Confused about potential ibs c with overflow diagnosis

[Confused1806]

So after having a constant list of other symptoms unrelated to bowels i have finally spoke to a gastro who is assuming i have ibs c with overflow. I am on the waiting list for a colonoscopy so this potential diagnosis has been made on a 5 min phone call not an in person appointment. My confusion comes with being told im constipated but i have loose stools everyday and i have a constant feeling of something being trapped under my left rib. As i side note i had an unrelated xray done recently where the dr confirmed on my left side it looks like there is either gas or stool in which case would this not be classed as a bowel obstruction?

[heartmatters1]

Sorry to hear about your suffering. About 3 years ago I was diagnosed with what you are describing. I was very impacted with overflow d. Large doses of laxatives sorted me out. However, colonoscopy diagnosed extensive & severe diverticulosis. I just have to be careful not to let myself get constipated again, which is easily done with this condition. I also get a lot of stomach discomfort & some at the left hand side of my stomach under my rib. I hope you get your colonoscopy scheduled soon & get an answer. Meanwhile try not to let yourself get constipated.

Best wishes 🤞

[Confused1806 in reply to heartmatters1]

Thank you for the reply. Oh ok sounds very similar to mine. This was my concern that there could be something more underlying and not just a case of ibs. Thank you hoping for answers asap. Living a life like this really is a downer xx

[AgateGuy]

You should always confirm your diagnosis with a colonoscopy. IBS symptoms are often similar to those caused by CRC. IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion by eliminating other potential causes. This is especially important if you have never had a previous one. I had my last Colonoscopy 4 years ago and they found one small non cancerous polyp. Even with that, they said to get another in 5 years. I’m having a significant flareup and although my gastro doc is 90% certain that this is IBS, he wants me to get one this summer. Don’t put your health and life at risk by not getting checked out. CRC has become more common, especially with those under 40. Get yourself checked out as the peace of mind for getting an all clear will help you successfully deal with your symptoms

[Orchid99]

I would request a transit study to check for slow transit colon. I have this condition and often get overflow diarrhoea because my bowel can not move waste through as it should.

[LFHell in reply to Orchid99]

Could you have hypermobility? My friend has EDS and says gastric transit problems are an issue with that.

[Orchid99 in reply to LFHell]

No, I don't have things like stretchy skin, increased joint movements. Mine is just nerve related to the gut

[Orchid99 in reply to Orchid99]

I also have a redundant colon in 2 places which does not help things

[vagabond789]

Orchid99 Are you in the UK? If so, do you know whether the NHS will refer people for a transit study? I suspect a slow transit colon is what I have too.

[Orchid99 in reply to vagabond789]

Hi, Yes I'm UK. I had all my tests done with nhs gastroenterology

[vagabond789]

Thanks Orchid99 . I will definitely be enquiring about this.