Describe IBS

Hi all I have a question for you all. If you had to describe to a Doctor how your IBS feels ,what would you say. I can never describe the pain I feel,and just as a thought I wondered if any of you had the answer to help. Maybe someone may just have the right wording. Just put your Description.

[shoppaholicsue]

I'm lucky enough to not get any pain with mine- just the delightful diarrhoea!

Sue

[Hidden]

IBS is different for everyone so no one but yourself can describe your symptoms

[foxkennedy21]

I've described it as being thumped in the bowels and a twisting pinching sensation - they agreed to then swap my medication!

[cathhope]

Like someone has a rope and is twisting it tightly around my waist. Also,as though a herd of elephants had trampled over me.Hope this helps and maybe resonates with you.

[grahamrupertrules]

hi

i get a gripping pain in lhs groin or like back spasm. an urgency to go to the toilet even though iv been in the last hour. nuseaus or feeling feint. bloated belly as though my trousers are too tight. hope this helps.

regards

graham

[Rainbow_Chaser]

I would describe it simply as abdominal cramps, which actually feel like your bowels are being twisted & squeezed. For me, it's horrendous... it can be so severe it takes my breath away & makes me sweat. The pain radiates down into my thighs - I have often compared it to 'labour' pains (if you are female, you will understand this!) & although not AS severe, it's comparable to First Stage for me!

As others have said though, it can be different for each individual. Maybe think of a pain that may be comparable, like a broken arm for example (that's if you've ever experienced 'other' pain before!).

Debs <3

[Hidden]

Thank You all for your replys,I think I feel something from you all,Rainbow Chaser,you must be the closest to what I feel ,I usually say its like Haveing quads in there but not just kicking ,playing football. Also like you the pain is horrendous ,but it seems to be right down in the pelvic area when I'm sitting with my legs up,or lying down. I suffer this daily and when it first began 12yrs ago I used to say it was just uncomfortable ,but now it's developed into 10out of10 pain. I also know it can be different for other people,but I was just reaching out if you like for a better explanation for the pain next time I see my Gastrologist . All the same thanks for your time and I really do wish you all well. Norma.

[MEERKAT1971]

I also find it hard to describe had another Laparoscppy yesterday all clear as nobody seems to believe that the pain I am in 24/7 can solely be IBS. I cannot sleep tightening squeezing feels also

bruised back pain. Has been chronic following a Colonoscopy in OCT 2013 am unable to do anything with friends completely changed my life. I don't suffer with Diahorea but my bowels are not what they were. miserable!

[Hidden in reply to MEERKAT1971]

Hi Meercat, It's not very often you hear of anyone with IBS 24/7 so although it's not pleasant it makes me feel slightly relieved. I've had a colonoscopy and the pain was horrendous I sqeezed the nurses Tum really hard with the pain,and yet I know people who have had one say it was nothing,so that in itself worried me. My next step was to be a laparoscopy, but I had a life threatening chest infection ( I have Ephesema ) so when I recovered they refused to do one because I could not have anaesthetic. So like you it has taken my life over. Most nights I can sleep because I take sleeping pills, and a hot water bottle. Another problem I have is because I'm not rolling all over the floor in pain nobody really believes the pain I'm in. Well I've done enough complaining so I'll just wish you Luck.

[Kasannshep]

My flare up as lasted since christmas, last one 2 yrs ago lasted 9 months, not a day goes by I'm not in pain, like a stabbing pain to griping pains anywhere from upper stomach to sides to lower groin area with back pain,feels like my upper stomach is filled with gas, with both C and D I have tried everything, had a scan on ovaries ,liver, kidneys not Gall bladder that was removed about 15 yrs ago, and came back ok, no matter what I eat it makes no difference , last week I had four days with no pain felt like my normal self, but that was short lived, it keeps rearing its ugly head, in pain now, the only thing I can do is lay down with hot water bottle, yes it dose feel like labour pains everyday of my life, it puts your life on hold cause I never want to go anywere as even walking makes it ache more, seems every couple of years I get these chronic flare ups which result in same tests, the rest of the time it's just bowel problems

[binks]

I thought this was an excellent question. Mine varies. At odd times it feels almost worse than labour pains and makes me sweat it's so bad - I want to be sick and literally don't know what to do with myself. Most of the time my middle area in the centre, just below my waist feels very tender and sore and just really uncomfortable - like it's hot inside. After a bad night, I feel as though I've been run over by a bus!!

[Hidden in reply to binks]

Hi Binks I think we've been here before. Life still don't get much better does it? It drives me crazy trying to explain the pain,while sitting there looking well. I have quite a high pain barrier, but there been times this just brings me to tears. It really is starting to get me down. My husband and me haven't had a holiday in the last 6-7yrs we book then I back down . I also feel guilty holding my hubby back,considering he's so fit. For the last 3-4mths I've been withdrawing from an antidepressant but the lower I go the more servere my IBS becomes, but I'm on such a lot of Meds that I have to take that I want to get off what I can. Well Binks rant over once again. I wish you all the luck in the world. Take Care

[MEERKAT1971]

I just know I woukdnt be in this position if I hadn't had the colonoscopy, the procedure itself was fine didn't feel a thing.

Was when I got home my tummy would not settle, no sickness or diarohea, now its constant pain, rumbling/growling, 😞

[Hidden in reply to MEERKAT1971]

Do you think they may have damaged the lining in your colon?

[MEERKAT1971]

Hi Gemini have had the lining checked the only thing they can think of is the prep used to empty the bowel is so harsh that in some people it can have a lasting effect. I wish I could find out more from other people am struggling to find anyone who has had the same problem.

[Hidden in reply to MEERKAT1971]

I wish I could help you,but I can't help myself. The one thing I think we've got in common is how frustrateing,debilitating ,miserable,and painful it can be. And all for as most people say " it's just IBS" I have quite a few health problems including life threatening issues,and nothing gives me so much trouble and pain as IBS. A few years ago,well this happened to me twice 1st I had a life support machine on to save my life with a chest infection (Emphesema) 2nd the same thing only a Heart Attack, and all I could complain about while in Hostpital was my IBS. So no I don't see it as "Just IBS" And I empathise with every single person on this forum. All I can suggest to you Meercat is just keep posting you may get someone you can connect with. Take Care.

[MEERKAT1971]

I've also had several other health problems over the past 15yrs one which I thought would rule my life forever that has now subsided now this has taken it's place 😞

Thanks for talking take care.