Is it really IBS?

[Hashtagger56]

Hi everyone!

5 years ago I was rushed to the ER with vomiting and passed out from pain. Ever since I have suffered with chronic diarrhea, spasms, lost over 30 pounds, losing my hair. My wife is suffering from gut issues since 5 years ago as well, although not as bad as me. Doctors say its IBS. Diets help slightly but not nearly enough. I have abnormal liver #s for years now (high bilirubin and high alkaline phosphatase) and sometimes a slightly elevated white blood count. Doctors have checked gallbladder, MRI. Nothing off except latest MRI now shows my liver is enlarged compared to last image from 2 years ago. Can this really be IBS? Can IBS affect the liver?

Thanks everyone.

[Hashtagger56]

Forgot to mention I had colonoscopy and endoscopy 2 years ago that revealed nothing as well.

[Sunshineonmyshoulder in reply to Hashtagger56]

Have you been tested for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth)?

[Hashtagger56 in reply to Sunshineonmyshoulder]

Hi, yes I have twice. About 2 years ago was the last time. Result was negative both times I was tested.

[Superzob]

It's certainly possible for a bad gut infection (which it sounds like you and your wife had) to result in IBS - mine lasted 25 years until I had another bad infection which corrected it, but now it's all over the place. I don't know whether there is any link with the liver, except for the fact that bile acid malabsorption (or, possibly, over-production) could exacerbate IBS symptoms. My IBS is most likely due to an over-reaction to quite normal foods, as a result of sensitisation from the original infection; I found reducing fibre helped, but that doesn't seem to be the problem now as it is more IBS-M than IBS-D. I sympathise with your predicament as I'm finding it very difficult to cope at the moment, as the D comes out of nowhere, despite no change of diet. It's a very intractable problem, but you may find some potential solutions on this forum - xjrs does a very good summary of treatments.