Desperately seeking help!
#24737 - 10/29/03 10:45 AM
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Hello,
My name is Michele Armstrong, I am 26 years old and this is my first post.
Ever since last November, I have been suffering with these constant chronic pelvic pains. They got so bad that I went to the hospital in December and was told I had a URI. I may have had that then, but that was definitely NOT the cause of all of my pain.
I was back and forth with my (then) gynecologist and all she wanted to do was put me on pain killers. I went for an ultrasound and cat scan of my abdomen and nothing showed. I changed gynecologists in March of 2003 and then got scheduled for a laparoscopy to check for endometriosis. Everything came back clear...thank goodness! I then went to my gastro doctor (who I've seen before a few times) and she suggested doing a colonoscopy. Nothing showed there either aside from hemorrhoids. I went to a pain specialist in my area in August and he then sent me to a nutritionist. I went to this nutritionist who wanted me to detox my body (which I did), but again that didn't help either. I have also had 6 colonics done this summer too...which didn't help either.
The only thing I've been told through all of this is that it is IBS...but I have had problems with constipation for a few years and it's never, ever affected me like this. I just can't imagine that the pains I am feeling in my lower abdomen/pelvic area are related to IBS.
I guess my biggest question is this...Have any of you had these severe cramping pains as I have explained? The easiest way for me to describe them would be to say that they feel like menstrual cramps, but are there at all times. There are times when they are much worse than others (such as during intercourse), but are there on a daily basis. Sometimes I experience lower back with this as well.
I have been so depressed about this because I don't know where else to turn or who else to go and see along the lines of doctors. I am also worried because it is affecting my marriage and I'm only a newlywed (October 2002). Believe me, my husband is the most caring and understanding man I know, but the intimacy between us has been less frequent because of what I am going through and I don't want that to continue. I will appreciate any help or advice that anyone can offer to me.
Sincerely,
Michele Armstrong
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Do you have either diarrea or constipation or both with these very bad pains. If so I can relate. I am a newcome also.
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Hi,
I have very bad constipation...not really too much diarrhea. I would love to compare stories if you have time or are interested!
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Welcome to the boards Michele! Glad to see your post here! Feel free to email anytime. I am sure that you will find all the help and support that you need here!
Take care,
Christianne 
--------------------
What if the Hokey Pokey is what it's all about???
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Hi Princess!
I am sorry to hear you are in so much pain. First, it would be best to tell your doctor you want a colonoscopy. It will rule out anything else that could be causing you pain.
It is my understanding that if nothing else appears then you have IBS. IBS has no physical traits except the C or D.
I have D personally. But still I can relate. Best thing to do until your colonoscopy is to start breaking the cycle. As seen on the first few pages on this site. Or do a search of "Breaking the Cycle" with no time limits and some links will come up.
My symptoms were always there - but it seems that in the past year they just got unbearable. Kinda like how yours got, by your description.
That's about all I can help you with. Keep your chin up, you will see changes and improvements within a few days of starting breaking the cycle. And it will continue to get better and better.
Hopefully others will post for you, as alot of them are very educated in this information and maybe more helpful than me.
Take care and welcome to the boards by the way! 
--------------------
Lana_Marie
Proud Mommy to Bentley Taylor
Born May 12, 2004 9lbs, 3oz
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Those pains definitly sound like the pains that most of us get around here. If you've already done the tests to rule out everything else, I would definitly recommend buying Heather's books. I remember when I was first diagnosed and my doctor didn't really explain to me what it was. I bought Heather's books and throughout the whole thing, kept thinking "hey.. that's me.." or "that's why I'm feeling like this..."
Otherwise, definitly stick around the boards as we are constantly helping each other with the daily battles of IBS. I've been on here for almost 6 months and am still learning new things every day.
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- Jennifer
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Hi Christianne!
Thank you so much for all of your help this morning. You brought me to tears (honestly) because I now know that I am not the only one out there!
Thank you so much again and I look forward to speaking with you again soon!
Michele
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Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for responding! I actually just bought Heather's book recently and plan on starting to read it tonight. I am so happy to find out that I am not the only one on Earth going through this. I was having a hard time believing IBS could give me such awful chronic pelvic pains, but the more I read and hear from people like you I believe it more and more. It's a very scary thing that I've been dealing with for this past year because no one could tell me anything. I am so happy that I found this site and am able to talk to people who actually understand!
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Hi Lana Marie,
I actually did have a colonoscopy in May and nothing was found. I appreciate you taking the time to respond. It seems like I am going to get more help from people like you rather than going to doctors and spending so much money!!!
I am going to do a search right now for Breaking the Cycle and hopefully get to start reading the book tonight.
Thanks again and hopefully we'll talk again soon!
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I'm sorry I must have skimmed too quickly and not seen that part in your post 
I had found that once I found Heather and her diet I didn't go to my doctor for IBS advice. I am not suggesting this, but it is actually very common for us IBS'ers to have so much trouble with doctors.
I had to find a doctor now because I am having a baby and when I told her I had IBS she asked me what I'm doing for that. So I told her I have a diet plan etc and she said "Ok good"
LOL - She almost sounded relieved that she didn't have to figure out what to do with me LOL
You take care of yourself and know you are not alone!
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Lana_Marie
Proud Mommy to Bentley Taylor
Born May 12, 2004 9lbs, 3oz
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