Constant pain

[Ruggerhead]

Would others please let me know as I am getting mixed opinions from consultants and experts alike and confused. I have constant stomach pain, belly button area and sometimes lower and even sometimes in and around my lower back. Mixed stools but constipated, been like this for nearly 6 months. I sometimes get sharper pain lower left or right ab. It is most comfortable when I first wake up. Im not sure if its IBS or what, colonoscopy, bloods, inflammatory markers all clear etc. Thoughts please as you guys know first hand rather than every second Dr saying something different. I had two consultants argue about it, yes he has IBS, no he does not?

[Cimmy]

Hi, I’m in constant pain, the pain is lower left hand abdomen, I have been diagnosed with IBS and divaticular disease. The doctors just keep giving me stronger painkillers and said basically tough just live with it, which is hard to do when your in pain. I find ibuprofen gel rubbed into the area give some relief and antispasmodics which your gp can prescribe help, or you can get buy them over the counter. I wish I had a solution for you, because I know how you feel, just wanted you to know your not alone, the people on this site are great and very knowledgable, so hopefully someone will give you some advice. Take care

[Dalph87]

Yes, IBS can cause constant pain during bad flare ups, mine is like that, and it can lasts several months before settling, but I pretty much always sleep well at night and the pain is very mild.

You have all the tests clear so it's most likely just IBS, which is a functional disorder but very annoying and persistant (for some people it can even last years or a lifetime!).

Did you try Mebeverine and Peppermint Tea for the pain? Peppermint soothes stomach and colon and has no side effects (unless you abuse it, in that case it can cause heartburn).

For constipation you have to combat it as much as you can with a solid diet, and lots of fluids and physical activity (do all you can to keep your stool soft).

[DSDS_ in reply to Dalph87]

This was my experience for months until the doctor finally prescribed Mebeverine and Peppermint Oil together. Mebeverine on its own had made no difference but the combination of the two had an almost immediate effect. That is not to say that I am not symptomatic but the unbearable ongoing pain was resolved. All the best as it is a bit of a nightmare to cope with.

[Ruggerhead in reply to DSDS_]

Thank you so much, I will try that, its been constant 4.5 months now and ranges from a kind of lower ab burning, to mild constant ache, to sharper pains. If i push on my belly i can just about follow the pain as it moves through my colon, ie sometimes lower left, middle or lower right. For some reason it is least painful first thing in the morning, go figure, maybe because the intestines have had a bit of a rest? But thank you so much, I so appreciate the reply and advice..

[Hidden in reply to DSDS_]

Does the pain stop you sleeping

[Ruggerhead in reply to Dalph87]

Thanks Dalph, yes the pain is not debilitating but does effect my well being, so any relief would be great at this stage as its been 4.5 months, I think i probably added to it with stress and worry and that would not have helped so hopefully after a period it will settle down as i dont really want to think I am saddled with this. I had similar a couple of years ago, bit more leaky gut with brain fog and stuff, so it seems i have an odd gut. The pain is sometimes a burning feeling and then sharp but always in the back ground a discomfort. Thanks so much for your time and advice

[bourne62 in reply to Ruggerhead]

I too have constant pains mine started 3 inches left of navel and 2 above, then moved to same place on right. Now it is constantly moving. Very uncomfortable not agony but always there. Tried sicol Gel but seems worse now. So down.

[Ruggerhead in reply to bourne62]

Sounds a lot like mine, sometimes starts about an inch above the belly button in the middle then shoots both sides and a bit lower. Its actually not so bad in the morning when i wake up but then increases over the day, presumably as i eat. I have constipation which does not help. the unsual thing is that the pains are not cramping, rather constant knawing, uncomfortable, tender feeling. The problem is it has been like this day in day out for 5 months, have tried everything. I was diagnosed with SIBO but im not sure i believe that either, the journey has cost me financially as well seeing everyone from accupunture to hypnotist. But please believe that you will get better bounce, i believe that thinking about it 24/7 only makes it worse, thats way i think mine is better in the morning too, because from there it is always nagging at me. I was in hospital at one stage where they feared it might be cancer or an IBD so at least they come back clear, i think its trying to find out what can make it bearable..

[Alysm]

Look into SIBO

[Ruggerhead in reply to Alysm]

Yes tested hydrogen positive for that, but do you think that is a real thing? I dont want to go on another cocktail of antibiotics if I dont have too. Im just always a bit skeptical of the SIBO aspect, ie how sensitive are the tests, also Hydrogen based SIBO is not meant to cause constipation.. I am on a diet that should be denying any bacteria.

[Alysm]

I was hydrogen based SIBO but had constipation too.

[Ruggerhead in reply to Alysm]

did you take antibiotics

[Ruggerhead in reply to Alysm]

Did you get this SIBO sorted, Alysum

[Alysm in reply to Ruggerhead]

Hi yes I have taken antibiotics but they don’t seem to work. Unfortunately it keeps coming back. But your symptoms are very similar to mine, so that’s why I have mentioned SIBO

[xjrs]

You may be suffering from visceral hypersensitivity (functional abdominal pain) - there is info about it here:

iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorder...

It is where the brain interprets the normal activity of the bowel as pain - this is due to a wearing down of neurons in pain control centres of the brain which can be caused by PTSD, neglect or abuse in childhood, extreme stressful events etc. The first line treatment is nerve pain agents such as low dose amitriptyline. There is a theory that being on something like amitriptyline for 6-12 months can help the pain control centre neurons to regenerate. Note that amitriptyline can cause constipation, but this can be helpful in people who are diarrhea dominant. Unfortunately I couldn't tolerate these. Linaclotide (for IBS-C only) & Alflorex have helped me with this intestinal pain.

You may also find assistance with enteric coated peppermint.