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Need some insight on whether I might have IBS or not.

Posted , 4 users are following.

Rogerp123
Rogerp123

Hello everyone,

I am a 16 year old male. For the past 2+ months, I've been experiencing symptoms that I think may be IBS.

In early November, I had wisdom teeth surgery and was on Clindamycin (which I had never taken before) and a heavy dose of Advil for 10 days. About a week and a half after I was done with the medications, I started experiencing the symptoms that have now lingered for the past 2 months.

I have had consistent bloating in my lower abdomen, which I presume is filled with a large amount of gas. However, one of my main symptoms is that I am unable to pass this gas easily.

Also, my bowel habits have been different. I have had consistent incomplete bowel movements, and instead of releasing a long piece of stool, I am only able to release smaller pieces, or sometimes ball-shaped pieces. When I am having a bowel movement, it feels that I have not releasing all of the stool that needs to be released. Also, I have noticed some mucus in my stool for the first time.

Along with these symptoms, about once a month I go through a period of about 3-4 days where I have mild constipation.

So to sum up, I have a difficulty passing gas, incomplete bowel movements, and a change in the shape of my stool.

On the bright side, I do want to note that my condition is NOT debilitating. I have not had to make serious changes in my lifestyle. I go to the gym 5 days a week and am in very good shape. I have plenty of energy, and if it were not for this annoyance I would feel that I am in excellent health. I understand that my condition is mild compared to others, but is becoming very annoying and want to understand more about it.

If anyone has any insight on this, please let me know! Thanks for reading!

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • borderriever
    borderriever Rogerp123

    Posted

    Hello Roger

    If you feel you are having problems with your stools talk to your GP and He will be able to put your mind at rest, constipation can cause the little bits of stool.

    Get a diagnosis and have your mind put to rest. 

    BOB

  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 Rogerp123

    Posted

    Sounds like IBS.  Maybe the medication irritated your stomach.  I have IBS and I have had change of bowel habit, incomplete evacuation, stomach pain, nausea and back pain.  Most of the time, my symptoms are mild so long as I am not stressed.  Keep a food diary to see if you are intolerant to a particular food. See your doctor.
    • shilpa74219
      shilpa74219 pippa58442

      Posted

      Hi,

      I m 39 year female suffering from on n off abdominal pain, nausea, constipation. I have had appendix removed five years back n had recent fundoplication in Aug. But still suffering from abdominal pain n nausea constantly. Each Doc has different thing to say. I have become an anxious person due to this stomach pain. I don't eat spicy. Recently I have been diagnosed with Ibs. On refiximin tabs. Rifagut as well. I have gone thru 5 endoscopies only resulting in gastritis. Also had done colonoscopy. Everything comes clear. Even ct scan are clear. So docs say I have stress related issue. Every Doc says different things. They say I have no structural defect in me. But still suffering from this constantly. Pls help

    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 shilpa74219

      Posted

      Appendix surgery can trigger IBS.  Your symptoms sound like it. If your doctor diagnosed you with IBS and your endoscopy showed gastritis, then you have medically confirmed answers.  Anxiety is part of IBS and will make symotoms worse.  Try distraction techniques such as a hobby, and exercise such as walking or swimming to relax you.  

      If your medication is not helping, ask for a different antispasmodic; you may have to try several. IBS is a functional disorder, so that is why everything is coming back clear.  This means that while your colon looks structurally fine,   It is not functioning properly and this is triggering pain and other symptoms.

      Trust your doctor; you have had many tests and they have been thorough. Diagnosis acceptance is crucial to controlling your IBS and is the most difficult part.  My IBS diagnosis actually calmed my health anxiety down.  Anxiety will not help your gastritis either.

      Keep a food diary to see if there are any food triggers coming from your IBS or gastritis.  Try the Fodmap diet for IBS and avoid chocolate, coffee, spicy, fried or greasy foods which can also be triggers for gastritis.

      Look into things like CBT or gut targeted hypnosis.  If you try a combination of these things, your anxiety will reduce and so will your symptoms.

       

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