Is this IBS. New member Azealea

[azaelea]

Hi, I was already diagnosed many years ago with Diverticulosis/itis but for quite a few months now I am suffering stomach pains and cramps and alternating constipation and loose stools, though not usually diarrhoea. I am in pain most of the time, the worst being along the bottom of abdomen (pelvic region) which is more like an ache. I don’t get the left sided pain with diverticular disease all the time, when I need to go to the toilet the cramps in my stomach are very bad and I wake up very early every morning with this. I haven’t asked my GP about IBS yet as I’m currently having to watch my situation with Essential Thrombocythemia ( blood cancer) and I belong to the MPN Voice forum on Health unlocked. Any of your views would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[FRreedman]

IBS is the diagnosis given when your GP or Gastroenterologist or GI team cannot find out what is causing your problem. They know you have a problem but it does not fit any of, or all of the, criteria for a known illness they have to call it something so they say Irritable Bowel Syndrome (sounds good, sounds official = means don't know)

[Bits1961 in reply to FRreedman]

😅😅

[winfong]

How would this be different than your diverticulitis episodes in the past?

[azaelea in reply to winfong]

Because it is continuous each day and not sharp lower left abdominal pain with diverticulitis which only occurs at odd times and clears within a few days.

[winfong in reply to azaelea]

Righty-o. I should have know better - I've got diverticulitis as well!

[Jackie1612]

Hi Azalea, it does sound like my symptoms and I was diagnosed with IBS. You would need more tests though, when you feel ready.

[Gorgeousreader]

It sounds like you’ve now got an IBS issue as well as Diverticulitis.. I had pretty much the same problem, diagnosed with Diverticulitis in 2011 and a few years later started suffering with more frequent stomach issues. Stomach cramps coming on very suddenly, the cramps becoming very severe at times, the need to go to the loo, a general feeling of being poorly and after a bout having a day or two still feeling quite weak.I was referred again to a Gastroenterologist and from there was sent for a second Colonoscopy.

My first Colonoscopy diagnosed the Diverticulitis and this second one showed the Diverticulitis had worsened and I was told I now had the double whammy of both Diverticulitis and IBS, alternating between IBS..D and IBS .. C..

I’ve tried everything medically out there to control this debilitating condition, I’ve cut out certain food and drink.. unfortunately nothing gets rid of the problem all you can do is manage it.

I do take Amitriptyline at night to help with Anxiety because any form of anxiety will kick off a bout for me. I’m not sure it works to be honest but it helps me sleep !

It’s not easy having these conditions but somehow you learn to live with them,

I wish you all the best…

[edwangy in reply to Gorgeousreader]

What dose of amitryptyline do you take? It can cause constipation

[Gorgeousreader in reply to edwangy]

Just 10mg in the evening, I can take 20mg if I choose but haven’t felt the need..

[Suecoo66]

I think you are best to speak to your Dr who you see about the diverticulitis

[Hidden]

Have you been watching your diet? No pips, seeds, fruit skins etc. These can get caught in the DV and cause infection and ultimately an abscess. Please go back to your GP snd ask for a referral for a CT.

[azaelea in reply to Hidden]

Yes, I do exactly what you’ve said. No pips, fruit skins etc. Have done since diverticular disease confirmed with colonoscopy, one about ten years ago and another at beginning of last year when they just said “multiple diverticula” and gave me diet sheet.

[Hidden in reply to azaelea]

Ah ok. That’s good then especially with pan DV

[Dixiemax1]

Definitely sounds like ibs one bowel problem often triggers another. I dared eat sweet corn the day before yesterday have had horrendous pains etc and going loo loads. Realise that was diverticular not ibs as too intense

[nen4224]

I had much the same symptoms for a good month or so last winter. I had an x-ray done and my colon was full... of poo and gas. My GP advised ;a good clean out with mag citrate, and to start drinking one cup of hot water every AM and it's working, so far at least.

[azaelea in reply to nen4224]

Thank you for letting me know what has helped you. I must try Magnesium Citrate . Didn’t know it had a laxative effect. My husband takes one tablet for cramp. I’ll investigate and see what amount to take. Kind regards.

[Alysm]

I also have the continuous lower pelvic pain. I’ve been told I have SIBO

[Angrybelly]

I have diverticulosis and have had about 4 attacks of diverticulitis. I also have symptoms that are similar to IBS. My doc says it could be SUDD or post diverticulitis IBS. I've had these symptoms for years but have gotten worse. I wake up have 3 or 4 solid thin stools, after that I can't stop the urgency throught the day. I get horrible Tenesmus and rectal pain. All tests come back normal, but he put me on Lialda and procto hydrocortisone cream. Scheduled a defecography. This cramping and urgency not like the typical LLQ pain is taking my life away. I've lost weight and begun to isolate myself .