Doctors have suggested that I may have IBS and I wanted if my symptoms match what is usually associated with it as I am unsure...
I suffer from nausea and vomiting, usually early morning and late at night.
I have a constant headache that flares up to be more painful at what seems like random times.
I have joint pain and aching all over my body, with period like cramps almost constantly.
I am very tired all of the time, making simple tasks such as a bus ride to work very challenging. As a result of this fatigue I faint a lot.
I have pains and aches all over my body and I think they are connected to the fatigue as they are much worse if I attempt to do anything. My muscles are also tense a lot, especially in my back and neck.
I have a high temperature most of the time, but the blood flow to my hands and feet are often poor so they are usually cold though I don't feel it unless they touch another body part.
Do you think this is IBS? Is there something else that it seems to be more like?
Thanks in advance
P.S. I have been ill since November 2012. I am fed up.
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17 Replies
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I suggest you go back to your doctor and ask for some more test to be done if you haven't had any.I would especially ask for a Thyroid test as an under active thyroid can cause fatigue and cold hands and feet.But I would most certainly go back to your doctor and be a bit more pushy,as it sounds to me that you are quite miserable and rightly so.Hope I have been some help.Big HUG......
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Oh and no it don't sound like IBS to me.But go back to your doctor I can't stress enough.
I have had an MRI of my abdomen - found nothing and umpteen blood tests for things like coeliac disease and abnormal blood counts - again, they found nothing.
I have tried to be pushy but nobody is listening and it is very disheartening. I am breaking down on a regular basis as I just can't deal with this any more.
My next appointment with a gastroenterology doctor is not until September :/
When I go to the doctors they just try to shove more random drugs down me and hope for the best rather than find out what is wrong I need them to get their act together.
It feels like they are just saying it is IBS so I will go away.
Do you know if you have had a blood test for your thyroid because this is important with tummy trouble.I know how you feel about breaking down I feel the same from time to time,and don't worry about it you have a right to break down,but please don't give up.x
Hi go on to Hope for health site,and you will find a free GP to talk to.You have to fill in a form with all your problems and they will email you back.I done it yesterday and I have had an email today with some quite usefull information.Good Luck
• in reply to
hopeforhealthusa.com that's the site I was looking for.You can chat to drs that understand .Good luck hope I've got it right this time.Let me know how you get on it's worth a try.x
Hi, The symptoms you describe are certainly not caused by IBS, you may have IBS in regard to bloated stomach, cramps, some nausea, switching between constipated and diarrohea, but all the other symptoms are not from IBS. You need to go back to your doctor and tell him to check again. Your symptoms sound very similar to Fibromyalgia. I have copied and pasted this from the NHS choices below for you - see what you think, if you think this may be it, then tell your doctor this. Good luck
Symptoms of fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia has many symptoms that tend to vary from person to person. The main symptom is widespread pain.
There may be periods when your symptoms get better or worse, depending on factors such as your stress levels, changes in the weather and how physically active you are.
If you think you have fibromyalgia, visit your GP. Treatment is available to help ease some of the symptoms, although it is unlikely they will ever disappear completely.
The main symptoms of fibromyalgia are outlined below.
Widespread pain
If you have fibromyalgia, one of the main symptoms is likely to be widespread pain. This may be felt throughout your body, but could be worse in particular areas, such as your back or neck. The pain is likely to be continuous, although it may be better or more severe at different times.
The pain could feel like an ache, a burning sensation, or a sharp, stabbing pain.
Extreme sensitivity
Fibromyalgia can make you extremely sensitive to pain all over your body, and you may find that even the slightest touch is painful. If you hurt yourself – for example, if you stub your toe – the pain may continue for much longer than it normally would.
You may hear the condition described in the following medical terms:
•hyperalgesia – when you are extremely sensitive to pain
•allodynia – when you feel pain from something that should not be painful at all, such as a very light touch
You may also be sensitive to things such as smoke, certain foods and bright lights. Being exposed to something you are sensitive to can cause your other fibromyalgia symptoms to flare up.
Stiffness
Fibromyalgia can make you feel stiff. The stiffness may be most severe when you have been in the same position for a long period of time – for example, when you first wake up in the morning.
It can also cause your muscles to spasm, which is when they contract (squeeze) tightly and painfully.
Fatigue
Fibromyalgia can cause fatigue (extreme tiredness). This can range from a mild, tired feeling to the exhaustion often experienced during a flu-like illness.
Severe fatigue may come on suddenly and can drain you of all your energy. If this occurs, you may feel too tired to do anything at all.
Poor sleep quality
Fibromyalgia can affect your sleep. You may often wake up tired, even when you have had plenty of sleep. This is because the condition can sometimes prevent you from sleeping deeply enough to refresh you properly. You may hear this described as "non-restorative sleep".
Cognitive problems ('fibro-fog')
Cognitive problems are issues related to mental processes, such as thinking and learning. If you have fibromyalgia, you may have:
•trouble remembering and learning new things
•problems with attention and concentration
•slowed or confused speech
Headaches
If fibromyalgia has caused you to experience pain and stiffness in your neck and shoulders, you may also have frequent headaches. These can vary from being mild headaches to severe migraines and could also involve other symptoms, such as nausea (feeling sick).
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Some people with fibromyalgia also develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a common digestive condition that causes pain and bloating in your stomach. It can also lead to constipation or diarrhoea.
Other symptoms
There are a number of other symptoms people with fibromyalgia sometimes experience, including:
•dizziness and clumsiness
•feeling too hot or too cold – this is because you're not able to regulate your body temperature properly
•restless legs syndrome (an overwhelming urge to move your legs)
•tingling, numbness, prickling or burning sensations in your hands and feet (paraesthesia)
•in women, unusually painful periods
•anxiety
•depression
Depression
In some cases, having the condition can lead to depression. This is because fibromyalgia can be difficult to deal with, and low levels of certain hormones associated with the condition can make you prone to developing depression.
I appreciate all of your replies. I am trying to get a doctor's appointment at the moment but they are so busy! Looks like I am going to have to wait.
My symptoms coupled with this extraordinary heat as of late are making day to day life very difficult. I have collapsed multiple times this week and it is not fun!
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