Years ago I started having really bad abdominal pains, constipation and/or diarrhea, swollen stomach and always full of gas, constant indigestion. The pain can get so bad the I am doubled over in tears unable to stand up straight. Lately, It has been getting worse. The pain happens more often (pretty much daily) and is much more intense. I have gone for both Abdominal and vaginal ultrasounds, a Catscan, x-rays, I am currently waiting on two calls for appointments, one for a scope and one with the gyno. I was lucky, and I was on EI for the last 6 months but my EI ran out a few weeks ago. I feel so much guilt because my boyfriend is paying for everything. I went out and got a part-time job and my second scheduled shift I spent 7.5 hours at the emergency. I can't expect a new employer to hire me or understand my situation and I cannot go on without having an income. Please any advice/suggestions would be appreciated. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Thank you
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Tupps75
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I went through the exact same thing, the pain would be unbearable but when I went to the emergency room they always told me nothing was wrong and to go home. After 6 years of this and having ultrasounds, xrays, colonoscopies, gastroscopies, gluten lactose and fructose intolerance tests done I was diagnosed with IBS. I still do get pains but I take medicines like busopan and colofac or colese to help with the pain and have to take Metamucil to help with digestion.
I empathise with you, I'm unable to work too due to severity of IBS symptoms. People don't understand how serious and debilitating it can be. If you're sure that everything else has been ruled out (IBD, cancer, diverticulitis etc) then there are other things you can do. Have you had a stool analysis test? These aren't cheap but they can be very helpful. Also have you ruled out SIBO/dysbiosis?
I work part time from home (which I'm very lucky to be able to do) and rely heavily on supportive family. I honestly don't know what I'd do otherwise. The last time I tried to work full time I became so dangerously underweight I ended up in hospital - not to mention the emotional strain of forcing myself into work every day which nearly gave me a nervous breakdown.
Hi. You may have excess yeast in your bowel (look up candida). Do you have a lot of sugar in your diet? If so try removing sugar from your diet! Yeast feeds on sugar!
Hi, I would definitely recommend more testing to be done..it has to be something more than "just IBS" no one should be doubled over in pain..try to get a 2nd or even third opinion from different gastroenterologists..or even try a colon and rectal specialist or surgeon. Have you tried an upper GI and lower GI barium follow through? You may have dumping syndrome. Which can cause a lot of pain..or Diverticulitis..or try even having a cat scan of your gallbladder or spleen. I had a spleen cat scan..and it was enlarged with also a cyst on it, which was causing me horrible pain. With cramping..I was prescribed Levsin or Bentyl. Both need to be prescribed. I took them 4 times a day..either before or after a meal and before bedtime to help stop the abdominal cramping..but definitely 2nd or third opinion..keep us posted..
While I agree that further tests should absolutely be done, it IS possible that it's 'just' IBS. I've had periods where it's been like this and tests have all been clear. Of course 'IBS' is just a term they use when they can't find anything else wrong, so there's always an underlying cause, but it's not always possible to uncover what that is.
Have you had an anal manmotry test done? I just had this test done..turns out I have weak pelvic floor muscles, and have to get physical therapy..Kegal exercises. But it's too far..so I'm not sure what to do now..I hope we both feel better..
When I had the Vaginal ultrasound done they saw a mass of cysts on my left ovary.. ALSO - when I had the Catscan done the doctor said everything looked fine, however, he noticed a pessary and was curious as to when I had it put in. I didn't know what that was at the time and after he explained to me that it was (A vaginal pessary is a soft, removable device that goes in your vagina. It supports areas that are affected by pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This happens when the bladder, rectum, or uterus drops or bulges down toward the vagina.) I def knew I had never had something like this put inside of me nor did I have a reason. That worried him and he asked if perhaps I had an IUD. I am currently 43 years old when I was in my mid 20's I had an IUD.. It attached itself to the wall of my uterus, because of this I became pregnant (tubal pregnancy) woke up one morning in terrible pain, passed out and woke up in an ambulance on my way to the hospital ..I lost a lot of blood internally and had to get blood transfusions etc. So then I became worried that maybe they left some of this IUD inside of me and that is what is causing the pain. But I had my appointment with the GI and he said that he couldn't see the ring that the other doctors saw and he thinks it's IBS . ... I AM VERY DISCOURAGED.
I know it's hard..but you have come this far..not to go further. There has to be something that can be done. Try to get 2nd or even third opinions..don't give up..
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