I have never had any real digestion problems but for the last 3 weeks have suffered with awful lower abdomen cramps and spasms. They are non stop and are causing me a lot of anxiety. They do not go if I have a bowel movement and don't change if I eat a meal. They just grind away all day. My lower abdomen feels tender to touch and it is constantly gurgling. I have lot of wind and am belching a lot. I don't have diarrhea or constipation and thought you must be affected by these to have ibs?
I am 65 and had a full blood panel done last month and everything was OK.
And ideas would be gratefully received. Many thanks.
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lizzie1
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I would suggest maybe trying Buscopan IBS Relief. It can help with the pain and spasms for your belly. Have your doctors done a stool test that tests for blood?
Thanks for the reply. I haven't tried anything yet as I wanted to see if the pain would go on its own. Am seeing the doc next week but thought I would post here too. I was a bit worried in case the tablets would mask the pain and the problem still be there. However if I look at it logically if the tablets help maybe I can assume it's ibs?
3 weeks is a bit of a short time to tell if it's IBS or not. So the best thing at the moment is to wait to see your doctor, have him/her examine you, ask you relevant questions, and maybe run a couple of stool tests? IBS is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. That is if other things are eliminated, and often if it fits a certain pattern , then IBS is left after everything else is excluded.
The doctor might want to do a few different tests, a urine sample, another blood sample, and the stool tests. Depending on what is or isn't found, they may recommend further tests...or not as the case may be.
Have you had Covid fairly recently? Or food poisoning, or a tummy bug? Those are questions they may ask.
It makes me wonder though if possibly it could be the norovirus messed with your microbiome? There is a kind of IBS which is "post infectious". I don't know how long it would take after an infection for that to start though, so if your tummy was normal when you got better, and these new symptoms started after a gap of something like 3 weeks, there might still be a connection but I don't know.
Have they formally diagnosed you with IBS? Your GP should be doing this, so you're not having to ask forums for the diagnosis. If you have been formally diagnosed, please check back in here since there is much that can help.
Reading your post about norovirus, Luisa22 is right in that it might be post infectious IBS, but you need a definitive from your doctor.
Yes you are right it could well be IBS but it could also be a number of other health conditions that they wouldn't necessarily pick up through a general full blood test...I know it crazy!!
IBS can start at any time for no apparent reason but IBS is a branch term that is used for people that have digestive issues but they can't find medical reasons for the symptoms they are having.
My belief is that as these symptoms have sudden on set and have you haven't had any investigation yet it would be best to speak to your GP who may refer you for a colonoscopy, endoscopy or give you some medication to help ease your symptoms.
The symptoms for IBS cover a wide range and are different for everyone I've ever spoken to. I've had all these tests that I've mentioned and many medications for IBS over the years and seen many clinicians.
The definite first port of call is definitely your GP.
I hope this helps and am happy to give any further advice if I can.
I would be looking to ask for a scan of hour abdomen or colonoscopy as there are other conditions that would present similar symptoms especially if you still have your ovaries.
yes I’m pretty sure you could have IBS. I’ve had it for years and I can’t remember the test I had but usually if they rule out everything else that could be what it is. I watch what I eat. I take Imodium and I eat a yogurt every morning, it also helps me to drink carbonated drinks. You should talk to your doctor about having IBS they have a medication for cramps. I don’t remember what it’s called. I hope this helps.
I am sure the doctor will do what is best. Some preliminary tests first, then see what's there. then poss. referral for further testing depending on what is found. The NHS preliminary tests don't investigate the microbiome but can tell if there's any hidden blood, any inflammation, and infections going on, and possibly (I think so?) any obvious parasites. And they can tell a lot from that . So it's not invasive to start with.
But of course if any inflammation etc is found, you should be referred for a colonoscopy. See how that goes.
Meanwhile a low residue and easy to digest diet might help your symptoms? Keep food plain with no spices, sauces etc. Just plain steamed, poached, or boiled, and just add salt for seasoning.
Things like mashed potatoes (skins peeled), toast, bananas, rice, pasta, any veg which suits you, chicken fish, eggs etc. That might calm down your tummy a bit.
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