IBS Sufferer for 7 months.Almost all tests done

[MehD]

Hi. I have been having Diarrhea for 7 months. No Stomach pain. No Constipation. No Blood in stools. And I dont exactly have diarrhea, Just have 2-3 stools a day and they are mostly loose (watery) stools and sometimes they are perfectly fine. Have bloating, excess gas, nausea, mucus in stool sometimes, narrow stools sometimes otherwise fine. I have had all blood tests done, Ultrasound done, CT Scan done. All came clear except a few Diverticulae in sigmoid colon. CT Scan report says everything else in abdomen is unremarkable and looks in regular shape and size. Could someone please help what I can do? I feel very depressed.

[SnooW]

Following this, as those are my symptoms, although not had any recent tests, just colonoscopy (few diverticulae) and gastroscopy (raw patch, bleeding on contact with camera) 2 years ago, and recent over 60s bowel test which showed no blood. Have lost weight tho, but this may be because of another condition I have, not bowel related. Am also anaemic but iron pills made diarrhoea episodes more frequent so stopped them. I hope you get some answers. I certainly understand how depressed this makes you feel as after another episode just now I am feeling the same.

[MehD in reply to SnooW]

Thank you for your reply. I forgot to mention a few things. One is, i lost a lot of weight in these 7 months, 11 kgs. Particularly because I went on a strict diet and was stressed out. My age is 34. I have not had colonoscopy, mainly becuase I am afraid to have one and secondly doctor did not ask me to. I have been checked by atleast 6 doctos in these 7 months and everyone said its IBS. Is there any need to have colonoscopy? And should i try a glutten free diet? Since I have read that most IBS patients are gluten intolerant.

[SnooW in reply to MehD]

I am just under twice your age, and was sent for colonoscopy as a result of anaemia showing in bloods, and some weight loss, when my other health problem began (rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic disease not to be confused with wear and tear arthritis of old age.) But was pleased to have it done, and the gastroscopy, too, as have often wondered about the state of my innards since having all these stomach problems. However, 2 years down the line I worry things have changed, and almost feel I want to have them done again to put my mind at rest. If your weight loss is explainable (as in your strict diet/stress related), then there is probably no reason for GP to suggest you having those done. I am trying to cut down on gluten even though I was tested neg a couple of years ago for coeliac. But I think my main problem is dairy stuff - so have made a separate post this morning regarding digestive enzymes which I am tempted to try. The problem with IBS is, it affects everyone differently, so very difficult to compare with others. I take Mebeverine (prescribed by GP) before meals to slow down the gut, but I'm not sure it helps very much. I still sometimes have to dash after a meal. There are loads of really interesting posts on here so I would suggest having a good browse, even at the older ones, as you will glean lots of info which may be useful to you. Hopefully there will be some more responses to your post very soon as I shall be interested to read those too!

[MehD]

I really like the fact that people on these forums help each other and most often than not, put the mind at ease. 7 months into the disease and I feel terrible some days but one positive is that it made me quit smoking. I smoked half a pack for 15 years and it has been almost 2 months since I quit. So I believe, with all the harm it has some good as well. As for colonoscopy, I have read that colonoscopy done once is good for 5-10 years. Since nothing dangerous showed up in your last one, 2 years ago, it will still be good. But you can get it done to put your mind at ease. Prayers for your good health

[SnooW in reply to MehD]

That's really kind of you to put my mind at rest over that, when you have your own worries, thank you. That's really interesting.

And jolly well done on giving up smoking, too. It's hard when you've been a smoker for a long time. I gave up 8 yrs ago after smoking since the age of 14.

I hope you can improve your IBS symptoms following advice on here, and wish you a more healthy future, too. Take care.

[MehD in reply to SnooW]

Thank you soo much

[Laxmik]

Hi my symptoms are quite similar to yours. Only I do get gas pains. Very rarely though. If I eat something really bad. Have you tired the low FODMAP diet. I got diagnosed four months ago. Currently following the diet and have got my blood tests and stool tests done. Everything is clear. Just got my sonography done. That also seems to be clear. Just need to show it to my doctor. I also have two bm in a day. If it’s not a typical day up to three or four. But a lot of gas and bloating. My stools are also loose. Don’t matter what I eat. I get depressed thinking also that just a few months ago everything was normal. I even quit my job to look after my health. And currently looking to get back to work by next month. But I think it requires to have a positive attitude. My IBS d started due to stress at my last job. May be if you look at it that you have just three stools a day which is quite manageable. It may hinder you life a bit but you can do everything you want. It doesn’t stop you from having a full life. I guess a bit of healthy eating and positive Attitude is what I feel may change all that. Believe me it is hard. I understand. It is for me also. I have heard ppl with IBS d do tend to lose weight. I haven’t. But maybe you can get that chked out. Stress and anxiety also play a big role in IBS. Maybe work on that also. I am 37. This forum is really good. I have also got some very good feedback. Everybody has been so helpful.

[Kathrynp]

I got to this stage, the Dr's tested everything and in the end for me said it was IBS and there wasn't much I could. I also lost weight too, but I've put it back on by addressing the root issues. We are all different, so we all have different reasons for these digestive issues and this is where a nutritionist can help. I am now a nutritionist, gut issues are one of the areas I specialise in. A lot of your symptoms, suggest you need support with digestion and possibly with fatty foods. Nausea can be gallbladder or liver related, gentle support can really help with these. Do Pm if you want more info.

[Pennylewis]

Hiya. I have IBS for 20+ years. Everyone seems to be slightly different. I def get the diarrhea 2/3 times a day. I have been caught out once or twice. No blood at all.Dont always get the bad tummy aches others do. It comes and goes got worse. So suddenly i hit 50 then the doctors changed their mind and want you to have a colonoscopy. I was not keen but finally caved in. It was great, i was knocked out never felt a thing. I came round quickly. All was good. I knew it must be ok, as otherwise I had bowel cancer for 25 years. Lol. Please dont worry about the procedure. You can insist on being put out especially if u have health cover. Peace of mind is what we need. I am sure all is good with you. So many people have similar symptoms. Doctors are often over cautious. Try not to worry Good luck.Always here to chat