Newbie - trying to work out whether I have IBS or not

[Montalbano123]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to this forum and after taking a look around I can see that it's a really supportive place with lots of advice, so I'm hoping maybe someone can help me understand some of my symptoms a bit better! I've had gut issues for a good few years now, but I'm struggling to work out whether I might be dealing with IBS or not. Any thoughts and advice VERY gratefully received

I'm a healthy and active person, I've been vegetarian for around 17 years and exercise 5 times a week. I'd say my diet is pretty good: not much processed food or sugar, lots of fruit and veg. My problems start every morning when I have to go to the toilet (usually before and then after breakfast) for a bowel movement, which is usually pretty big and 'loose' (I wouldn't say diarrhea though). After this I find that my stomach feels REALLY empty, and my stomach looks really flat (it doesn't normally), and then my guts usually start making lots of gurgling noises. It doesn't stop me leaving this house or anything, and is never problematically urgent, but it leaves me feeling so weak and drained for the rest of the day, which is really getting me down... I find that after these morning bowel movements I spend the rest of the day feeling SUPER hungry, often even to the point of feeling light-headed and shaky, and I struggle to feel energetic when I exercise. I love running, and I'm training for my second half marathon, but sometimes when I try and go out for a run, it just feels like my body hasn't got any energy to give me a boost, and my stomach feels uncomfortably empty. On days when I don't have to go to the toilet in the morning, I feel much more comfortable and energetic.

I recently had some blood tests and these came back normal (good cholesterol, good sugar levels, no deficiencies etc.), which was almost a bit disappointing for me, because I'm getting so fed up with these issues. I just want my digestive system to feel normal, and feel like I'm getting energy from the food I eat. Most afternoons I feel so hungry I get stomach cramps, despite eating large meals, and it all starts with my morning bowel movements. I don't feel like I'm a particularly anxious person, and don't have any particular stresses in my life (I work from home, enjoy my work, have a happy relationship etc), so I'm getting a bit frustrated.

I wondered whether anyone else recognised these symptoms, and whether they had found anything that helps? And whether this sounds like possible IBS or whether I'm barking up the wrong tree! Thank you so much in advance for any thoughts or advice, it's so hard to talk to anyone about these embarrassing issues.

[Hidden]

You need to get a doctor to tell you what is wrong with you, self diagnosis can be dangerous.

Make an appointment and get it sorted.

Take care.

[FRreedman]

In order to diagnose IBS you need to be tested negative for everything else, and then satisfy various conditions, so I can only suggest you get the ball rolling, by contacting your GP and start the long road to diagnosis and, hopefully cure or, at least, alleviate the symptoms. Good luck

[Linley]

Agree with Freedman process of elimination is needed see your GP can make suggestions to help you once we know what you are dealing with. I had a couple of light bulb moments when reading your post but will just comment on one where a friend of mine was ODing on fruit intake the acid in some fruit was too much for her, just a thought. Let us know how you get on

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi there,

We have more information on IBS symptoms here theibsnetwork.org/have-i-go...

However, we recommend speaking to your GP. It is important to get an accurate diagnosis.