IBS in fibro

Hi, I've been lurking for a while & I'm finally registered, so I have a question.  I've been a fibromite for 6 years, & it was relatively mild until about 6 months ago, when I started suffering from almost all the symptoms listed in Fibro 101.  I was diagnosed with IBS about 10 years ago after my only bout of unexplained stomach cramps.  about 3 wks. ago, a reumy gave me Mobic for my pain even though I've been taking Prilosec for years, & it helped my pain for about 3 days, then I started having stomach pain, nausea, & blood in my stools.  I immediately stopped the Mobic, & long story short, I had an EGD & colonoscopy, which found a polyp in my duodonym, suspected precancerous, blood from hemerroids, & the rest of the colon & stomach looked good.  Since the pain has remained, with double Prilosec, & another med., sorry fibrofog, can't think of the name, I'm wondering if this pain, gas & nausea could be from IBS?  Thanks & I love this forum.  Azgram

Hi, Azgram, and welcome.  I have Crohn's and so I do understand what you are talking about.  Why, though, are you taking double Prilosec?  Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor.  It helps stop your stomach from producing so much acid.  It's generally used to help prevent GERD and help and heal stomach ulcers.  Did they find a stomach ulcer?  I had one years ago and it was a burning pain right under the sternum.  I was given Prevacid, another proton pump inhibitor, and it healed the ulcer but it took a month.  So, perhaps time will help that.

 

Many with fibro do have IBS and that will cause abdominal cramping.  If you are getting a lot of gas, avoid foods that can cause gas...things like cucumbers, onions, beans, etc.  Also, sodas and drinking through a straw can cause you to swallow more air and that hurts when it gets in the intestines.  When I get gas, I take simethicone (Gas X) but my doctor told me to do that, too.  I don't take things without his knowing or at least speaking with my pharmacist.  Here is a link that just might help you be more comfortable.

 

http://www.med.umich.edu/fbd/docs/Gas%20reduction%20diet.pdf

When I am having problems with gas, I'll avoid the "bad" foods for a few days and then usually can start eating those again.  But, there might be some foods that trigger that response in your body and you might have to refrain from those foods.

I hope this will help you and that your body heals.  It sure isn't fun living with cramping and nausea.  Let us know how you are doing because we do care about  you.

 

Sherrine