Hi, im a newbie and I dont know if I belong here!!!!
#171373 - 04/19/05 08:44 AM
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Hi. First of all a bit of background on myself. I am a 35 year old male and have been relatively healthy since birth. Dont smoke, dont drink, do sports, eat healthy etc.
About a year and a half ago, after a very stressfull event in my life, I was prescribed xanax to calm me down. I took up to 1mg daily for about a month and a half. My Doc then switched me to the XR version which I took for another 2 and a half months (so I was on Xanax for a total of 4 months). Around the third month, I started experiencing horrible symptoms such as terrible upper back pains, muscle twitches and insomnia. For sleep, my doc prescribed ambian so you can imagine what the combination of Xanax and ambian did to me. When I realized that these drugs were killing me, I panicked and went cold turkey. The withdrawal symptoms made me feel like I was in hell.
Around november 2003, before I started cutting Xanax, I developed a type of more or less constant pain around the upper right abdominal region where the gall bladder resides. This came with other gastrointestinal problems such as flatulance, nausea and very loose stools.
Offcourse, I panicked again and had the doctor do a batch of tests.
These included complete blood works, urinalysis, stool sample test, several abdominal ultrasounds and an abdominal MRI and MRCP, further blood works. All this over the span of a year during which my pain did not subside!
Everything came back normal with the exception of my ALT liver enzymes that are constantly slightly above the normal range. Although I am not considered obese, I am slightly overweight and it has been suggested to me that I have a bit of a fatty liver.
In all I went to see 2 generalists and 4 gastroenterologists. The last gastro I saw is a world renown professor at the univesity hospital here in Geneva, Switzerland. He is a liver specialist and has published more than 180 articles in various publications. 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!
Now thats what prompted me to purchase your book on the first year with IBS. When I started to read the introduction, I became very anxious after reading the email of that lady who had IBS symptoms which turned out to be a benign polyp.
I am really at a loss because my symptoms dont seem to fit the IBS criteria, at least not with regards to the pain part. The definition clearly states that the pain is in the lower abdominal region. My pain is only on one area and that is the upper right. Then there is the fact that IBS affects women more then men and its relatively rare for it to start after the age of 30!!! I am still not convinced that I have IBS and I dont want to have to go through a colonoscopy procedure after all that I have endured. By the way I have had a rectal exam and a sigmoidocopy performed about 2 years ago and I was all clear.
What do you think? Its now almost a year and a half since these symptoms emerged and its been relatively constant ever since. Should I still be searching for whats wrong with me after all of this? I am really scared that I might have something horrible like cancer or some chronic liver disease and I am at a loss. For the first time in my life, I dont know what to do!
Edited by ottoman (04/19/05 08:56 AM)
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Have you actually had your gallbladder checked out?
Also, you might have upper Gi problems like GERDs, hiatal hernia etc. The best way to check you out for these is to have a gastroscopy done. I had mine done at the same time as a colonoscopy and the procedures are a breeze, it's just the prep that's a pain.
HOWEVER, having constant symptoms for a year and a half does suggest that it could not anything more serious than IBS as it would be expectedthat if you did, you would see a deterioration.
In the end, it's up to you and your doc. But if you're stressing, getting ALL the tests done might put your mind at rest.
Also...try Heather's diet. It can't hurt and if it is IBS it can help.
PS. IBS pain can be almost anywhere in the GI tract in reality!
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It does sound like you have been pretty thorough in seeking opinions from competant doctors, so I really don't see any reason for you to doubt the IBS diagnosis - and really, while IBS is certainly a really big bummer, it is better than some horrible chronic liver condition - right? Have you tried to work with you diet? If you havn't, I think you should try following Heather's diet, start taking a soluable fiber supplement, start some yoga, or some other activity that will help with your stress level, and see what happens. It will take time, regardless, but it certainly couldn't hurt and could be very helpful in the long run. On the location of the pain, my doctor has told me that the nerves in the digestive tract are actually not very reliable and its not a good indicator for exact diagnosis. Here's an example: I have crohn's and because of that I often have pains in my lower right quadrent of my abodmen (actually I have them right now - how fun) but the doctor can only tell the pain has to do with Crohn's after lots of tests and other diagnostics. Someone else could come in with pain in the same spot and the doctor would ask lots of questions and do lots of tests to determine other more specific indicators before making any sort of guesses as to what is causing the pain in that certain spot. So don't get too worried about the location of your pain corresponding with someone elses if other symptoms are not also corresponding. I'm glad you found the website and that you have the book. Good luck with the diet and let us know how it goes. We're happy to answer your questions allong the way as well.
Min
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Hi Linz,
Thanks for your reply. Actually the comprehensive tests did include the gallbladder in the form of blood tests and the MRCP which is basically an MRI for the gallbladder. I guess the MRI would have covered the hernia etc as it was rather comprehensive, covering my entire abdomen.
The only real thing that I havent done yet is the colonoscopy, but all the tests I have done so far have really worn me out both physically and mentally. I just cant cope with an invasive test like that. What I wanted to know is if I am making a mistake by not doing it considering that very comprehensive tests that I have already had and the fact that non of the gastros that examined me asked me to do a colonoscopy.
Thanks for the support!
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Min, thanks for taking the time to write back to me. Its just that starting to read the first chapter of heather's book really made me anxious as all my worries that it could be something other than IBS came back! All of the tests where in fact a result of my worries. When I read that I might NOT have IBS and that it could be something more sinister, I wondered whether I should have gone ahead with a colonoscopy, although, knowing myself, even if they find nothing, I know that it wont be the end of my worries. I am just worried that these are the symptoms of something terrible and that its a question of time before I am properly diagnosed. I guess that the symptoms have not changed much in a year and half might be an indication that its not something serious but, again, the fact that I dont fit the typical IBS profile worries me a lot!
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Anybody else in this forum with extensive experience with IBS care to comment? I mean if this is all I am going to get I definitely DONT think I have IBS!!!
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Hi and welcome! Your symptoms sound like you "could" have IBS (maybe a more mild case) but I know once you find what works for you it can become very manageable and life begins to get back to normal.
About your experience with Xanax - I have a pill book and your symptoms are all listed as a side effect. I can tell you that Xanax and Valium are both used to also treat IBS or there are antispasmotics. Since you are having a nightmare with the withdrawals, wien yourself slowly off of Xanax by taking 3/4 gradually to 1/2, then to a 1/4 and finally none.
Did these symptoms appear while only on Xanax or after you were prescribed Ambien as well?
If you feel I can be of further help, you can email me directly at time2heid@cs.com In the meantime, I wish you good health and better luck. It will come. Take it one day at a time. Heidi
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Hi Heidi, thanks for your reply.
As a matter of fact, I took my last Xanax pill back in December 2003, so it has been a while that I have been drug free! Regarding the symptoms, yes, they started whilst on Xanax and Ambien! But its still strange that a year and a half after stopping both that I still have symptoms. Thats what makes me doubt that it may be the meds.
Anyways, thanks for your help!
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Firstly you need to have a colonoscopy done by your gastro to make sure you don't have any polyps. I was diagnosed finally for sure about 2 months ago. That time I had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy, I had previously had a gastroscopy on it's own, had my gall bladder checked for stones, ultrasounds, barium meals, x-rays, I was checked for endometriosis and quite a few other things that I just can't think of at this second.
I also don't fit the Rome II guidelines, I have upper abdominal pain often, but I do get the lower pain as well. I also have a lot of weight loss and suffer from anemia a lot. There are other things that don't fit also.
See your doc again, tell him/her you are really worried that it's more than IBS as you don't fit the criteria and push for some more tests. If all comes back clear it will be IBS. Hope this has helped and made you feel slightly less ignored.
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Amy
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Welcome to the boards. I'm so sorry for the pain you've been suffering from. Is the pain constant or worse after you eat or go to the bathroom? Are your loose stools constant? It is entirely possible to have pain predominant IBS - lots of people here have a lot of pain with their IBS. Unfortunately, the only way to be sure it's IBS is to have a colonoscopy. It's not that bad - the prep is worse than the procedure. You can be sedated for the procedure and you won't feel a thing.
As for fear of cancers or something else, can they do an ultrasound or something? Go back to your Doc and insist they do more searching. As you said, it's good to outrule other problems.
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Formerly HanSolo. IBS, OCD, Bipolar, PTSD times 3.
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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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I was thinking the same thing, but didn't want to create another situation like are most recent one.
I back you up 100%!
BTW, all this worrying about what else I have is driving me crazy as well. But in my case, the diet hasn't helped so there probably are other things going on.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I'm glad I could be of some help!
Best wishes!
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Re: Augie
#171860 - 04/20/05 11:38 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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I'm so sorry you still haven't found relief. Just remember there always doesn't HAVE to be soemthing else wrong just because the diet doesn't work well for you. The diet only helps me minimumally also and I've had every test done and then some, including ALL the female stuff checked out very carefully by a RE (reproductive endocronologist) and they keep telling me "its JUST IBS."  I really HATE when they phrase it like that but I guess I'm thankfully there isn't anything life threatening wrong! I know somedays I too, am in so much pain that I think "there HAS to be something else wrong with me" but for over 18 years of testing and more doctors than I can count,they haven't found anything else.
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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delayed gastric emptying, a non functioning gallbladder, and positive gluten antibodies. But I don't know if it is the causing the IBS or if I just have those conditions and NOT IBS. One doc told me to eat gluten and I have IBS. The other told me to eat GF and I don't have IBS.
That is why I am confused. And even with the above conditions, no one tells me how to treat them. Again, I know I need a new doctor, but after my past experiences I'm trying to self diagnose and still can't give up the search for other possibilities since the one doc told me he does't think I even have IBS???
Maybe it is all due to my past Eating Disorder. But they can't even tell me that! I'm too complex a case I guess. So I continue the search for answers on my own, and my life passes me by. 
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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I had a grandmother who died of stomach cancer (she was 84 though) so that was a concern for me. I was sure it was my gallbladder for a long time because my pains always start in my right upper abdoman with the back pain at the same time. I would hope your pain would have worsened or some other symptom would have come along if it's C or some such thing. I'm going to keep on the diet and see if it helps long term, I usually get about 2 weeks between attacks, then spend the next 4-6 days feeling cruddy. I haven't gotten my book yet (it's in the mail) but I'm going on what I've found here as safe to eat and got me some peppermint tea, been good so far. man I hope I don't have to give up cheese though......
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I had my gallbladder out and it hasn't change anything other than now I have GERD when I never did before?!! I know its so frustrating when event the dr's can't give us a straight answer. Keep trying new dr's until you find one that you like. Hang in there sweetie!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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I agree with Linz that stressing out can be a major trigger for IBS and you'd probably feel better if you could relax a little.
At the same time, I think running around looking for answers, worrying about it being something worse, almost hoping it is because maybe then it will be curable, not wanting to hear that you have IBS, picking out all the symptoms you have that just don't quite fit, not wanting to hear you need more tests, etc., etc., etc., may be an inescapable stage in the process of accepting the diagnosis of IBS and getting on with what needs to be done. It's been a long time since I've read Kubler-Ross' work, but I think this pattern would fit into denial sliding into anger. When I was doing it, I called it "churning" and it didn't end because I was suddenly definitively convinced I truly did have IBS - I just wore myself out and decided, what the heck, I'm so sick and miserable now, I'll assume I have IBS and give Heather's plan a try.
I think a colonoscopy is a good idea, although the odds are that if you had colon cancer for the past year plus, you'd know it by now. If I were you I'd do it because it would give me more peace of mind but you know best whether this would be the case for you.
I would like to ask you one question and I do not mean to be rude by asking it: Your English is excellent, but is English your first language?
BTW, interesting Board name. Mine's short for "Cassandra", although that isn't my name.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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I had one done about 2 months ago. This is the ONLY procedure pretty much that can rule out bowel cancer. No it is not fun but it's not the end of the world. I was terrified of having it done and as a result put it off 3 times before I was brave enough to go through with it. Once it was over I wondered what I'd been so worried about! The prep is pretty horrible. It gives you watery D but there was no pains in the belly with it for me. The actual procedure I don't remember anything after the anathestist saying "see you when you wake up" and that was it. In fact the most traumatic part for me was finding out I just had IBS! Please, don't be scared to have more testing done. None of it is fun but the majority of it is really nothing at all but a couple of wasted hours out of your day. And it is important to rule out other possibilities. Especially if it doesn't seem like IBS to you.
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Amy
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Quote:
I agree with Linz that stressing out can be a major trigger for IBS and you'd probably feel better if you could relax a little.
At the same time, I think running around looking for answers, worrying about it being something worse, almost hoping it is because maybe then it will be curable, not wanting to hear that you have IBS, picking out all the symptoms you have that just don't quite fit, not wanting to hear you need more tests, etc., etc., etc., may be an inescapable stage in the process of accepting the diagnosis of IBS and getting on with what needs to be done. It's been a long time since I've read Kubler-Ross' work, but I think this pattern would fit into denial sliding into anger. When I was doing it, I called it "churning" and it didn't end because I was suddenly definitively convinced I truly did have IBS - I just wore myself out and decided, what the heck, I'm so sick and miserable now, I'll assume I have IBS and give Heather's plan a try.
I think a colonoscopy is a good idea, although the odds are that if you had colon cancer for the past year plus, you'd know it by now. If I were you I'd do it because it would give me more peace of mind but you know best whether this would be the case for you.
I would like to ask you one question and I do not mean to be rude by asking it: Your English is excellent, but is English your first language?
BTW, interesting Board name. Mine's short for "Cassandra", although that isn't my name.
Sand, thanks for your reply. I am originally Turkish but grew up in Switzerland and went to an english school.
I also thought that in my case the colonoscopy would be in order to ease my worries but the reason why I still hesitate is because I know myself and even if I end up being reassured, it will only last a short while!
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Have you taken a look at the Hypnosis for IBS Board? I don't know a lot about the hypnosis program - I'll probably explore it more at some point - but I think it might help with the worry. As Linz said, even if you don't have IBS, all this worry cannot be good for your health.
I'm glad you weren't offended by my question about your language. I correspond with relatives in Norway in English and some of your phrasing reminded me of their letters.
Even if you're not sure you have IBS, trying Heather's diet won't hurt. If it helps, that will be a further indication that IBS probably is what you have.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
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Hope you get this all sqaured away soon Ottoman!!!
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Thanks for the encouragment.
Hugs to you.
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Hi there
#172158 - 04/21/05 09:22 AM
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Stephie
Reged: 03/10/04
Posts: 2696
Loc: Vancouver, Canada
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Well, I rushed over to your post to reply since you complained that nobody had and I see that you've gotten LOADS of replies! That being said, it doesn't leave a whole lot for me to add because I am not doctor, and I don't have the exact same symptoms as you, but I will give it a go...
I wanted to say that although the cause of IBS hasn't actually been determined, there is a suggestion that IBS can be the result of a shock to your system, usually to your digestive system but it could be anything I suspect. For example, women that have been pregnant, anyone that has had an eating disorder, a bad case of food poisoning, etc... I say this to you because you mentioned that you had a prolonged period of stress and then some time with medication that you may not have done very well on, and had a withdrawl from which can be very traumatic to your entire body.
Stress is definitely a huge trigger for not only IBS, but for any physiological condition. You can change your diet and take medication to try and mend the problem, but stress management is absolutely key in dealing with any type of chronic pain. I don't say this lightly - stress is not an easy thing to control and I can tell just by the way that you write your posts that you are an anxious and high-stress person. There are many natural ways (without using prescription meds, that is) of managing your stress. Meditation, yoga, gentle exercise, hypnotherapy, massage, accupuncture and teaching yourself positive cognitive techniques will all help with not only dealing with your symptoms (whether they are IBS or not), but with every day life as it comes.
Truthfully, if I were as concerned as you were that there was something more serious than IBS going on I would have the colonoscopy done. Just to put your mind at rest. You say that it will only be temporary, but if you learn the aforementioned stress management tools you may be able to extend that period of comfort. They will also, by the way, help in calming you down if you do need to have any other procedures, colonoscopy or otherwise.
The fact that IBS affects more women than men is fairly insignificant.. it is not a factor that can determine whether or not you personally have IBS. It DOES happen to men, there are lots of men on this board, and so you might just be one of those men.
The fears you have about your condition being more serious than IBS are something you will have to discuss with a medical professional. Obviously, we can't see your test results and make a diagnosis for you. If doctors are dismissive of your concerns, you need to be more assertive and find a doctor who will listen to them. That being said, if they can clearly explain to you HOW certain conditions have been ruled out, then you need to be able to take in that information and reassure yourself that there isn't something else going on.
IBS symptoms vary so much, that the location of your pain doesn't mean you are ruled out from having it. When I get pain, I get it everywhere in my torso. Sometimes it is in my lower abdomen, but a lot of the time it is higher up. I too get very nauseous.. I am usually naueseous every day. And of course D is a defining symptom of IBS.
Until you are reassured in the fact that IBS is indeed what you have, it will be hard for us to help because we cannot guess diagnoses. That being said, there are several things discussed on this board that would be helpful for any condition.. healthy eating, (gentle) exercise, medication discussions..
I hope you find some good information here. I know you have heard this before, but please be patient with us when you are waiting for replies. This is not our full-time jobs and there are a lot of people wanting to help and we can only do one thing at a time! A lot of us work, deal with our own IBS, not to mention family and other things going on.. we cannot be on here 24/7 to see a post and pounce on it.
We do care about helping people, but are often more hesitant to help those who we feel will respond agreesively and be unappreciative of what help we can offer. Please remember that we are all sick here, and we all need support.
Cheers,
--Steph
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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.
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Thanks for your suggestions, Steph. Frankly im not aggressive at all, just a little nervous with my condition I guess like a lot of people. Everyone copes differently with stress. I am more nervous now after reading many of the replies because the one message that stands out is that I should HAVE A COLONOSCOPY done. Now there is an inherent bias in the replies since all those suggestions come from people who have had the procedure done to them in the first place. Also everyone seems to write off the comprehensive tests that I have already done, the fact that I have seen 4 specialists on several occasions, one of which is a world renown professor who is very much respected in the medical community. Now I can understand the advise that I have a colonoscopy done to ease my mind. That makes sense to me. But I truly cannot understand the advise of others that tell me that I should have the procedure done to rule out a more serious problem. Its like as if all that I have been through mean nothing and that the colonoscopy and only that can rule out everything else. Now that really makes me nervous because it makes me think that I might really have something serious here and its in total contradicition with what all of the experts have been telling me! I came here because I was told that I was most likely suffering from IBS! The IBS people are telling me, well, maybe not. At least not until I do this procedure. WOW, this is really traumatic and I really truly feel much worse.
Again, I am not looking for false reassurance. I am looking for advice that makes sense. I dont know, maybe I am asking for too much and if I am, well, I am truly sorry. I am not in a state to do a colonoscopy because its an invasive test and I have this worry or phobia that the scope that they will use will not be properly sterilized. There was a case a couple of years ago in France where two people got contaminated with Hep C whilst having a colonoscopy procedure because the scope was not properly sterilized. Now that really freaks me out!
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that it's up to you. It sounds to me like your mind was made up before you posted the question. So, even though we all think you should have the colonoscopy, if you don't want to, then don't. But you will have to then accept the current diagnosis of IBS and must stop questioning your other doctors. You seem to have a lot of faith in them.
As we said in another post, we are not professionals, so if you don't trust our opinions, then don't take the advice. We are all ultimately responsible for our own decisions.
I am just curious as to why you are still posting and asking this question, if it the answers are causing you such distress and since you don't agree with the opinions anyhow? 
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~ Beth
Constipation, pain prodominent,cramps, spasms and bloat!
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Quote:
that it's up to you. It sounds to me like your mind was made up before you posted the question. So, even though we all think you should have the colonoscopy, if you don't want to, then don't. But you will have to then accept the current diagnosis of IBS and must stop questioning your other doctors. You seem to have a lot of faith in them.
As we said in another post, we are not professionals, so if you don't trust our opinions, then don't take the advice. We are all ultimately responsible for our own decisions.
I am just curious as to why you are still posting and asking this question, if it the answers are causing you such distress and since you don't agree with the opinions anyhow?
I havent made my mind up, if I had done so, I wouldnt continue posting on this thread. I am seeking advise because obviously, I am not sure that I have IBS. Now if the advise is going to be go do a colonoscopy because you might have polyps that need to be removed at age 35 and all the tests you have carried out so far mean swat, then I dont think its good advise. Again, those that strongly urge me to do it are those that have had the procedure, so there is an inherent bias. There are a few posters who made a lot of sense by telling me that what I have done is already a lot, certainly more than the average person and that if I do a colonoscopy, it should be to ease my mind. Unfortunately, that view doesnt seem to be the majority. Now I know that there is a huge cultural difference between the US and Europe in the medical community. In the US they will probe every part of your body at the slightest hint of something wrong. In Europe they seem to take more of a rational approach and less of a mechanical one. I have the brother of my brother in law who just came back from his residency at the Mayo. He said jokingly that they carry out a lot of tests over there and that you might actually end up becoming sick because of the tests themselves. I guess there is an element of truth in what he said!
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I just wanted to let you know, I live in canada, and you HAVE to get either a colonoscopy or a barium enema(which they say is a lot less invasive and awful), which I had, to diagnose IBS. Maybe talk to a doc about a barium enema, and then about sanitation procedures. I can tell you, the definitive answer of IBS was much more of a relief than wsay, walking around with colitis or Crohn's that was not dealt with. That's just MHO, it was worth it. i won't like, it was NOT FUN, but it was worth the day or so of "torture."
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Keep on keepin' on...
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that language nuance issue I mentioned in response to your other post. It's one of the reasons I wanted to confirm that English is not your first language, despite your excellent mastery of it. Nuances in meaning can be a little tricky.
What I heard you say when you first started posting is that you have had a lot of tests done, you have seen the best GI guys in Switzerland (possibly Europe), they have all told you you have IBS, and yet you do not believe them and are still worried that it is something more serious. So when the people on the Board tell you to have a colonoscopy, what we are reacting to is your own thoughts that you do not really have IBS, but something worse.
From your more recent posts, it sounds more like what you're really saying is that you want to believe your doctors, but you're afraid to do so because your symptoms do not seem to fit with what you're reading about IBS. The difference between the two positions may not seem like a big one, but I think it will make a significant difference in the type of advice you get.
What I've gotten from reading all the responses to you is that your symptoms may very well fit IBS because people who have IBS report all different types of, and locations for, pain. If I'm right about your wanting to believe you have IBS, then I say believe you have it and give Heather's plan a try. As I said before, it can't hurt and if it helps then that's further reassurance you do, in fact, have IBS. Part of Heather's plan includes stress management - she has various suggestions for that and one of the recent replies to you here talks about that extensively - and that should help with the worry.
As for the colonsocopy, you are unlikely to hear on this Board from people who have not had one because it is one of the diagnostic tests that Heather recommends in her books. In other words, if someone is posting on this Website, he or she has almost certainly had a colonoscopy. However, nobody here is going to refuse to help you if you don't want one.
One final suggestion: Update your profile to show your location as Switzerland. That way, as you get into the diet and start asking for advice on products, no one be fooled by your excellent English into suggesting you run down to Wal-Mart to shop for an SFS.
HTH.
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[Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate. - Sandra Boynton]
Edited by Sand (04/21/05 02:07 PM)
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Hiya,
Okay, if you'd like my honest opinion, here it is.. If you have faith in your doctors (which a lot of us done, which may be why we keep telling you to question it), then I would take their advice. If I were you, and had seen all the specialists and world renouned suchandsuches then I would take their advice gratefully and put it out of my mind.
When I went to a specialist, they told me that they were sure I had IBS from other tests that I'd had done and from my symptoms (I had journals and such) and how long I have been suffering, without actually getting increasingly worse. They said with that being said, they didn't see why I should have a colonoscopy since it is unpleasant.
Now, since then my symptoms have changed. I will go to see a specialist in June, and if they recommend me getting the test done to rule out IBDs or whatever, then I will. For my own peace of mind. Because it may be that this time, it is not so clear cut.
Like Augie said to you, at the end of the day it is your decision. You need to make a decision that you are comfortable with, and then have faith in your doctors etc and try to calm down.
The main reason I said you should have one is because of how worried you are about it being something else. I think, though, that given the amount of doctors you have seen that they are probably right and it is IBS. Do you think that maybe you are just a bit paranoid and keep thinking the worst, even if you are told there is nothing?
In my opinion, you shouldn't be more worried since finding out that you have IBS - you should be relieved! IBS is not something that is easy to deal with or "anything to shake a stick at" as my grandpa would say, but it is certainly the better of several evils.
The tests that we suggest people get done to rule out anything else are just confirm that IBS is the case and then to move forward accordingly from there. The colonoscopy is the one we suggest, because it is what most GI doctors would say eliminates the possbilities of other problems such as Chrohns disease and Colitis which, if you ask me, it doesn't sound like you have. If there was something else you feel should be investigated, you should discuss it with your doctor but as they did not bring up anything like that before they must have reasons.
If you do indeed have IBS, then there are a number of ways for you to begin trying to control it and get stable. For these, there are loads of other helpful posts and articles. Look into things about the diet, medication, alternative therapies, SFS and see what you can find.
Honestly, we are not trying to discredit anything you've been told already or to freak you out. Usually, that's what gets suggested to people who haven't had the tests. You have had a series of tests, you have been told by a doctor that you have IBS, so maybe you should go from there. As for the paranoia regarding the colonoscopy, the possibility of something like that is so very remote. Speak to your doctor about your concerns, though, if you do end up having to go through any other procedures so they can assure you of their sterilization processes.
It seems like you are dealing with more than just mild anxiety, and I am wondering if you are seeing anyone to do with that. You might find that your physical symptoms are lessened when you deal with any psychological issues you may have.
Good luck.
Cheers,
--Steph
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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.
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Yeah in Canada I got a barium enema too instead of the colonoscopy. It's less invasive in the sense that they don't have to cut you open and it's not surgery so you don't have to go under anaesthetic or anything - but it's not pleasant either (basically they fill your bowels with barium so they can see them on the x-ray, and they do that by injecting it into your anus while you lie there ) and the prep is the same as for the colonoscopy.
That said - not it's not pleasant, but I think it was worth it; it certainly eased my mind at any rate: JUST IBS may seem a little insulting and terrible in itself, but yeah it's better than som of the alternatives.
NOW - THAT said, I had had NO tests done at that point (after I also had blood tests and an upper GI but that was it). From reading this thread it seems to me that you've had tons of tests done and if you feel confident about it I think you have every reason to relax and start getting to know life with IBS, as Stephie explained. I'd also reiterate that stress is a huge factor - I know the underlying stress "could it be something worse?" was bad for me before I got tested - but you have been tested, quite extensively.
So I don't really have anything to add to what others have said - if you want to accept your diagnosis, then by all means do so!  If not, maybe ask about a colonoscopy or the less-invasive barium enema. But that's up to you. Please understand that lots of us here have had bad experiences with doctors having no idea what is wrong with us and giving us just bad advice or treating us like it's all in our heads - so please excuse us if we have a slight bias towards doctors
I wish you good luck with all this, and I hope you're feeling better soon. 
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Stephie, thanks for your answer! I am not trying to say that I have more faith than others regarding doctors. Thats actually what prompted me to go see several specialists to confirm the diagnosis. I guess after seeing two generalists and four specailists I can safely assume that they know what they are talking about?
Anyways, your advise makes sense and I really appreciate it!
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One final suggestion: Update your profile to show your location as Switzerland. That way, as you get into the diet and start asking for advice on products, no one be fooled by your excellent English into suggesting you run down to Wal-Mart to shop for an SFS.
HTH.
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Hiya,
No problem.
Yes, I would say that since you have seen not only 1 or even 2 but 4 specialists as well as general practitioners, you should be able to trust the advice they have given you.
I do think that your anxiety is something you should really work on first and foremost. If you don't want to talk about it on these boards, I understand but I do think it's somehting you should try to address and you'll find a huge difference if you get a handle on it.
Good luck.
--Steph
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~~I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell-I know right now you can't tell~~Matchbox 20
IBS-D,pain.
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Touche...you made some excellent poins! Bravo!
I would say to do some research. Look into what goes along with polyps symptoms-wise. Look into gallbladder and gallstones. Explore celaic and gluten intolerance. Do a search on google for "rare digestive disorders". I can't recall what he has now...but a guy on here named Mike has a rare GI disorder. Maybe do a search for Mike and gluten... or post Attn Mike...
I have done gobbs and gobbs of research. And I know myself/my bod better than any doc does so far...
Trust yourself! We are our own best advocate!
Feel better soon...
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Formerly known as Ruchie
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Ruchie, you always speak the truth! We do have to know our own bodies even better than the docs, and we have to be our own advocates in order to be able to communicate what's going on with our bodies so our docs know the best way to help. Plus, I also had to do a lot of research and experimentation BH (Before Heather ) because I knew my docs at the time just didn't have experience using diet to help IBS. My first doc told me "3 times the fiber, 3 times the exercise." I was only 17 or 18, so I was like three times what? Where do I start? What do I do? But she just repeated her little mantra. I've learned to go into a doctor's office PREPARED and ready to ask a million questions. I write up my symptoms, meds and other treatments I've tried, because I know I might get emotional and forget important points. Since then I've found a doctor I trust, who explains things to me and, most importantly, wno listens.
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Keep on keepin' on...
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