does this sound familiar?

hi all, I hope you’re all doing well.

I was diagnosed with IBS in 2014 and also have fibromyalgia. For the last three weeks or so I’ve had sharp burning pain in my lower abdomen, mostly on the left hand side but occasionally on the right or all across my lower abdomen. I’m also bloated and my digestive system is very ‘noisy’, constant rumbling and gurgling. I was worried about my ovary but I had a routine transvaginal ultrasound last week so that’s all fine. I started taking my Buscopan religiously three days ago but no change. Does this sound familiar to you guys? You all know what it’s like with the worry/pain cycle. I should also say that I’ve been having a period of stress and worry.

Many thanks and gentle hugs.

Roo xxx

[winfong]

Any history of diverticulosis?

[Hidden in reply to winfong]

I saw a GP a couple of weeks ago who said she thought it was diverticulitis. She gave me antibiotics that made absolutely no difference. I’ve never been diagnosed with any diverticula issues.

[Tess359]

Hi MrsRoo, stress will definitely make your symptoms worse. I have had a lot of success with the low FODMAP diet. I used to get the same symptoms and the chronic myalgia would get worse with flare ups, but I have found significant relief from the low FODMAP diet. Initially, I made the mistake of trying to do it it myself and got into a bit of a mess with it. It can bring good results, but, if you are interested in trying it, you need to see a dietician who specialises in low FODMAP to guide you through the process.

[Jellyfish51]

Hi I known exactly what you're going though I also have the same symptoms as you plus diverticulitis. This has been gong on for five years.

I have tried everything Gastroenterologist suggested. Diets medications etc.

If I go on a liquid diet for two or three days it helps with the bloating but as I have I B S c then it doesn't help with loo problems.

I have recently had a pelvis MRI which has showed tears in pelvic muscles both sides but have been told there is nothing that can be done about that so finally I have been referred for pain management but I have to be prepared to wait a minimum of nine months.

I am at the stage that I have to eat standing up due to increased pain when sitting. This makes it impossible to go out even for a coffee with friends .

As all the above is classified as Chronic Pain syndrome we have to put up and shut up.

As you are younger than me I sincerely hope they can find something to give you some quality of life. Please keep at it and think of the good times.

[Linley]

I think us women have a bad deal as some Gastro probs have similar symptoms to Gyae probs.🤔 You seem to have covered yourself well by getting a TV ultrasound. Taking antibiotics for what your GP thought was diverticulitis would have upset the flora & fauna of your gut, personally I thought diverticular disease was only diagnosed after a colonoscopy /sigmoidoscopy. As you quite rightly noted stressful times make things worse particularly the pain of fibromygelia. Wish you well🍀

[QuiltLady]

Sounds like what is going on with me lately. Sometimes I get weird pains in the lower abdomen and usually I have IBS-C but then when things get more "regular" it seems to make things worse. That's when the pain starts. I also have loud gurgling noises, especially when I lay down. All this brings on a little nervousness which I'm sure doesn't help.