Could ibs actually be diverticulitis?

[DM14]

So I have had bowel problems fof 13 years. Had every test and medication and nothing showed up so was told it was ibs. Nothing has helped.

I had a laparoacopy earlier this year (suspected endometriosis-but it was negative) however my surgeon said that my intestines were HIGHLY inflamed and 'not on a good condition'

I am aware thay with ibs you do not get inflammation of the intestines so could this be Diverticulitis???

Or any other suggestions welcomed!

[Eliana5]

Hi, yes, I have IBS, and also have Diverticulitis. The symptoms started with bad pain on the side of the abdomen. It was so bad, had to go to ER, mine was done by a few tests, a lower bowel exam (sigmoidscopy), a cat scan and a barium swallow. Sometimes it flares up alot. I know the worst thing is that I really like seeds (sesame) but was told it could get stuck in the pouches of the diverticuli. Usually people with Ulcerative colitis could have this. If your diagnosis is an inflamed colon, I would definitely have more tests run, to see if you have Gastritis, Ulcerative colitis, or perhaps Chron's disease which is what I have. Don't let the Doctors "dismiss you" or have them chalk it up to "IBS"..it is much more serious. Get a second or even third opinion from a caring Gastroenterologist or Colon and Rectal Surgeon and insist on every test available. Your health comes first. Please keep us posted.

[DM14 in reply to Eliana5]

Hi Eliana5 did you say you have ibs or ibd??

I will definatley be asking for more tests. I have been tested for all of the above (bat diverticulitus) in the past. But im talking 8-9 maybe even 10 years ago. So I think its time to get it all re checked and see if there are further developments! Does diverticulitus keep coming back once treated?x

[Eliana5 in reply to DM14]

Yes, it can flare up unless you have surgery I think. I used to take a medication to help stop the flare-ups, but I can't remember the name, and not even sure why I stopped taking it.

[sweetsusie]

I don't have Celiac (was tested for it0, but I had chronic diarrhea for years and years. Going the same as you...5-10 times a day sometimes. It was awful. Anyway, I finally found a doctor who help me out! He's put me on a drug called "Welchol," and it has helped immensely! I no longer have diarrhea daily and my "movements" are totally back to normal! I was amazed at how quickly it cleared up. Now...maybe once every other month or so, I still have a "bout," but I can handle that. If you get a prescription, do not take more than 3 pills twice a day..that's the max...that's what I am on.

[Eliana5 in reply to sweetsusie]

Hi, are you in a different country? I am in the U.S..wondering is Welchol is available here, and if it helps constipation too? Will have to research..

[sweetsusie in reply to Eliana5]

Hi, Elian5: I'm in the US, too..it's very available here. It's normally used to lower cholesterol, although it isn't consider a statin. Hmmm..I don't know if it would help with constipation. Please keep me posted..I'm curious! Thanks!

[Eliana5 in reply to sweetsusie]

Okay, thanks, I will..☺

[Magicstar in reply to Eliana5]

I am in the uk and on questran which works in the same way. It works for diarrhoea caused by bile acid malabsorbtion, mine was caused by having my gallbladder removed. Too much questran causes constipation so I think it is only tried for IBS d and would make constipation worse.

[SophieC22]

I am exactly the same! Nothing has helped so far at all (and now on my last treatment option on the treatment guidelines-which still doesn’t work) had a negative laparoscopy aswell, thought it was endo because of the severe pain. The surgeon didn’t comment on my intestines but am desperate to have further gastro investigations to see what’s going on (have had severe IBS since I was 15). Hope you get some answers

[DM14 in reply to SophieC22]

What is your last option if u dont mind me asking? Sounds like we ar ein exactly the same situation. Are you on the US?x

[SophieC22 in reply to DM14]

I’m UK! Last option on the guidelines for treating IBS in UK is amitryptaline up to 30mg. Haven’t even been referred to a specialist and have now been put back on the FODMAP diet despite telling them it’s not diet related!!

[DM14 in reply to SophieC22]

Oh me too. Just outside Cardiff. Yes my doctor has mentioned antidepressants for pain relief..but I dont want the relief I want some answers.

youve never seen a specialist? I was seeing a gastroenterologist for years!! Ive never tried that diet but done the whole wheat free gluten free thing. No mine isnt linked to food or eating either!! So glad ive met someone in exactly my ahoes xx

[SophieC22 in reply to DM14]

Nope they’ve never referred me, tempted to go private, desperate for someone to test me for more. Let me know how you get on, hope you find some answers.

[Eliana5]

Okay, thanks everyone. It's really helped. I will keep my fingers crossed for an effective non-laxative solution for chronic constipation. Now, the rage is all about cloves of garlic. Up to five a day for severe cases of IBS-C or "aged" garlic supplements, "kyotek" I think..up to 5 capsules a day. You can buy it online or health food store. No garlic aftertaste or breath. Heard they are very effective. I'm willing to try anything at this point.