Pain upper left abdomen just below ribs after eating.

[Beckybecks1]

Does anyone else get this? If so do you know reason.

I have IBS and chronic anxiety.

[Eliana5]

Yes, I get this all the time..at first I thought I was irritating something by eating certain foods high in Acid, as that is when the pain starts..such as Chewable vitamin C. I also get it after I have "strained" to have a bowel movement. Then I was told by a gastroenterologist that is was because I had an enlarged spleen. Well, at that time I was also developing anemia pretty bad due to severe weight loss from IBS and constipation. She was puzzled that the gastro said that by just "feeling" and not having any diagnostic tests performed. I never went to him again as he had a very poor bedside manner. The Hematologist ordered an MRI and car scan, while she was also telling me to have B12 injections and folic acid which greatly helped as I am no longer anemic. Turned out I did not have an enlarged spleen but a 2 cm cyst on it, and she said she wasn't too concerned about it, but there could be times that maybe it would get irritated and that is where the pain was. I am wondering if you have had any tests..such as cat scan..MRI? I also have debilitating anxiety, panic attacks. I take Klonopin (Clonazepam) and Trazadone..they work great..especially Klonopin. I take 2mg in morning and 2mg at night. I used to go the "natural roit's" and take Magnesium, GABA, or L-theonine supplements that work for anxiety but they pooped out on me quickly. Hope you get it all sorted out. x

[Beckybecks1 in reply to Eliana5]

Thank you for your reply. Ive been examined by many doctors and they've found nothing at all. Ive had numerous blood tests and stool tests and all are clear.

They are all in agreement that the problem lies with my anxiety, which is extreme.

The trouble with IBS is that the symptoms are so many and I always want to know exactly what they are and what's causing them. Seems I have to accept its anxiety and try to deal with controlling it sonehow.

Bo I haven't had a scan. They dont think its necessary as I've had IBS for over 40 years. But they didn't just send me away they all did thorough examinations and tests first.

I have meds for parasites just in case there are any, two different types of probiotics and pantothenic acid. Apparently chronic anxiety depletes the body's cortisol levels so that needs treating too. I have Ativan (lorazepam) for anxiety and Librax for night time. Apparently it soothes the colon.

My blood tests are all clear, even though I've been almost starving myself, somehow I've made sure to force myself to eat healthy foods. Ive lost alot of weight which is scary but then again I eat such minute portions its not surprising.

Do you still get the pain? I find it happens mainly after I eat and I wondered if the colon maybe has a bend in it there? If I rake ativan the pain generally goes or is much less. I think our anxiety aggravates our symptoms and also makes them seem far worse than they are.

Im thinking of getting some therapy to deal with this. I think all the doctors must be fed up with me by now!

[Eliana5 in reply to Beckybecks1]

Yes, I get the same thing and am wondering if may be I have a redundant loop in my lower intestine/Colon? I think at one time I was put on Peppermint oil which helped for a bit..then I was put on Levsin or Bentyl but those are more for spasming. However in your case these might help? I know right now is Trazadone for anxiety is also helping with pain..but I wonder if that will poop out on me too. Hoping for answers for us both. It's no fun to suffer and I'm tired of having no quality of life. x

[Eliana5 in reply to Beckybecks1]

Doctors..are used to it..as it is all trial and error and they know there is no cure, I don't think they get fed up but like us, I'm sure they wish for a cure, and remember they are getting paid for the visits..☺. I did better when I made appts with a gastro or Colon and rectal specialist..

[Eliana5 in reply to Beckybecks1]

I'm just trying Trazadone now (it used to be prescribed for depression) but now it is widely prescribed for acute anxiety, pain and Insomnia. Have you heard of this?

[Beckybecks1 in reply to Eliana5]

Thank you. I've never heard of it but I see it's an antidepressant.

I hope it helps you. Please let me know how it goes.

[Eliana5 in reply to Beckybecks1]

It is..somewhat. But I take other meds for major depressive disorder..Wellbutrin, Remeron, Seroquel and Busphar and Klonopin (4mg) for anxiety. The Trazadone was prescribed to me for bad anxiety and panic. It also has been helping my IBS-C cramping and pain. It's mostly prescribed now not for depression but for severe anxiety..and wow! It works. ☺x

[Lactosebitb]

I get that pain sometimes - usually after eating food that is too greasy or after eating too much. Look at this article - medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

Its often linked to what you have eaten. As I have said in response to other IBS posts - keep a diary of foods eaten - it helps you figure out what foods to avoid.

[Beckybecks1 in reply to Lactosebitb]

Thanks. I read that article. I see they list smoking as one of the culprits for excess gas. I smoke, especially when I'm very anxiety, which is most of the time when I have IBS symptoms.

[Lactosebitb in reply to Beckybecks1]

See if you can cut back on the smoking - your health generally will improve. Hang in there

[NoodlePip]

Hi Becky, I can 100% relate to you. My GP thought this was an enlarged spleen but multiple tests including X-ray and ultrasound all returned normal results. I’m awaiting the gastroenterologist but I believe it could be to do with trapped wind in the splenic flexure area of the large intestine, as well as my anxiety which draws my attention and heightening my awareness to this area when I’m feeling anxious. I find lemon and ginger tea or peppermint tea (as natural as you can find - I use the brand leaves of the world!) are both super helpful to ease my symptoms. I hope this helps ☺️

[Beckybecks1 in reply to NoodlePip]

Thank you very much.

I did some research yesterday and found splenic flexure syndrome. Trapped wind in that area.

Why dont the doctors tell us this? My anxiety has been sky high with this symptom which obviously makes it much worse.

I'll try the tea you recommend. I find an Ativan usually helps which tells me it's mostly due to anxiety.

This IBS is so complex it seems the Doctors can't even explain it, so its down to us to research and find what works.

[NoodlePip in reply to Beckybecks1]

You’re right it’s so frustrating! I do hope the teas work, they do help me. I have very isolated pain with my ibs around the left side of my belly button, and I’m convinced that it could be something different but trying to get tests/diagnosis has been a really effort!! Good luck with your pain I hope it improves!!

[Eliana5 in reply to NoodlePip]

I have just started having this too. Pain ..sometimes sharp..on the left hand side of navel. It hasn't come back for several days but going to get it checked out. Have no idea what it could be..

[NoodlePip in reply to Eliana5]

Oh I’m sorry to hear that, it sounds very similar, although my discomfort is pretty much daily with no rhyme or reason! Please let me know if you find out what it is, good luck with the diagnosis! Xx

[Eliana5 in reply to NoodlePip]

Hi, yes, I will..but not holding out too much hope. I have pretty much given up on Gastros and Colon and rectal specialists. They don't help me. Please keep me informed as well..

[Tigger4u46]

I have same problem but dont no wat it is