differently but has anybody ever experienced anything similar or any idea what it might be?

I had my appendix removed 20 years ago so its not that.  I am waiting for my apt for gastroscopy.

thanks in advance.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 xrosie82x

    Posted

    The cyst on your liver may be part of your trouble.  What is your doctor doing about this?   A stiitch like pain can be a symptom of IBS.
    • xrosie82x
      xrosie82x pippa58442

      Posted

      Hi thanks for reply, im on wait list for gastroscopy but so far thats it. The cyst hasnt really come up in the 1 consulation I had so no idea of size etc other then the HCA I saw at the time said it was unlikely to cause pain and radiographer who did ultrasound said it was "just incidental". I was initially referred to surgical consultant from A&E because they had thought it was gallstones. If scope doesnt find anything its back to gp i think, im not currently under any gastro services.

      Thanks again.

  • FA54321
    FA54321 xrosie82x

    Posted

    Hi Rosie, sorry to hear of your problems. Have you had any tests for Coeliac disease, they start with a blood test, then an endoscopy with biopsies? It could be IBS or it could be food intolerances. The low FODMAP diet is a good way of treating IBS, and it’s a way of weeding out foods which may be causing you problems.
  • xrosie82x
    xrosie82x

    Posted

    Thanks for reply. Im sure I had a screening for coeliac when they did all the initial investigations. My step dad is coeliac so am aware of it. Im starting to avoid certain food groups so I can identify trigger foods. Ive been gluten free for the last couple of weeks less bloated but still the symptoms. I forgot to add in initial post im lactose intolerant so careful about what contains what anyway. I also forgot to add another new symptom is exhaustion im so tired all of the time. I will try low fodmap but it seems quite complex and restrictive so was trying gluten free diet first.
  • FA54321
    FA54321 xrosie82x

    Posted

    If it was just blood tests you had for Coeliac disease, you could have had what is known as a ‘false negative’ result, which is what happened to me. You need to have an endoscopy and biopsies taken for you to get a proper diagnosis. I know you’ve said you’ve had an endo in the past, but was it specific for Coeliac disease? I had one initially for helicobacter pylori, and was not given specific instructions to eat gluten etc., so had to have another one at a later date for this. Also you need to be eating gluten for at least 6 weeks on a daily basis for your body to make the antibodies as it’s an auto-immune disease, if you don’t do this, you won’t get a proper diagnosis. Your symptoms still sound like it could be Coeliac disease so have a discussion with your doctor.  By the way giving up gluten for a couple of weeks won’t make all your symptoms go, even if it is Coeliac disease, it can take a lot longer, depending on how long you have had it undiagnosed, The fact that you were less bloated when not eating gluten makes me think it’s still a possibility, so it’s worth pursuing. It’s really hard trying to find out what the problem is sometimes, and I really hope you get some answers soon.
    • xrosie82x
      xrosie82x FA54321

      Posted

      Thanks thats good to know, I didnt know that. I also hadnt thought that beginning to cut foods out might impact on the endoscopy so will def bear that in mind. Thanks for the advice
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