Not sure it's IBS but. . .

[ab24601]

Hi everyone,

I was "misdiagnosed" with IBS for years before being diagnosed with Endometriosis. I then suffered for more years with mostly bowel symptoms alongside other endo symptoms. I had excision surgery for the endo two years ago & my bowel symptoms completely disappeared. This makes me think it was the endo, not IBS.

However, it's now grown back, my endo treatment isn't helping & I am awaiting more surgery but that could be months or years away! In the meantime I am struggling with alternating constipation & Diarrhea & EXTREME swelly belly (this doesn't seem to be down to wind or constipation).

At the moment My belly is super swollen and tender. I thought it was due to constipation for a few days but last might the laxatives kicked in. It was so painful I thought I was going to pass out or be sick. Now i feel more tender and swollen.

Is there ANYTHING I can do?

I figured whether it is IBS or not (or both) every little bit of advice helps right now!

I have had all relevant gastro tests so other conditions are ruled out. I have also seen three dieticians who were unable to help. I am a strict vegan and recently have been sticking to a low fibre diet (as I sometimes think the endo may be causing partial obstructions).

[runswithdogs]

Have you looked at the fruits and vegetables on the FODMAPS list? If so, do you notice any patterns with what you eat? For myself specific fruits and vegetables are my main triggers. The FODMAPS elimination diet helped, but it would be very, very tricky as a vegan and if you were to consider the elimination diet I'd think you'd have to employ the help of a doctor or dietician. But it's worth checking the list when you're feeling poor to see if there are any FODMAPS culprits that you could experiment with removing.

[gameine57]

Could I ask what gastro tests you had for your diagnosis please.