IBS and possibly Crohn's?

[S_apphire]

I've been sick now for a little over 6 weeks, and I just feel like I can't get better. At the beginning of the 6 weeks, I went to the ER and they told me I had IBS. But now, all I'm eating is bananas, avocados, gluten free bread, and vegan cheese... That's seriously all I can handle. I'm losing weight so fast, and I'm at my wits end. I tried a 1/4 cup of white rice last night, and immediately threw it up. I'm having constant diarrhea, the most severe stomach pain that comes in waves throughout my day, and it honestly just feels like I'm dying and wasting away. I've also lost 27 pounds from not being able to eat or keep anything down. I have no appetite, and I'm dehydrated. I'm scared I may have Crohn's, and I need to try and get in to get a colonoscopy. Does this sound like anyone else out there? I feel so alone..

[patientj]

Hi S_apphire. I'm sorry to hear the troubles you are going through but you are not alone and there are people on here who can give you advice. What I think we would all say is that, even if you do have IBS, the fact that your are losing a lot of weight and can't keep food down is a sign you need further help and advice from doctors. I would seriously recommend going to see your doctor as soon as you can and explaining the situation. Every healthcare system is different, but there should be at least some tests to rule out other causes before diagnosing IBS. In the UK these would include several blood tests, and possibly a stool calprotectin test, before even having to consider a colonoscopy. Equally, vomiting isn't technically a symptom of IBS and so deserves some investigation in its own right.

In the meantime, it might help to think back to anything that had happened shortly before your symptoms started. They sound as though they came on quite suddenly. IBS can be triggered by food poisoning, some other gastro-intestinal infection, or sudden/shocking life events.

[Patcy2468]

Hi babe patricia here you are not alone babe I to have the worst pain in my guts everday & dyria that never goes it could be ibs but I wudent rule out coeliac disease the symtoms are quite the same becouse for yrs I suffered with the ibs which I thought I had untill I lost so much weight & needed a blood transfusion right away I got malnutrition with eaten gluten so if I was you wen you go bak to the hospital ask to be tested for it but wat ever yiu do dont eat gluten free brands becouse it will make the test show up negative take care & be safe patricia