I need some help please.

:sign0085:Hi,
I'm new on here and would really appreciate some help.

For years now I have had problems with bowel habits. At first the doctor says its IBS (easy cop out). I need to go all of a sudden, usually diarrhoea.

Over the past maybe two or three years I have had a problem where I will be fine and then I will be sat watching TV or something and my left lower abdomen starts hurting. It feels a lot like period pain. Low down, cramping. Over time it gets worse, I need to open my bowels frequently but it's not normal. Small amounts and thinner in diameter than is normal (sorry for graphic description!)

At first this would just happen over one night and then I would be fine until the next time. Gradually the symptoms are lasting longer. Recently I had pain, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting for a day and a night. More recently I had pain in the night which carried on into the day and the whole episode of pain, nausea, frequent bowel movements, bloating, wind has lasted a week this time. I still have some tenderness in the left lower abdo but otherwise feel ok.

Can anyone please shed any light on what this might be?

Thank you so much for your help x

Hi and welcome to the forum!

When you were told that you have IBS was that diagnosis given by a GI specialist or just your regular doctor? Did they run any tests at all such as at least a colonoscopy (there are many other tests out there as well such as a MRI, MRE, CT scan, Barium swallow with x-ray, barium enema with x-ray, Endoscopy, Ultrasound, Pill Cam, blood work etc.)?

Nothing is too graphic on this forum (well maybe pictures ) so don't worry.

I would head back to your doctor to find out if it's IBD or IBS!
If they say it is still IBS - then maybe head to a dietician and do a food allergy test, it can determine if there are certain types of food that make your symptons worse!
Good luck!

Hi there

I agree that more testing is needed. Don't let them tell you IBS. Demand, at the very least, a colonoscopy be performed.

Please keep us updated as to how you're doing and what they find.

Hi,
Thanks for your replies. I have had no testing of any kind, but I haven't really been back to the doctors. I have just put up with it for years. It was just my regular doctor who said ibs originally.
I had an ultrasound recently to make sure the pain wasn't from my ovaries as they were thinking maybe a cyst. All normal there.
I guess I will head back and ask for some testing. Its got to the point where it is affecting what I do now so something needs to be done!
Thanks again!