should I go to the ER: my IBS has worsened... - IBS Network

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should I go to the ER

GKT1969 profile image
14 Replies

my IBS has worsened considerably past few days and I have sever constipation and occasional loose very watery BMs. The pain and discomfort is significant and my whole colon feels full of stool. I am unable to work and fear taking a laxative as it just comes back twice as bad. Should I go to the ER or will that not be appropriate. I need help I do not know what to eat, drink and do anymore. I feel helpless and alone.

Thank you for any advise

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GKT1969 profile image
GKT1969
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14 Replies
b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1

Do you have a gastroenterologist? If not, that would be a good step, although the wait for an initial appointment can be long. You should establish a relationship with a gastroenterologist, though. As you have immediate concerns, you should speak with your doctor and if that does not resolve the problem you should definately go to the emergency room.

GKT1969 profile image
GKT1969 in reply tob1b1b1

I have an appointment with a gastroenterologist on Monday I took some laxatives just to get a bit of relief. This is a quite horrible illness and unrelenting. Thanks for the response

winfong profile image
winfong

I see you are in the US. Perhaps a doc in the box would be an option.

b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1 in reply towinfong

I'm in the US too, so I should know this, BUT what is a doc in a box?

winfong profile image
winfong in reply tob1b1b1

Sorry. It's just one of those pop-up clinics. I see them all over the place. I think they're for something that needs to be looked at before you can see your regular doc butthat doesn't need an emergency room visit.

b1b1b1 profile image
b1b1b1 in reply towinfong

Yes, I know what you mean. I have actually used them twice and found them to be quite competent and thorough. The only thing is that you have to be careful as some of them only have a nurse practitioner, while others always have a doctor. I have found a nearby one with a quite good doctor and they are very convenient, especially during the week, when the wait times are minimal.

MOLLYMILO007 profile image
MOLLYMILO007 in reply tob1b1b1

I think all u need is reassurance from.a professional I have health anxiety honest the states I've been in buy as soon as I see or speak to a health professional mu anxiety goes although very scary I know ..even if u go to your pharmacy and speak privately it may help x

Luisa22 profile image
Luisa22

I'm sorry you are feeling so horrible. IBS can be scary at times.

It sounds like you have overflow diarrhea, and yes, blocked up too. I think seeking medical help is a good idea, as you might need an enema to open this up, and that might be best done by a nurse, unless you are used to doing those?

eliz45 profile image
eliz45

I would go to any place you feel comfortable. But I would not really be too sure that getting a doctor is the only option. I used to think that way until through experience I learned that a nurse practitioner can serve you very well and in some cases be more interested and earnest than a doctor. It just depends on the individuals. You do need a gastro doctor though. I suffered from diagnosed "IBS" for many years but finally was diagnosed with celiac disease. So you need to get some help. Good luck.

GKT1969 profile image
GKT1969 in reply toeliz45

thank you for your reply I visit my new Gastro on Monday

GKT1969 profile image
GKT1969

just to add I did take a stimulant laxatives and all morning my bowel movements have been watery and full of what looks like seeds. Relentless but zero relief and my stomach is no where near empty. Goodness knows where this stuff is coming from and why there is so much of it. I hardly eat anything.

Risita profile image
Risita

ER can’t do anything, I’m in USA

I been at the emergency, they keep me for 5 hours, all they did was a SCAN and shows my intestines full of 💩.

The send me home

GKT1969 profile image
GKT1969 in reply toRisita

yeah no point in going really. Just need to get through this day by day

GKT1969 profile image
GKT1969

thank you for your reply I actually just ordered some magnesium so will give that a try. Part,of my problem could be I eat so little and weigh half what I did 18 months ago. Need to find the right food before I waste away

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