I've really appreciated all of the intelligent, caring and supportive feedback I've received from my last few posts so I am reaching out again with another question.
I was reviewing Heather's second book, specifically the section on confirming the IBS diagnosis. I am familiar with the Rome criteria of course, but somehow it's kind of slipped my mind in all of the effort to make this diet work for me. Some of you who have read my other posts will know that I am still uncertain as to whether I have IBS, or whether there is something else going on, or both. Note: I have had more tests than a lab rat over the past six years and at this point, I am (allegedly) negative for celiac, parasites, yeast, bacterial overgrowth, Crohns, UC, thyroid, food allergies (ex egg/soy), etc.
I'm going to list my symptoms along with their severity and duration and ask you all how you think they fit (or don't) the IBS diagnosis.
History:
* had normal/great digestion my whole life, until severe case of parasites/dysentary at age 24 in Indonesia
* since then I've had persistent and worsening symptoms listed below:
Symptoms:
Last six years...
1. Gas/bloating (we're talking off the charts, 24X7, wakes me up from sleep)
2. Devastating fatigue (been on disability 15 months, wake up feeling exhausted, tire easily, doesn't improve with exercise/sleep)
3. Constipation (incomplete evacuation, reduced motility)
4. Pain/spasms/cramps (hospitalized three times so intense)
5. Malaise/foggy-headedness (difficulty concentrating, feel "out of it", like I'm surrounded by a wet blanket)
6. Muscle weakness/ache/fatigue (I get sore after even a small amount of activity)
Last two/three years (in addition to above)
7. Insomnia (has become increasingly worse; seems to correspond to pain/gas/activity in gut)
8. Depression (obviously)
9. Anxiety/agitation
My doctor believes that all of these symptoms could be caused by an "irritable gut", but I'm just not sure I buy that. I would LOVE for this diet/program to work for me and to stop searching for an answer... but so far I've really struggled with it (see other posts).
I'm just curious to hear what you all think...
Chris
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Do I REALLY have IBS?
