So what do you think?
#293918 - 12/16/06 04:22 PM
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hello, everyone!
I've never been "officially" diagnosed with IBS, but I've been to at least three doctors who have done abdominal exams as well as listening to my bowels and listening to my complaints! Also, when I started having stomach problems, I also started a new job at a hospital for the summer and blood tests were taken for any disease present. They turned up negative, but I always thought I was dying of something. My lower left-side, right above my hipbone always felt a little bloated and gassy, and I had a lot of problems with constipation. But the biggest problem was that I had nothing else wrong...no bloody stool, no weight loss or gain, no severe pain, no vomiting, nothing that indicated something that could be more serious, but no doctors seems that concerned about it. Well, this year, my crazy colon has settled down ever since I started taking Metamucil's psyllium fiber. Ever hear of it? My side stopped feeling uncomfortable and gassy and I am regular now. I guess it wasn't something deadly since Metamucil took care of it. Can anyone relate or have any opinions about this? SInce my problems are almost completely gone, do you think I should stop obesessing about it? I've has gas and constipation and a little unpleasant discomfort since I was nineteen--I am now 26. You think I should stop worrying about it so much?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi Amber,
Here's a link to familarize yourself with the dietary guidelines of this diet http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/how_to_eat.asp
You should get all the tests done that Heather recommends - including a colonoscopy - to rule out anything that may mimic IBS symptoms. It's better to be safe than sorry. I've heard of Metamucil and it's a harsher fibre supplement but if you can handle it, then that's good for you. Good luck and I hope you stay stable.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Like Gracie said, it's very important to have all of the appropriate testing done to rule out all other possibilities. There are many things that mimic IBS that can be very serious.
Welcome to the boards.
--------------------
***********************
If you're not dead, you've still got time.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Yep./
#293962 - 12/17/06 03:04 PM
|
|
|
|
|
_Willow
Reged: 04/06/05
Posts: 2090
Loc: Canada.
|
|
|
I can completely relate. Yep/ you have GOT to stop stressing about it. Yep, psyllium helped me a ton and now I have attacks once every three months rather than every day. And I was in the hospotal for it. DO NOT stress it to death or it WILL hurt like heck.
And my tummy always hurts in the lower left.
--------------------
Keep on keepin' on...
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks so much for your encouraging words! Honestly, I thought I was the only person with that weird, lower-left-tummy discomfort. It's funny because I always notice it more when I really think about it. I'll definitely keep you in my prayers that you will become completely well. 
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
