Help
#74469 - 05/29/04 05:00 AM
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Just recently I have developed some strange symptoms. I had my third baby 9 months ago and havn't felt as if my bowel movements ever got back to normal. I am constantly researching online and I am really freaked out because the same symptoms that suggest IBS also imply ovarian cancer. Here's what I am feeling...........
frequent cramps, irregular bowel movements-sometimes loose and sometimes constipation, feeling the immediate urgent need to move my bowels as soon as I wake in the morning, rib pain(that went away after 2 days of advil and is only minorly present from time to time ), low back pain, frequent urination, leg pain(mostly left) a wave of nausea here nad there and a swollen gland in the crease of my leg(where my underwear sits). I went to my gyno yesturday and she felt the lump, but since it decreased significantly over the past week she didn't appear concerned. She scheduled me for a pap next month(don't know why she couldn't do it right away. I have found situations where all these symptoms can be IBS, but I am also finding worse things. Can anyone help?
Last night I took some gas relief capsules and the cramps are gone. I am finally passing gas agin. Also, I have started Metamucil.
Jill
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Re: Help
#74472 - 05/29/04 05:12 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Hello again! I can't remember...have you had all the tests, etc? Are you seeing a GI?
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I havn't seen a specialist. This just started a few days ago.
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Re: Help
#74540 - 05/29/04 09:05 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Oh, okay! Ah ha, I can help more then!
Firstly you need to make an appointment to see your doctor. You'll need a referral to a GI specialist, but if your GP/primary-care doc can send off for some test results asap, it'll make life easier. Look up Heather's list of tests (it's somewhere on here  ), but you will need a blood workup and a stool sample tested (aargh - Fibro Frog - are you C or D?. With the GI, push for a colonoscopy - it'll help to rule out IBDs.
Starting a SFS is a good plan - they're good for everyone, not just if you have IBS. And the diet's pretty healthy - make sure you cut out coffee (inc. decaf), caffeine, soda, all fizzy drinks, fast food and dairy. Don't drink alcohol and if you smoke, try to stop.
Let us know how it goes.
Sorry if this doesn't make sense - the Fibro Frog is eating my brain! 
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Re: Help
#74546 - 05/29/04 09:17 AM
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LauraSue
Reged: 01/14/04
Posts: 4812
Loc: New York City
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Hi, Jill and welcome.
Don't worry, chances are it's "just" IBS. And the more you freak yourself out thinking it might be something more serious, the worse your IBS symptoms will get! So take three deep breaths NOW, then go do something to take your mind off it -- TV, crossword puzzle, knitting, whatever works. And just take it one day at a time until you get the pap smear. Okay?
Sorry you're having a tough time. We're here for you so keep coming back and let us know how you're doing.
PS I like your screen name!!
--------------------
Laura
Keep it simple!
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Re: Help
#74705 - 05/29/04 11:01 PM
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MissS
Reged: 02/11/04
Posts: 837
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Jill,
I know just how you feel. This past year, I have found myself sick so many times, and fearing the worst every time.
When I came to the boards here for the first time, I was pretty scared. I was having low back pain and pain up high under my ribs and I was just miserable. I went from diarrhea to constipation.
When I was IBS-D; I ALWAYS had bowel movements in the morning; soon after waking. Anyway, I was sure that I had colon cancer or liver cancer. My imagination just went haywire. Turns out that I had an intestinal infection that needed antibiotics. I'm wondering if your regular Doctor could be of some benefit while you wait for your pap smea. Apparently, your doctor doesn't think you're in immediate danger or she would have done your pap right then. Is there any way you could get your appointment sooner?
I've been on the IBS diet since February and it's changed my life. While you're waiting for your appointment, I'd suggest that you take your care into your own hands; as far as you are able to, that is.
Start Heather's wonderful diet and ask questions on the board here. It took about a month before my tummy started to settle down, but this diet has made a world of difference.
IBS can cause so many various symptoms. I know it's hard to not worry when your mind is going wild. (I still do that! This week, I had a sore throat and I felt a lump in my throat that I've not had before. You guessed it; I had throat "cancer".)
For sure, you want to stay away from the internet unless you have a diagnosis from your doctor. You'd be surprised how often the net can make us think one thing and the true diagnosis turns out to be so totally different!!!
Try to remember that God won't give you anymore than you can handle and He is definitely looking out for you and your boys.
I hope this helps you, Jill.
I'm a fellow worrier who has died a thousand times,
Terri
P.S. Have you heard this saying, "A brave man dies but once, a coward dies a thousand deaths."?
Well, I'm the coward who has died a thousand. I know just how you feel; you're not alone, and you're going to be just fine.
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Thank you all for responding to me. I feel better today. I do not have continual cramps today-YAY! I have had two bowel movements(thank you metamucil). My lower back is still sore though and occasionally I have abdominal discomfort. I feel as if I have to go right now and can't.
My allergies are pretty bad and I think that could be contributing to my breathing problem, not to mention the anxiety. Has anyone ever had the shortness of breath thing?
I am trying to keep myself busy with yard work and planting. I mowed the lawn and became out of breath though-not enough to stop, just noticiable. I have had 3 kids in 5 years and I need to lose about 40 pounds so that could be a factor too.
I keep telling myself that all these "symptoms " I have are somewhat psychological. I find it hard to believe that all of a sudden within a few days I have every symptom of ovarian cancer. KWIM? Seems a bit odd.
When I was 2 months pregnant with my son I was getting big real quick(I always do with pregnancies). They did a sono to check for twins. They said I had a fibroid. A month later I changed back to my old doctor..they couldn't find a fibroid anywhere...I'm wondering if the baby was blocking it. They used a high tech machine that can see through things and could not locate a fibroid.
That is weighing on my mind because I'm wondering if I do have one or worse, if it was something more srious and now I am advanced . UGH! Here I go again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jill
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PS I like your screen name!!
Thanks! Beatles fan over here!
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Re: Help
#74882 - 05/31/04 12:45 AM
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Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
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Jill hon, stop worrying! Allergies, stress, being overweight and IBS (it contributes to getting unfit  ) are plenty reasons for shortness of breath. Could you do some yoga? That always sorts my breathing out. And take some anti-histamines!
Try a heat pack on the lower back - and doing gentle stretches. Or a hot bath. I get loads of back pain with attacks, so don't worry about that. It's just another annoying part of IBS. If it gets really annoying, take some painkillers.
If they couldn't find a fibroid with the high-tech machine, then maybe it was a dodgy result the first time. Also, can't fibroid's grow and shrink?
TeeCee's idea about the infection is a good plan. A lot of people who develop IBS later in life (oe. not from childhood) seem to have infections. If you have one, getting that cleared up will help stabilise you. Go see your regular doctor and talk to him/her.
Good luck!
PS. I got your email - thanks for the thanks! 
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