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Posted 7/3/2004 3:05 PM (GMT 0)
I'm new to the forum, hope I can find someone who identifies with this. Although I feel for you if you do!

I was diagnosed with IBS recently, although I've been suffering for years not knowing what my problem was. I get extremely bloated, gassy, constipated, on a regular basis, usually after eating but sometimes when not eating at all, because I'm afraid I will get bloated.

I have been experiencing a specific type of pain for a few years now. My dr. says it is ibs. But it is so excruciating and extreme, I wonder if it is indeed ibs. The pain starts out like a menstrual cramp in the uterine area, usually on my left side. It works around to my lower back, again, like a menstrual cramp. It goes down my left leg. I have to lie down, because the pain becomes so severe I can't stand, can't think, just lie there and cry and feel like I'm dying. Its a squeezing, cramping pain, much like the pain I felt during labor. It feels like extreme pressure on the pelvic floor, huge pressure to my rectum, after about 30 minutes or so the pressure and cramping is so intense I feel like I need to have bowel movement, have to be HELPED to the bathroom or I would fall down. Upon bowel movement, which is very constipated, not diarreah, it gradually subsides enough that I can walk back to the bed on my own. Then it slowly subsides. This may happen once in 3 or 4 months, or like the last episodes, can be 3 or 4 days in a row. I never know.

Does ANYONE experience anything like this? Its different than the normal bloating, pain and cramps I usually always have. Its a mystery pain that I'm not sure is related to ibs, although as I said, my doctor says it is ibs. I just don't know if he understands the extent of the pain. I feel like I want to die just to stop the horrible cramping. Sometimes it last for an hour or more at a time, then subsides.

ANYONE know what I'm talking about?

Thanks for any replies.
Magalee
Posted 7/4/2004 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Magalee.  Unfortunately, I know the feeling.  I am currently going through more tests as I know I've always had ibs but this pain is different.  I too get excruciating cramps and pain throughout my lower abdomen that are there 24/7.  I recently started taking Dicetel which is an anti-spasmatic and it's helped quite a bit.  I have pain down the right side that goes through to my lower back.  Sorry I have no answers for you but just know you're not alone. :-)
Posted 8/16/2004 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Magalee, I just posted my 19 yr bout on here today so yes, i know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I've passed out in the bathroom it got so bad. The pain my dr has said are my intestines spasming. For years it seemed more under control until recently but I admit I'm under alot more stress. Regardless, I'm on an endless quest now to find something to help. I know it entails trying to balance diet, exercise, stress levels, sleep patterns not to mention possible anxiety attacks about IF and WHEN another attack might happen. It's just horrible. My family thought I was nuts for the longest time until they heard it was something real. I'm glad it's being recognized but I don't understand why something more can't be done to help control that severe cramping. As you said, it's nothing short of labor or worse. Please, read what I wrote, tell me what you've tried or haven't and know you are far from alone in this. I don't know if anyone on here like's to IM, but if they do let me know as well because I'm usually on here daily. Take care...Abby215
Posted 8/16/2004 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
Magalee, I am also new to this forum. I know exactly what you are going through. I actually had a smilar episode a couple nights ago. All I had was a milkshake(shame on me, though. It has milk in it) and about a half hour after I drank it, I thought I was giving birth! It does feel like extreme menstrual cramps. I am taking Bentyl but it doesn't always seem to do the trick. The worst part of having IBS for me, is that I am in Paramedic school, and its really hard to find a bathroom when you sit in an ambualnce all day. Im worried that I might get fired because of this debilitating sickness. Unfortunately, there isnt much we can do about it! Hang in there, hopefully there will be some kind of medicine to help some day.
Posted 8/17/2004 10:48 AM (GMT 0)
I have fibromyalgia and all the other diseases that go with it such as IBS. I am new to this site and have been reading some things I want to try to see if they may be of help. I have read that a bowel cleanse is extremely helpful which can be done simply by taking okra pepsin E3 for a couple of weeks. Has anyone tried this and how do you know when to stop taking the pills. I have heard people having so much build up on the intestine walls coming out in bowel movements from the years of abusive eating that it looks like your intestines coming out. I have a feeling that once your body eliminates all this, it is time to stop the pills. Evidently the pills are a healing agent also. I am ordering the pills to try but hope it won't be too painful eliminating. I also hear that Flora Source is good to take to restore the flora in the intestinal tract after the cleanse. I also wonder if I need enzymes to help me digest my food beter. I also have recently discovered I am allergic to wheat, corn, and dairy and citrus. I am in the dark to know what I can eat since that is basicly what I have eaten in the past. How do I cook with out these items? I have been doing it but feel so weak most of the time eating primarily vegtables and fruits and very little meats along with rice. I have been reading about acid and alkalinity and how the foods we eat create either an acid or alkaline reaction in the body . That we need to be eating primarily eating alkaline foods. I have been trying to do this and feel better in the intestines but am weak. I have hypoglycemia and am used to a high protein diet and wonder if I should be doing something else. Got any ideas? Please help. diane
Posted 8/28/2004 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I'm new here too. I've been looking all over for people with similar pain to what I've been having. Seems you also are having similar attacks as mine. About 4 months ago I woke up in the night with left side pain. Followed by diareaha. Very painful then sore for awhile the next few days. About a month later same thing only with throwing up too. Now it seems to be more often. For awhile there it occured within a few days of my period. Now its pretty much anytime. Related to what I've eaten I think. Alot of gas. I think thats where alot of the pain comes from. Also pain in the back at times. Its pretty much a stabbing pain on whole left side sort of spasms too in back and front. Been trying to stick with bland foods to give bowels a rest.
I had been diagnosed with ibs as a kid. Then colitis as an adult. Then next check they said no signs of it but dr. wanted to do another scope( could be chrons or diverticulitis?). Which I've put off. I've heard its really difficult for even the drs. sometimes to diagnose these bowel dieases. Also found out that there is something called left sided colitis. I did have some testing done but no results yet. The pain I had before this was just basic abdominal cramps and diareaha nothing like this.
Posted 10/10/2004 12:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi I'm new here too, I know how you feel . I have the pain like I'm in labor with twins, I can't eat out , when I do I'm in pain so bad that I'm on the floor for hours. My husband don't understand he thinks I just want attention. And that gives me more stress which makes my IBS worse. Your not alone.
Posted 10/19/2004 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hey. I know what you all mean. I have had the usual bloating, "normal" cramping, etc etc every day, and the few unpredictable bouts of extreme pain. So much that I sat on the toilet for 30 more minutes than necessary just because I couldn't move other than to cry out. Finally I dragged myself/crawled to bed.
I have found that if its possible, a hot water bottle to the gut helps some, and also peppermint tea. The tea is somewhat more psychological but the peppermint also reduces gassiness and thus bloating. The hot water bottle just helps me relax easier and get through the cramp faster. Luckily I have someone around 80% of the time to get me these things, because the last thing you want to do is walk around w/ a major cramp like that.
I don't know if its the same as labor, as I've never experienced that, all I know is I've never felt pain like that before in my life, and I pray every day that I never will have to feel it again. (naive, because I know I will).
AJ32095 - if your husband thinks you're doing it for attention, punch him in the gut and when he winces tell him that HE'S doing it for attention. No, really... you need someone to be more supportive of you at home, and perhaps if you can get him to educate himself about IBS, he will know it's real. Guys have the tendency to think women's pain is "all in their head" but it's not. His reaction worries me for you... I hope things get better with him.
Posted 4/30/2006 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Magalee:

I just recently posted on this site today and I also experience pain that feels like labour pains just as you put it. I feel like I want to die from the pain sometimes. I always feel like the doctors don't know exactly what I go through and don't really understand. I wouldn't wish this pain on anyone, but it does help to know that I'm not alone. I am looking forward to some responses to my site as well to help me when I'm feeling so alone and scared that I can look and see that I'm not alone. With help from other people like us we can understand and get throught this horrible experience. The only advise that I can offer you at this time is that it does seem to be stress related. When I am under the most stress is when I seem to have the attacks the most.
Posted 4/30/2006 3:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ALL!
It's nice to see we have new members.... Welcome! :-)
I just wanted to chime in and say that your doctors can work with you to find an antispasmodic that may help (even if the one you are on is not working - there are several out there). Also, anti-anxiety meds can help with the attacks both on a mental and physical level. That too can be discussed with your doc as a possible treatment option.
For those of you that are skeptical about your diagnosis... Have you been scoped or had the camera pill?
Posted 5/1/2006 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
For those of you interested in colon cleansing: most--but certainly not all--on the board don't believe in them. I think we've had one regular member try it, get some relief for a couple of days, then he went right back to being constipated and gassy as usual. There have been stories about people who poop out black stuff and that that's a sure sign that you're pooping out encrusted things, but personally I think you're just pooping out the herbs in the colon cleanse. I have read one doctor's website who says they're no better than any other laxative because things just don't stick and build up inside your colons; it gets scraped up/off as stools move through. And that colons are supposed to be dirty; they've got poop in them all the time.

My usual recommendation for people who are constipated and who are looking for a good cleaning out is to just use the same prep they give you when you get a colonoscopy--the phospho soda, the golyghtly or the pico salax (new in Canada). Any of those treatments are usually cheaper than a colon cleanse product, you know they're safe because doctors prescribe them all the time (colon cleanse products are not regulated by the FDA), and you'll get plenty cleaned out. I mean I saw the pictures of my colonoscopy after I had the golyghtly treatment and everything in there was completely clean, empty and a nice healthy pink.

But if you tend to be constipated, it won't cure you; you will go back to being constipated after a couple of days just because whatever's causing you to be constipated--frequently a lack of intestinal motility--is still there and still a problem. But sometimes, you know, you just have to get all of that backed-up poop out and get a little relief for a day or two, either because you need to be free and clear to go somewhere or do something, or because you're getting ready to try a new product and you want to get yourself cleared out so you can see if the new product will keep you moving.
Posted 5/21/2009 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there! I am new to the forums and happened upon this thread while googling for "horrible pelvic gas cramps monthly". I have been having the same pains you are describing for almost 4 years now. My menstrual cramps are now a walk in the park compared to the seemingly intestinal cramps I get anywhere from 1 week to 3 weeks prior to my period. Once my period starts, the horrible gas pains stop for a week (2-3 weeks if I'm lucky).. and then slowly but surely, after my period ends, the pelvic/abdominal horror starts again. It starts out mild and sporadic, and then worsens and becomes more frequent until its so bad that I am only pain free while I am completely at rest. I don't eat because I'm afraid food will make it worse.. and if I try to be active like some have suggested the cramps only flare up and I end up on the floor. I can't even get through a shower without keeling over when its at its worst. There is not a comfortable position for me to get in that makes it go away, I can only hope that I pass gas or go to the bathroom because even though it can get worse directly after passing for a few minutes, it fades within 10 or so minutes of relieving myself/passing gas. But only until I get moving again or eat something. It's horrible and it messes with my life. I have had internal ultrasounds/paps/CT scans/blood and urine tests and everything keeps coming back fine. Now I'm supposed to go for a colonoscopy which I am NOT looking forward to at all. Doctors really seem to just throw me around and treat me like I don't have a real problem. It's so hard because the people in my life don't understand it either. My fiance is super supportive but I feel I am such a burden to everyone around me because of this illness. I would give anything to find a cure or to be able to actually put a name on it so that I can go back to living a normal life. It is so encouraging to read the stories in this thread because I know EXACTLY what you're all going through. I'm scared of the colonoscopy but I think I'm gonna have to do it cause I'm desparate to know what's wrong with me. I am also confused as to why these horror cramps seem to work themselves around my cycle.. why they disappear while I have my period (and are replaced by much less intense menstrual cramps). I have tried changing my diet a hundred times, for 3 weeks I have been drinking only water and healthy foods, fruits, veggies, whole grains, yogurt, organic things.. avoiding greases, sweets, a lot of salts, etc.. and the cramps might be a little less intense, but I am still struggling with it.

I also can't pinpoint the pain, some of you are saying "left side" but to me it feels like its all over my pelvic region.. right, left, center.. down the inner thighs, lower back.. HORRIBLE. Its so bad I can't even cry.. its just like moaning and thrashing until finally it starts to go away.. THEN I cry cause I never want to go through it again but I know I'll have to :(
Posted 6/15/2009 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
I think I'm the only guy on this forum. :) but I just recently had an extreme attack and I wonder if my intestinal tract can burst!?! Dizzy, agony, to the point of almost passing out come with my worst bouts. I just wanted to let those people out there with the extreme cases know of a trick that seems to keep my potentially severe attacks down graded to more moderate levels.
I have a hand held, plug in, back massager that vibrates quite powerfully and I found that by driving the massager deep into my abdomen not only does it help a bowl movement to pass but also changes how much pressure (cramping) I'm feeling until the bowl movement does finally pass. I've often used my hands to help the bowls along but in some of my sever cases I loose all strength and feel like I'm going to pass out. The massager has been a great help (when the attack comes at home).
Also don't forget about suppositories. If the stool is not coming out and there as more and more gas building up inserting a suppository in the "problem end" is a lot more effective then taking an oral laxative and waiting those long agonizing min. for it to work its way through your system!

I really hope this helps all!!!


P. S. Thanks to some of the woman who have related it to labor pains. It's the only thing that I can assume it's like when I try explaining it to my wife. After reading the earlier comments with me she is a little more sympathetic.
Posted 6/15/2009 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I have pain like that too. I can't eat while I'm out, and have known the joy of spending an hour and a half on the toilet and wishing I would just die. You can't burst from it but it feels like you are. It's hard because IBS can set up a vicious pain>anxiety, anxiety>pain cycle.

Sometimes squatting helps relax your tummy, it might make the sensation stronger for a minute but it moves things along and helps get rid of trapped air. I second the hot water bottle for painful intestinal spasms, and mint tea may help on the days you have milder symptoms.
This certainly sounds like IBS, that's not to say there's anything trivial about it.

Ps. I'm getting tests done and trialling Mintec capsules, I'll let you know if anything I find brings noticeable pain relief. There's also Buscopan tablets.

Post Edited (tiedinknots) : 6/15/2009 10:12:57 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/15/2009 7:02 PM (GMT 0)
confused  Dear Magalee:

I feel for you.  I have had the same thing for 4 months now.  Bloating  , rectal cramps especially after a bowel movement.  They radiate

to my back and mimic mentrual cramps.  I have seem every doctor from every specialty.  And don't know what to do with the pain or the fact that I have such dibilitating fatigue that accompanies the cramping spastic pain.  My husband is pissed at me bacause I never feel well or

with energy.  I have given up on everything.  Don't know what to do.

Posted 6/15/2009 7:19 PM (GMT 0)

Saetyl said...
Hey. I know what you all mean. I have had the usual bloating, "normal" cramping, etc etc every day, and the few unpredictable bouts of extreme pain. So much that I sat on the toilet for 30 more minutes than necessary just because I couldn't move other than to cry out. Finally I dragged myself/crawled to bed.
I have found that if its possible, a hot water bottle to the gut helps some, and also peppermint tea. The tea is somewhat more psychological but the peppermint also reduces gassiness and thus bloating. The hot water bottle just helps me relax easier and get through the cramp faster. Luckily I have someone around 80% of the time to get me these things, because the last thing you want to do is walk around w/ a major cramp like that.
I don't know if its the same as labor, as I've never experienced that, all I know is I've never felt pain like that before in my life, and I pray every day that I never will have to feel it again. (naive, because I know I will).
AJ32095 - if your husband thinks you're doing it for attention, punch him in the gut and when he winces tell him that HE'S doing it for attention. No, really... you need someone to be more supportive of you at home, and perhaps if you can get him to educate himself about IBS, he will know it's real. Guys have the tendency to think women's pain is "all in their head" but it's not. His reaction worries me for you... I hope things get better with him.

 

 

Hi: 

Your not alone, I have been having horrible cramping.  I can be on the toilet for an hour at a time.  Only to find that the cramping gets worse with

straining.  It feel like I'm gonna get my period and that 's not it.  I have been seen by every med available.  More tests tommorow. I'm truly

upset.  My husband says I need a shrink and to get my head checked out that I don' t have anything.  He drags me to the hospital when he wants

and got pissed when I objected.

It's nice to know this is a real illness and I'm not the only one...

 

Posted 7/16/2009 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Magalee,
I believe I know what that is you are describing. It is your intestines having a spasm. I have had this, but usually right before a bowel movement. Mine feels like a kniife is being stuck in my gut. I have to get off my feet. I tumble on the floor and hold my stomach until it goes away. One hour though sounds too long. I would get another doctor. Did they do a colonoscopy yet ?
Posted 7/17/2009 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Saetyl:

Thank you for your concern and your reply.  I have felt better from the IBS.  I had a colonoscopy and they did not find anything else.

My greatest problem is the stress and lack of support from my husband who seems to have a heart of stone.  I have tolerated him

for far too long.  It seem to be reaching the end of our relationship.  The only reason I stay is the economic situation and three kids

I have from a previous marriage.  I tried leaving twice and found is economically impossible with a job that pays soooo little.

I really think this is the root of all my health issues.  I think I need divine guidance right now, to see me through...

 Thanks

Marcia

Posted 7/17/2009 1:51 PM (GMT 0)
Would it be possible that your symptoms could be attributed to gluten allergy or intolerance? I did have severe pain before, during and after a BM when I had ulcerative colitis. With any pain like that, you should definitely get it checked out. Maybe try an elimination diet, not just "changing" your diet, starting with products that contain gluten, perhaps. Tests are not always conclusive, and you may need to experiment on your own. Are any of you taking probiotics? They are very helpful, as well.

Posted 1/29/2010 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all for sharing your stories! I have been suffering with the same symptoms for the past few years, with them all progressively getting worse as time goes by. I have finally reached the point of going to a doctor, as all this time I just kept thinking it was my body changing and my mestrual cramps getting worse. Finally, after realizing it seems to happen at the same times during the month and that it is effecting my life in other ways (can't focus ro sit still when it happens at work....and at home, it's so uncomfortable I get super irritable which usually leads to fights with my husband and yelling at my kids over the littlest things!). So, teh ob/gyn has found nothing and the gastroenterologist has suggested spasms and has put me on medication. The oh-so-fun colonoscopy is in two weeks.

I know what you are all going through - as I have it too! I'd never wish this pain on anyone, but I am glad you all have it too - was feeling a little alone there for awhile - no one around me seems to understand what I am gonig through. Labor and birth of 2 chlidren was easier to deal with than this! I don't recall which of you said it, but mestrual cramps ARE a walk in the park after this!!!!
Posted 1/29/2010 9:06 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with Kim123.  I was having exactly the same type of pain - beginning very low down in my pelvic area and radiating around to my lower back.  My GI performed all kinds of expensive tests and couldn't pinpoint the problem.  After doing research I decided to try a gluten-free diet.  The pain is gone, except if I cheat.  When I do get the pains, they are so strong that I find myself gasping to breathe and bent in half holding my stomach.  Sometimes there is a little relief after using the bathroom but the pains last for hours.  The only thing that offers a little lessening of pain is to take a hot bath. 

Now that I am 99% gluten-free, it can be days without that pain.  It only takes a little gluten to send me into spasms.  I have found the bloating is 90% gone - my pants don't roll down anymore!

Seriously, try gluten free living for a week or two and see if you aren't experiencing less pain and bloating.  It is a very difficult diet to follow and I personally know how easy it is to cheat but in the long run, it makes for a better quality of life.  Just arm yourself with lots of gluten-free prepared foods for the first couple of weeks until you see if you are getting better.  Whole Foods has lots of choices for you.  Now that I am totally committed to this diet and see what a difference it has made in my life, I am experimenting with actually making "from scratch" items.

Good luck - try the hot bath...

Posted 2/14/2010 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
I have had this problem also at times. I'm a Medical Massage Therapist and have been going to a Nurse who has taught me about using coffee enemas. Not only do they help with constipation and

pain from IBS they are great for detoxing the Liver. They dont hurt, they are  pleasant and relaxing. Here is how I do it. Go to STAR BUCKS get a pac of Jamakin Coffee have them grind it fine.

Use a filter add 4-5 teaspoons make a 12 cup coffee pot full. When done, take 1.5 to 2 cups coffee added to Enema Bag or Jones White Enema can, with 1 qt water to cool coffee to warm. Take the enema slowly, hold it for 10- 15 minutes the first time, evac the solution. Repeat again, hold 10 - 15, evac again, and repeat with 1 cup coffee to 1.5 qts cooler water. This will clean colon also detox liver and reduce pain. Anyone can use coffee at any time for any reason, I use them for healing and relaxation. It will help alot. Also I use the thicker tube for insertion as it holds in place better. MyNurse friend does this for me when I need it. And I also perform this my self. I have given many coffee enemas to my clients and they are very pleased with how they feel after. Good luck :)

Posted 10/2/2010 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
I know exactly what it feels like i have that pain now, i have had it all last night and today, even had a doctor out didnt know where to go with the pain, and was worried it was something major bad with that type of pain, not that ibs isnt bad, but not as bad as somethings that were going through my mind, so i looked on here to try and give me an idea of what it could be, and allthough i know ive still got more pain to come at the minute it makes me feel a bit better im not alone well a lot better actually, as much as i know other people have this horrible pain its give me an answer to what it is, i have suffered ibs for a few years but never has been this bad,. ive never had children and if it feels like this theres some very brave women out there is all i can say,.
Posted 10/4/2010 2:17 PM (GMT 0)
hi i hope this may help someone, i have just suffered this excruciating pain with ibs and was in agony and didnt know where to go with the pain, i thought it was nothing i could do about it really as there is no cure, but i have just found out that yeast really aggravates it and can cause massive cramping in the stomach this is what my doctor has informed me today, i have looked this up and it does sound right, mine started after having two glasses of shandy lager shandy and apparantly the yeast in the beer causes big probles for some people with ibs, anyway just thought i would put this on as it may help,.?
Posted 10/5/2010 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
healing waters

Colonics are not recommended for IBS or for anything for that matter and can cause problems with IBSers. For one there is no reason to clean the colon. Second it can mess with good gut bacteria and can cause other problems, including aggravating IBS.




Timmy even more then the yeast in the beer is the carbonation and alcohol. The gut is hypersensitive to all stimulus in IBS. Even normal events sometimes.

Yeast doesn't cause IBS or the pain. There is an underlying problem/problems.

You should look over this site.

http://www.aboutibs.org/
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