Is This IBS?

Posted , 7 users are following.

I know. A common question. Here is my story:

Back in 1997 I was "diagnosed" with "suspected IBS". This was after a barium enema and a few trips to the doctors. It was all around a very stressful time for me (buying my first flat). The symptoms disappeared over time.

Fast forward to 2013 and I went to the Doctor with chest pains. I now know that it was heartburn but at the time I didn't. I had an ECG and had to wait whilst it was referred to a cardiologist. I had to wait several weeks for the results as I was away on holiday and it was a very stressful time. The chest pains went away but (I think due to the stress - hence me mentioning it) I began to get upper abdominal pains. They were below the ribs, left and right and some pain in the centre of the abdomen. The Doctor put me on Omazoprale but it didn't get rid of the symptoms entirely. As the months went on the abdominal pain remained and was joined by back ache, muscle aches (legs, joints, knees, what feel like muscle aches in the stomach), bloating and going to the toilet a lot more often that usual (6 times like Saturday). The muscle aches (back, top of legs and stomach) are worse when moving around. Symptoms are relived by going to the toilet, some times the relief is a amazing, other times not so much.

I have had a full blood count, all fine. Test for HPylori - all clear and an ultrasound, again all clear.

I have tried Colpermin which helped a bit but didn't completely get rid of the abdominal pains. Then on to Buscopan which had a massive positive effect on the abdominal pain but made me feel weird and also seemed to make the backache/muscle aches worse. I moved in to Colfac which has reduced abdominal pain and made a massive difference to toilet frequency. It has reduce the backache and muscle aches but has seemed to increase wind and bloating. I have also played with changing the diet, caffeine free, whet and dairy reduction, this seem to be very slightly helping.

Anyway, the above is my story. I have an appointment with the gastro expert on Monday. My Doctor is now convinced that it is IBS. He says that it is rare to have upper abdominal pain IBS but is becoming more common. I wonder if any of you think that he/I are barking up the wrong tree and/or any tips for how to get rid of the muscle ache/back ache. It's a real pain!

Thanks

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Welcome Bob look at past forum post ,Most of what you've been prescribed we've had at some time They don't work for all long term . I've not had upper pain with IBS just stomach . I wasn't made aware of symptoms to coeliac disease and IBS being similar until Caro on this forum pointed it out .I think stress can play a small part for you and muscle aches can be a stress sign on its own due to how your feeling at present. We've all been there Bob.What were you doing prior to buying your flat and how was your health at the time before it all began. One always recall it I know me and others can even to the date.as to colpermin tried that no good for me either.If you feel bloated and gassy try Charcoal tabs from health food shop they're best I've tried so far my daughter included .hope your fined the answers to your questions on this forum it's a good one to be on Good luck for Monday and outcome lets know how it went
  • Posted

    Read up on Coeliac disease via Coeliac Org UK website Bob - this weekend!.

    In theory, your GP should be testing you for this condition before any diagnosis of IBS is give - as instructed by NICE (Nat Inst Clinical Excellence) - and, better still as you have an appointment with a Gastroenterologist you can raise this possibility with him straight away - and it is always better if you are more aware of the symptoms and diagnosis beforehand. If your GP is suggesting it is IBS then the Gastroenterologist should automatically be testing you for Coeliac Disease first of all.

    It is an auto-immune condition which affects the small intestine - at the top end - gluten causes the villi hairs to withdraw into the gut walls and causes many problems, not least lack of absorption of vitamins and minerals, pains in joints and bones and general feeling of fatigue and unwellness. Symptoms vary widely but the Gastroenterologist will be aware of this!

    Good Luck on Monday - it is your opportunity to get this sorted out so take a list of any foods which seem to make you worse, any other products you have been using etc etc as he needs this information in order to assess the problem you may have. Cut nothing out until all testing has been completed or you may get a false negative result.

  • Posted

    Thank you for your replies. Talking and sharing this kind of stuff helps in itself. Your replies are very much appreciated.

    Marlene - before I bought my flat I was in good health, I think the stress of it in addition to a stressful job was what set me off. I will definitely post on Monday to let you know how my appointment went. Thanks

    Sammy - aloe vera is on my list. At the moment I have reduced wheat, caffeine, tea, coffee, milk and butter.Thanks

    Caro - good point, I will raise this tomorrow with the gastroenterologist. Thanks

    Getting increasingly stressed about tomorrow (stress tends to be a theme in my life) but hopefully I will get some answers and maybe some reassurance (I started worrying less about cancer a month or so ago). I have script to take, mainly the my first post with some additions so they won't be short of information!

    Thanks again everyone.

  • Posted

    "At the moment I have reduced wheat, caffeine, tea, coffee, milk and butter. "

    Very important you tell the consultant this Bob - especially the wheat! Good Luck...

  • Posted

    and this - joint, bone, muscle aches and anxiety are classic symptoms for Coeliac condition :

    "As the months went on the abdominal pain remained and was joined by back ache, muscle aches (legs, joints, knees, what feel like muscle aches in the stomach), bloating and going to the toilet a lot more often that usual (6 times like Saturday). The muscle aches (back, top of legs and stomach) are worse when moving around. Symptoms are relived by going to the toilet, some times the relief is a amazing, other times not so much."

  • Posted

    Hi Bob It's human nature to worry ,we've all been there to,could be stress related as I've said,you've written it all down I've done that myself,and it's a good thing give it to the dr let him read it for himself . It registers with them better,than you saying it verbally again what I do.Sciatica pain you can get back of legs to Bob just maybe that's what you've got there ask the dr whilst a your there or put that down on paper .All the best and let us know okay
  • Posted

    I had a good appointment today. I got to relay all of my symptoms and recent health history. After my history and following an examination the Consultant said that I have irritable bowel syndrome driven by stress. He prescribed some medication and gave me some advice. I feel very relieved but to be honestI think I have known what I had for weeks. It's a weight off my mind.
  • Posted

    Good to hear Bob at least you now have some sort of clarification on what your problem is so you can now find a possible cure or aid to help rid you of this problem. Maybe now you know your stress levels may drop and you will find yourself being a bit more confident.

    Take care

    Sammy x

  • Posted

    Hi Bob,I could just imagine how you felt walking out of that appointment , the times I've felt better walking out of a hospital than I did walking in.IBS is no fun but stay on this site,if one thing don't work advice on here will give you other things to try Stress plays havoc on your body,physically and mentally as happened to you,take a deep breath and let it out,bet your sleep better tonight Glad your okay thought of you God Bless x

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