Help, I'm still confused
#306065 - 04/28/07 08:34 AM
|
|
|
|
|
para1
Reged: 02/20/07
Posts: 9
|
|
|
I've posted in the past about my conditiion. I was diagnosed with IBS by two doctors who only did bloodwork. I don't have severe symptoms or attacks but they still affect me. I have been really concerned about my weight loss. I have lost 15 pounds in the last three months. People are telling me that this isn't in excess and when I think about what I eat it may be normal. I seem to be eating less so that I don't feel bad, although I am trying to follow the diet. I get pain on my lower right side which after reading books on IBS they all say most people experience pain on the left side. I know that I have an ovarian cyst on the right side so it may be a combination of both bothering me. Sometimes if I press down on my abdomen it may feel hard or lumpy in some areas. The doctor did this as well and said that it was stool that was slow moving. I worry alot that I may have something more severe and everyone tells me I'm ridiculous. They say my bloodwork is fine and I'm not loosing 10 pounds a week but I still worry. Does any of this sound familiar to anyone????
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Did you see a GI doctor or were they both GPs? If you have not seen a GI doctor ask for a referal to a GI specialist. IBS cannot be diagnosed by blood tests only. For sure you need to have a colonoscopy. There is a lot of helpful information on this web page
--------------------
STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I saw an internest and then I saw a GI doctor. He is actually the one who did the bloodtests. He did a history of my symptoms and an exam. He doesn't feel the need for a colonoscopy because I have never had blood in the stool. He says that because I am young and because my symptoms aren't severe, he doesn't feel the need for a colonoscopy. I read a lot of books on IBS and I read the posts here about what other people are experiencing and I feel lucky that my symptoms aren't more severe. I just can't help but worry about them though. My mother told me that I have had digestive problems and bowel problems since I was a young child. Maybe now I am just more aware of them because they are interfering in my life.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Yes - age makes a big difference when making a diagnosis. Hang around and ask questions. I am sure you will figure out a reasonable process for managing your IBS. I wish I would have had a diagnosis when I was much younger. I believe the longer the problem goes unmanaged the more difficult it is to get it under control later.
Might I suggest that you put IBS-C, IBS-D or IBS-A in your signature line. While the IBS-C and IBS-D have common management guidelines that are some significant differences. It will help others understand how to answer your questions.
Good luck 
--------------------
STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS
The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I too get pain in the lower right quadrant, and I have wondered if this was ovary-related. I am 32, and only was permitted to have a colonoscopy by my GI because I said I had blood in my stool. (Not sure if that's what I saw) He proceeded with the colonoscopy, and found nothing except "cryptitus" which is a medical term for inflammation. Of course (!) there was inflammation after the 24 hr violent cleaning out of my colon! He said "See you in 20 years" Didn't explain anything else, and was a little miffed I didn't want to take his prescription for D pills. I am going to my OB-GYN in July when I will ask her to do an ultrasound as my belly is always bloated, and I read that ovarian cysts/tumors can cause this symptom. I can look 9 months pg if I let it all hang out! You may want to do this same, and/or ask for the C 125 (?) test for elevated levels of white blood cells...I don't normally have much of an appetite either, do you become full very quickly? I'm not sure if I was any help.... 
--------------------
Amy
IBS-A
Stable and thankful!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
to get a proper diagnosis. They CANNOT diangose IBS by a bloodtest. A colonoscopy MUST be done to outrule things like cancer, chrons, colitis, and other problems. If you are experiencing pain, and can feel a lump, losing weight, I would get to a Doc who is willing to send you to a GI. It will ease your mind, and help you get the help you need.
Please, let us know how you're doing.
--------------------
Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I had surgery for an ovarian cyst while I was in college; mine was about the size of a grapefruit! So yes, I could have passed for a pregnant lady. 
Before I found out I had a cyst, I had LOTS of bleeding; I had my period for a full month. The cyst was also very painful. I can remember just lying in bed crying from the pain; no position was comfortable. If you really think it's a cyst, don't wait till July! Get it checked now; they can grow in size very quickly.
--------------------
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lisa, IBS-C (Vegan)
Stable since July 2007!
Mommy to Rhiannon Marie (Dec. 13, 2008)
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
