Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | IBS Triggers - so many it's hard to figure this out

I've been keeping a pain diary and noticed something interesting. I always had a feeling the symptoms were related to my monthly cycle and noticed that around day 12 to 18 of my cycle, the symptoms are much worse. Could it be that the hormones involved with ovulation are a factor? I have a wonderful excel chart, color coded, lol, and the picture is pretty clear.

Here's the thing. When the symptoms flare up, it seems like I can't eat anything. Oatmeal and rice are good choices, but I do have to be very careful about constipation. When I'm not in flare up mode, I can eat anything! I can eat all kinds of foods with no issues whatsoever. The foods that I suspect make things worse are nuts and nut butter, high fat foods, and some fruit like bananas.

Also, I can't help but think IBS or intestinal/bowel sensitivity is only one factor in my consistent left-side pain. I have that deep, painful, cramping and also sharp left side pain right around where my ovary would be. It seems that yes, I do have IBS because all the gas and constipation moving over this point causes more pain. But, I can't help but think there is an underlying issue that combines with IBS to make things worse.

For one, when the pain flares up, it consistently radiates down the back of my leg just like sciatica. These pains almost always go together - if I feel either one start up, the other soon follows. I think this has to do with food/waste putting pressure on something causing this "nerve" type of pain.

Here are the tests I've had:
Blood Work: Normal except anemia (I'm so not taking iron pills!)
CT Scan: Turns out my left kidney is non-functional and has a cyst. Because I don't have other symptoms or back pain, surgery is not recommended, yet.

Blood Pressure: Very reactive and while it used to be low, does tend to shoot up during periods of stress.

Anxiety: I tend to be a nervous person so stress can have some big impacts. I work from home and have created a relatively stress-free environment. Good for lots of things but has zero impact on my pain. Also on low dose of anti-anxiety med to keep things under control.

Colonoscopy: I do have one diverticula but I'm told this is common as we age (I'm 44).

OB/GYN Visit: Not impressed with my visit but it was suggested that 2 C-sections have created scar tissue pushing on the colon causing the pain. No possible cure for this since surgery would only create more scar tissue and it grows back.

I have not yet had an Endoscopy - I'm kind of fed-up and the colonoscopy was so traumatic, the doc seemed more concerned about my anxiety than the procedure, ugh.

I feel like I'm lost in a sea of symptoms, possible causes, diets and medical tests.

Thanks for letting me "vent" in advance. I know some of the moderators have in-depth knowledge and I'm hoping to get some focus or new ideas on what this could be.

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IBS-C, gas & bloating
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