IBS caused by hypermobility syndrome?

[missteal]

I read an article the yesterday about IBS being quite common in patients with hypermobility syndrome. Hypermobile people have a problem with the collagen in their bodies. Collagen is involved with the muscles, tendons, ligaments and anything that moves in the body. It makes everything extra elastic so dislocations and puled muscles/tendons are common. I hadn't even thought about it affecting my insides. I am now sure that this is what is causing my IBS. I'm interested to see how many other IBS sufferers also suffer with HMS......anyone? I was diagnosed with HMS when I was 15 when I tore a tendon in my knee. I quite often dislocate my hips which is very painful.

Thanks for reading, xx

[annekeith]

hi misteal im in shock after readin ur words i hv neva heard of this untill now im in a wheelchair i was rushed into hospital 2 xmases ago they said i was hvin a silent sroke or it cud be a i.b.s attack anyway i went in on 2 sticks came out in a wheelchair no matter i went to the hospital yesterday i went to the pain clinic he asked me all these stupid questions as they do he said that i should see a noroligist but with u putton that question its got me thinkin wat if thanku i will look mr into this lv ann xx

[karendragonfly]

hi, i have ehlers danlos syndrome, the genetic form of hypermobility. marfans syndrome directly afects the heart and is the worst form of connective collegen tissue disorder, depending on the severity of the disorder internal tissues can be weak- but not normally and can be kept strong through diet and exercise as with all hypermoblity. pain can also affect the functioning of the gut, i have chronic pain syndrome (fibromyalgia) that causes ibs like symptoms. hope this helps

[PatV]

what you're saying is very interesting. I have Parkinson's too and since being diagnosed I've had 2 torn meniscus, a torn hip adductor, a torn rotator cuff, and a hernia operation. I've always been very flexible but not so strong or coordinated. My ab pain is killing me today. I'm going to look into this.

[kiwimiwi]

I have hypermobility and I asked the same question a few weeks ago about how many people suffer with IBS and hypermobility and there are quite a few on the forum! I have been hypermobile as long as I can remember but was only diagnosed properly at 18 when I damaged my knees (the hypermobility caused Hoffa's Syndrome). I have been pulling muscles and such for years and as a result I am constantly getting re-referred for physio! A few people have asked whether I have been assessed for EDS because myself, my dad, his sister and his mum are all hypermobile but I have never asked my GP about it because none of us have stretchy skin. I cannot take NSAIDs to help the pain because I had a duodenal ulcer a few years back and I have NSAID associated nodules in my small intestine from all the ibuprofen I was prescribed for my joint pains as a kid/teen!

[missteal]

Wow, wasn't expecting that much of a response if I'm honest! Thank you

Karendragonfly, question.....how would I know if I have ehlers danlos syndrome? What's the difference between that and normal hypermobility? I'm hypermobile in everything but my knees which means they get damaged a lot as they can't keep up with the rest of my bendiness! I've had reflux problems and IBS symptoms since I was born just like the hypermobility and now I know they can be connected I'm slightly worried about the heart thing :/

I also have endometriosis and adenomyosis so suffer a lot with my menstrual cycle. I have to take high doses of progesterone to control that problem and obviously that has made all my joints worse

I have an appointment with a pain management consultant on the 21st of Jan so I'm going to discuss this all with them and see what they say. Thanks for all the advice, its so good to know you're not alone xx

[rowantree]

Hi,

This is really interesting. I have had IBS for 10 years. I also had rheumatism, for ever, which is now much worse and has been diagnosed as arthritis in my big toes and hands. I might have hypermobility causing the arthritis, my GP suggested. I have been referred to a rheumatologist. I am worried I ma have Charcot Marie Tooth as I have cavus feet. This can also cause IBS. Aargh! Anyway, great to read other people's experiences and feel like I'm not alone and there are others who understand what I'm going through. I try hard not to moan about it at home, cos my partner must get so bored of listening to me!

[Socialite]

I have been saying the Serenity Prayer a lot lately for the complex issues i have had as i can see most of you have! Away for a great weekend with hubby but my stomach and thus joints not loving indulgences. It can be very tough cant it. Focussing on what I can do and positives in my life is important if a bit difficult at times. Night time discomfort nasty so reading to take mind off things helps. Best wishes to all. Ps. I see hyper mobility and IBS issues in my grandchildren . Poor loves!

[elvisfan01]

thanks for posting missteal,I am new to this cite, having read your post though its really made me wonder whether to go back to docs and get tested for HMS as as I have terrible pains in lower back and sharp pain in hips and lower part of the tummy,I have been diagnosed with IBS but now I want to find out about the Colagen problem incase I have it,if I hadnt read your post I wouldnt have even thought about this,thanks again for posting missteal!, due to these aches and pains now I am on a mission to find out more! thank you

[Night_Shade]

It does seem fairly common with HMS. I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos (The genetic HMS) and am hyper-mobile in every joint except for my elbows (go figure ). I am thus in constant pain from head to toe. I suffer from constant dislocations, hyper-extensions and sprains in every joint (except for the elbows of course). I was also diagnosed with gastroparesis which seems to be the underlying cause of IBS in HMS sufferers. Since the connective tissue is very elastic (Collagen), the tissue connecting the mussels together in my abdomen do not hold the mussels together. Thus when they contract to push food through they simply pull apart and do not actually do much of anything (they don't tare apart, but simply stretch away from each other). This can easily lead to upper GI tract problems as well as the lower GI tract problems associated with IBS.

In short, I to must deal with these problems thanks to my hyper-mobility.