IBS says gastroenterologist but,

[tony11173]

Specialist adamant this is IBS for 5 Years. But ive lost some weight, mucous with blood too on one occasion, some constipation. I have low iron levels and red cell count is lower but QFIT, calprotectin, gastroscope, sigmoidsxope and virtual colonoscopy CT scan, small bowel capsule all negative. Most strange. I cannot sit or lay on my back because i get heavy pressure weight in lower abdomen. Im male, aged 55. Doesn't sound right but would like to hear from others.

[Meleber]

Hi, if excluded all other possibilities, after having had all the examinations (even surgery) and nothing to be found then it's probably IBS. This is how it went in my case. First saw a gastroenterologist in 2019 and now had my last examination, a Lactulose breath test. My file is being sent back to my GP, gastroenterologist can't do anything more. Preliminary diagnose was IBS and it's still a for me debilitating form of IBS C now.

[tony11173 in reply to Meleber]

Thanks for your reply and hope you have good days. Its sometimes difficult to functon.

[Meleber in reply to tony11173]

Hi, luckily I still have good days too as I am learning to manage my IBS. And yes, it's difficult to function 'normally' but as long as I occasionally can ride my motorcycle I'm a 'happy' person. Wasn't able to do this for five years as a result of symptoms / sickness caused by my dysfunctional bowel, neurological symptoms and chronic tiredness amongst others. Lost a lot of weight too. What works for me is a laxative several times a day to keep things flowing in my intestines, mind what I eat (no hard to digest fibres and too much fat), supplements (berberine and cinnamon, vitamins, digestive enzymes ) and the antidepressants, which were/are a lifesaver for me.

[tony11173 in reply to Meleber]

Thanks again. Some interesting ideas. I was taking laxatives for Months, then I read about cola..so i stopped laxatives ajnd drink a couple of glasses of cola and it seems.to help me more. I also take pregabalin as I've developed neuropathy from stomach to toes. Again, doctors were at odds. I have a good.few days like you but to be honest, im not sure how i can go on like this....PEACE❤

[randy1963]

OK. A few things:

1. You are under 75. That means only 60 pct of colon cancer risk applies to you.

2. You drink and smoke? Then your risk is 50% greater. You don't? Your risk is 50% less.

3. You eat processed meat... sausages, wieners, salami, bacon, etc. more than once a week... much high risk--probably + 25 pct. No? Deduct.

4. You have ANY history at all of anxiety, heart palpitations, fibromyalgia, etc.--your 3x more likely for IBS.

Can it be cancer? Yes--but cancer doesn't typically stop bleeding... not TYPICALLY -- can you be the exception? Yes. Is it likely? No.

You have been scoped and didn't claim a polyp. Cut 40% from your risk.

Do you eat vegatables and fruit every day and try to consume full grains and fiber? Cut 50% from your risk.

Can it still be cancer? Yep. What would make you happy that it isn't?

[tony11173]

Thanks for your comprehensive reply. I fit the stress, palpitations person but im not sure what else. Ive always looked after myself but this has hit me hard.

[Meleber]

Are you using (gentle) laxatives? Could it be that you're having faecal impaction with overflow diarrhea because of a dysfunctional gut?