Thursday, April 16, 2009 alaura asks

Q: A better question.

Thanks for the info, but i guess what I should have said is that my Dr. gave me the diagnosis of IBS, but was wondering if he could be wrong. I think my doctors had given up and not listened enough to know what is going on with me. I think they may have just written me off with their " diagnoses of exclusion" .

I have NOT had a colonoscopy, just some stomach tests, and an endoscope? ( if that is the one where they go down your throat to look at your stomach only) I was wondering if it could be that I have IBD instead of IBS?. I don't very well fit in the catagory of IBS. My symptoms are different and severe compared to the syptoms of IBS.

I had used NSAIDS for a quite a while but had to stop them do to the stomach pain. I am also being treated for ulcers in my esophagus, but they just didn't find any other reason for the stomach pain. My pain is everyday, can have some cramping, but is mainly just aching pain. The pain can be anywhere in my stomach, just flat out in the middle, the whole area,the top, or just my lower stomach. Each day can be different. I have periods where the pain is much worse and times when it isn't so bad, but it is there daily. I read that with IBS you have foods and things that trigger pain. Just eating in general( anything at all, a trigger or not) is painful and I feel really sick. Nothing makes it better. I deal with weight loss off and on, nausea, and I sometimes just get very sick.

I think that my Dr. couldn't find an answer after a few tests, and just said that it was IBS and there was nothing he could do. I don't know if I may be dealing with something worse or if it is just severe IBS. Does any of that sound like it could be something more?

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Answers (1)

Elizabeth Roberts, Health Guide

4/17/09 9:07am

Hi Laura,

I hear your frustration and typically before a definitive IBS diagnosis is given a colonoscopy is done. BUT, and I'll prelude this by saying I'm not a doctor or a nurse, abdominal pain alone, no matter how severe it can get, is usually not enough for a doctor to think IBD.

People who have IBD present with severe diarrhea (12-30 BMs per day), blood in the stool, joint aches, low- to mid-grade temp., and abdominal pain.

Without the diarrhea or blood or other symptoms I've mentioned the tests your doctor has performed seem logical because of the symptom you've mentioned - ab. pain.

I know quite a few people with IBS who have only abdominal pain, or abdominal pain and acid relux, or abdominal pain and a stomach ulcer. You mention you have ulcers and that can cause abdominal pain. But, as I mentioned before, if you are not satisfied with your care and/or diagnosis from this doctor then it may be time to seek out another.

However, do know that even if you were to have IBD, as with IBS there is no magical pill or cure. You may want to read my book: Living with IBD & IBS, or read through some of my older shareposts about diet, stress reduction, exercise, meditation and yoga. These Eastern medicine practices combined with Western medicine are proving very helpful to people with both IBD and IBS.

Cheers,

Elizabeth

Q: A better question.

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