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Welcome! I know you're feeling anxious and confused by the whole thing, but I hope you'll take a deep breath, try to relax, and stick around for a while... we're a helpful bunch when you give us a chance. 
First of all, IBS can cause pain anywhere along the digestive tract, and you can have pain-predominant IBS, where the pain is your "main" symptom. So yes, what you describe could be IBS.
I'll be totally honest, your initial symptoms (upper ab pain, nausea, loose stools) sounds exactly like what I experienced when I started having gallstone problems. Is the pain constant or episodic? I know you've had ultrasounds, but did you specifically have a *gallbladder* ultrasound?
I would really suggest having the colonoscopy, if it's essentially the only test you haven't had yet. In light of your symptoms, it would be a good idea to rule out more serious problems.
I don't know if you've started following the IBS diet yet, as detailed in Heather's books and here on the site, but I highly recommend it. It's a very healthy diet, good for general health over all, and there's absolutely no harm in trying it, whether or not you turn out to have IBS or something else entirely... and potentially, it could really help your symptoms in the long run.
Good luck!
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Well, you very well could have IBS but as mentioned, you need the colonoscopy to be for sure its nothing else. I agree that you may want an ultrasound of your gallbladder to be sure it is functioning properly.
How long have you been on the zoloft? 25mg is a very low dose, if its not hleping they could try raising it to 50 mg or try another SSRI. I hope you start feeling better soon.
The other thing I picked up on was the raised liver enzymes. Have you been tested for Hepatitis C?? I was diagnosed with Hep C about 4 years ago but my virual load never got real high and blood tests just a couple of months ago showed no trace of the virus in my system. I was not symptomatic and it is rare for your immune system to kill all the virus, as in my case. They can test for antibodies in your blood so its a relatively easy test.
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Despite all the tests that I have endured, and if you read my original post, there were quite a few, despite the fact that I was 33 when the symptoms started, despite the fact that I have no family history of intestinal problems including cancer, despite the fact that the symptoms have been more or less constant for a year and a half, and despite the fact that I have seen four separete gastroeneterologists non of whom ever suggested that I do a colnonscopy, now you are telling me that I have to endure this procedure? which, mind you, is a rather invasive procedure! Well frankly, now I am truly worried and, knowing my self, its going to be a very traumatic experience for me to go through this! I am not looking for false reassurances, but I would imagine that if it was something serious, it would have showed up somewhere, dont you think???
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Quote:
Well, you very well could have IBS but as mentioned, you need the colonoscopy to be for sure its nothing else. I agree that you may want an ultrasound of your gallbladder to be sure it is functioning properly.
How long have you been on the zoloft? 25mg is a very low dose, if its not hleping they could try raising it to 50 mg or try another SSRI. I hope you start feeling better soon.
The other thing I picked up on was the raised liver enzymes. Have you been tested for Hepatitis C?? I was diagnosed with Hep C about 4 years ago but my virual load never got real high and blood tests just a couple of months ago showed no trace of the virus in my system. I was not symptomatic and it is rare for your immune system to kill all the virus, as in my case. They can test for antibodies in your blood so its a relatively easy test.
Hi Michele, to answer your questions, if you read my previous replies, I mention that I have had various bloodtests, ultrasounds and an MRCP which totally rule out any gallbladder related problems. I have also had two bloodtests for HCV antibodies and both times it was negative. I am immune to A & B due to a previous vaccination!
As for the zoloft, I was told that SSRI's are effective against IBS type of problems usually in very low doses. By raising it to 50mg, the treatement becomes for depression, which I dont seem to have!
I dont know, I am really at a loss right now especially after reading the comments on this board!
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Hello and welcome! You mentioned the following in your original post:
"He saw me twice and he believes that I am suffering from IBS. He basically told me that I need to change my diet and learn to relax. He also suggested that I take 25mg of zoloft a day as an alternative!"
However, you didn't mention whether you've been following his recommendations. I would say with all the tests you've done and specialists you've seen, plus the fact that your health has not deteriorated, that you could put off the colonoscopy. I feel that if you're not ready at the moment to handle more invasive testing, the stress of having to have a colonoscopy at this time may excaberate your anxiety and your IBS. However, if you feel that you'll continue to worry and have anxiety that something more serious could be wrong, then get the colonoscopy. If you trust your GP and the four GIs you've seen, then don't. What you need to do, then, is accept that you have IBS and start dealing with it by following the recommendations of your GI.
Although more women than men have IBS, although it's not as common for someone over 30 to develop IBS, although your symptoms don't exactly fit the IBS criteria, it sounds to me that GIs you've seen have done thorough testing and are familiar with IBS. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have given you a very good plan for coping with it on a day-to-day basis. That's where Heather's book come in. Try the diet, follow the guidelines, but don't expect immediate results. I've heard that SSRI's are a great help. I've never used one, but I'm currently taking Buspar, which is an anti-anxiety medication. When I was anxious or having panic attacks, I really noticed that the pain in my abdomen (not just the lower abdominal area, but the area near the rib cage, my stomach, and to the right of my belly button) severely increased. After four months on the IBS diet and two months with Buspar, in addition to finding ways to manage stress and anxiety, I have a lot less pain! It's only been in the last two weeks that I've noticed the improvement, and I can hardly believe it!
I'm glad you found these boards. We'll all do our best to help you, but keep in mind that we don't always have the answers. However, you'll see that you're not alone in dealing with the pain and frustration. You're lucky you've been able to see great doctors and have found Heather's books within two years. A lot of us have had to deal with this on our own for a lot longer (about ten years for me).
If you start the diet, keep us informed of how it's going and any questions you may have. We'll do our best to help!
--Maria
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Well, if age could rule me out it would. I'm 38 and just diagnosed with IBS. While the colonscopy is not fun, it did rule out Inflamatory bowel disease, ulcers and of course cancers. My Gastroenterologist said the barium tests are only about 40% accurate (he wants me to swallow the little camera pill once he gets it in, it's all ordered). I had my last attack Sunday night, found this site on Monday, started following the guidelines on what to eat during the attacks and am feeling much better in 3 days. I too have upper right side GI pain, along with back pain and was sure it was my gallbladder, but all the tests said it wasn't. I too have wondered about drug side effects as I started taking lisinopril for my blood pressure when the pains started, doctor doesn't think that's it, but once I lose some weight and can stop the BP meds I'm gonna see if thats it. Until then, the diet seems to be helping.
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Quote:
Hello and welcome! You mentioned the following in your original post:
"He saw me twice and he believes that I am suffering from IBS. He basically told me that I need to change my diet and learn to relax. He also suggested that I take 25mg of zoloft a day as an alternative!"
However, you didn't mention whether you've been following his recommendations. I would say with all the tests you've done and specialists you've seen, plus the fact that your health has not deteriorated, that you could put off the colonoscopy. I feel that if you're not ready at the moment to handle more invasive testing, the stress of having to have a colonoscopy at this time may excaberate your anxiety and your IBS. However, if you feel that you'll continue to worry and have anxiety that something more serious could be wrong, then get the colonoscopy. If you trust your GP and the four GIs you've seen, then don't. What you need to do, then, is accept that you have IBS and start dealing with it by following the recommendations of your GI.
Although more women than men have IBS, although it's not as common for someone over 30 to develop IBS, although your symptoms don't exactly fit the IBS criteria, it sounds to me that GIs you've seen have done thorough testing and are familiar with IBS. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have given you a very good plan for coping with it on a day-to-day basis. That's where Heather's book come in. Try the diet, follow the guidelines, but don't expect immediate results. I've heard that SSRI's are a great help. I've never used one, but I'm currently taking Buspar, which is an anti-anxiety medication. When I was anxious or having panic attacks, I really noticed that the pain in my abdomen (not just the lower abdominal area, but the area near the rib cage, my stomach, and to the right of my belly button) severely increased. After four months on the IBS diet and two months with Buspar, in addition to finding ways to manage stress and anxiety, I have a lot less pain! It's only been in the last two weeks that I've noticed the improvement, and I can hardly believe it!
I'm glad you found these boards. We'll all do our best to help you, but keep in mind that we don't always have the answers. However, you'll see that you're not alone in dealing with the pain and frustration. You're lucky you've been able to see great doctors and have found Heather's books within two years. A lot of us have had to deal with this on our own for a lot longer (about ten years for me).
If you start the diet, keep us informed of how it's going and any questions you may have. We'll do our best to help!
--Maria
Excellent, thank you so much for your advice. Its well thought out and to the point! I already feel better!!!
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Quote:
Well, if age could rule me out it would. I'm 38 and just diagnosed with IBS. While the colonscopy is not fun, it did rule out Inflamatory bowel disease, ulcers and of course cancers. My Gastroenterologist said the barium tests are only about 40% accurate (he wants me to swallow the little camera pill once he gets it in, it's all ordered). I had my last attack Sunday night, found this site on Monday, started following the guidelines on what to eat during the attacks and am feeling much better in 3 days. I too have upper right side GI pain, along with back pain and was sure it was my gallbladder, but all the tests said it wasn't. I too have wondered about drug side effects as I started taking lisinopril for my blood pressure when the pains started, doctor doesn't think that's it, but once I lose some weight and can stop the BP meds I'm gonna see if thats it. Until then, the diet seems to be helping.
Wow, our symptoms really match!!! The upper back pain is usually there when I have the upper right rib cage pain. I too thought it was gallstones in the beginning, but I can safely rule that out! I know that colonoscopy would rule out IBD but such diseases have specific symptoms like fever and bleeding which I dont have. What I am really worried about is the big C, but there is nothing in my profile (age, health, genetic) that would put me at risk and I guess, after a year and a half, I would feel significantly worse if that was the case!
What do you think?
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People take up to 200mg of the zoloft for depression so 50 mg still isn't a lot. There is no right and wrong answer when it comes to IBS. I'm afraid its mostly trial and error. I hope you feel better soon.
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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...as I KNOW it won't be popular  , but you REALLY have to chill out. Seriously, for your health! Stress is a major IBS trigger for most of us, so by continually worrying you will make yourself worse! Also, even if you didn't have IBS, stressing out is not good for your health.
What I suggest is that you make an appointment with your GI doc and talk to him. Explain your fears, discuss his opinions, talk about having a colonoscopy.
Re. the colonoscopy it REALLY isn't that bad...the prep's the bad bit, but that's all about (possibly) swallowing something yucky and then spending alot of time in the bathroom!  The procedure itself is a breeze...if you're really fussed then they can give you a stronger dose of sedative so you won't know what's going on at all!
IBS is not properly understood yet, like so many of the functional disorders, so there is no way of saying "this is definitive IBS"...we're all different.
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