Has anyone suffered IBS symptoms on a daily basis for 6 months or more?

Hi.  New to this site so apologise if this subject has been discussed already.  I have had constipation IBS for many, many years now.  The usual bloating, gas, wind pain etc. and I usually just up my fibre intake, pop Mintec or Donnatabs and it would clear up in days or week at most.  But since February, I have suffered bloating, and never before indigestion, (reflux, nausea & pain under my ribs.)  I have suffered from this 24-7 on a daily basis for 7 months now.  I had a endoscopy which was unremarkable and an ultrasound (which I don't know the results yet as I don't see the dr. for another couple weeks, but I figure if there were something he would have phoned me.)  My question is - has anyone else suffered IBS on a daily basis, with no let up at all for this long?

Hi Shawn. No, I have the usual daily stresses but nothing big or noteworthy has happened. No dietary changes or meds either. My first inkling that I thought something was wrong though was back in Sept, Oct. 09 because I was feeling really fatigued all the time although at that stage I didn't have any ibs symptoms, - my bloating didn't start until around Feb.

Do or can symptoms change with IBS suddenly? As I have never really suffered from reflux & pain (or gas) under the ribs before. During the day, I can't bend over without getting a sharp pain under the ribs - This is the trapped gas right? Pain in the upper back, right hand side also - can happen with IBS too? Although during the last 6 months I can say I have felt a few times that this pain is familiar lower abs IBS pain or crampy feeling, cause I have been suffering from constipation. This happens when I stop taking the Normafibe because I don't want to get hooked on it but thats when I become constipated again & the IBS lower abs pain flares up but goes after a few days when I start going to the toilet again. But I'm still left with the bloating, sometimes pain to the upper abs, under ribs mainly on the right side but sometimes pain near underarms and almost constant reflux feeling (particularly when I don't eat) Also, like an internal itch that just makes you want to put your hand down your throat just so you can rub & massage every one of your internal organs. Don't know if this is due the the meds or not!

I'm asking cause my GI dr wanker. He diagnosed me with IBS 4 years ago cause he found nothing to suggest otherwise, only my local gp sent me for a scan around the same time & I had a large 8cm twisting paratubal cyst on my fallopian tube to my ovary which was causing the pain & had surgery to remove it - so cramping pain went. Now 4 years later local gp sends me to him again (cause I do have 2 sisters with coeliac, and dr. thought I should be tested again for that) only the minute I walked in to see GI, he said "Merryl, you don't have coeliac it's your IBS playing up again. "He didn't even know I had had this for 5 months on a daily basis when he said that. Only when I got a word in & told him that he said he would have a look with endoscopy. I didn't even get to mention any of my symptoms & that they were all new to me but I shut up cause I thought if I had an ulcer or something he would find it anyway when I had the endoscopy so although I was annoyed I didn't say anything further. When having the ultrasound, although I don't know anything about the results, I noticed lady measuring cysts or something in my liver.

I'm madly reading everyone's symptoms, so when I see him again in 2 weeks I can confidently say "Yes, my IBS symptoms have changed - but yes, that's what I have. Your meds you gave me are not working, let me try something else."(somac, Motilium, Iberogast, Normafibe & lots of water)

My last IBS flareup was in march of 2009 which lasted only a week or so from memory.
Does any of this sound familar to you?

SORRY TO DUMP ALL OF THIS ON YOU BUT IT'S DRIVING ME ABSOLUTELY MAD.

While I arrived at this IBS situation, in an unusual way (cancer, colon resection), I have struggled with daily symptoms for 11 years.

During this time I've tried everything just about to have normal bowel movements and little trouble (bloating, pan, cramping, sudden bm's, one after another until I'm empty inside). I've tried a high fiber diet but that was too much fiber. So I tried a low residue diet, I faithfully followed it for about 2 years. Now I can add more fiber but I'd say I'm on the LRD about 75% of the time. My body just seems to need plain food and small meals. So I've paid attention and followed suit. If anything I've learned to just let my body do its own thing now and not tweak or stop the bm's. I know they'll be numerous so I might as well eat in such a way that brings formed stool (this is why a plain diet works well for me). I tried Immodium but it usually messes me up the following day and I'm miserable. In addition to the LRD, I kept a food diary, determining what I could eat and not eat, I take a mild stool softener (twice a day right now, am and pm) and a probiolic. If I had to choose one thing of all these approaches I've tried, the probiotic seems to be working the best. Each pill cost roughly $1.50 and seems to quiet and sooth my gut.

One final note, I don't think I managed my IBS like symptoms as well as I do until I gave up my dream of ever returning to normal bm's. Once I decided this is for life (what surgeons have told me), it was if my body relaxed inside and said - well, let's eat a certain way to keep things to a minimum.

If anything has been consistent with my wacky GI tract it's that it's NOT consistent. Just when I have a great day or two, I know a bad one is coming. I try not to stress out about it and just deal with it.

Hi guys & thanks for your reply's. Although IBS certainly sucks & everybody is somewhat a little different, (the good, the bad & the ugly) it sure helps to read about others with it. It makes me glad I joined so thanks again for your replys.
If my bloating & indigestion stay, well, I'll just try to deal with it the best way I can too.
Also, just started taking probiotics 2 days ago, so hopefully that will help.

I reread my reply and I did gloss over the stress of managing IBS. I made it sound as if I just accepted things as they are - quite easily. It wasn't easy. mezmerize - I think we all need to support eachother and lean on one another at times. Lend advice, offer suggestions (I merely mention what has worked for me, we're all unique and different, one med or approach may help some of us, but not all). In time, you will hopefully be able to determine what makes things worse for you. And minimize what does mess you up. That's all I try to do - manage things as they are (numerous bm's each day), and try to fit in with the rest of the world (non-IBSer's, who have normal bowel movements). It may sound as though I have denied what I go thru but I'd have to say no, that's not the approach I've taken. But rather just accepting I will spend a good chunk of my day in the bathroom and not wish for another body (yes been down that road too, lol, I have joked with my family - I want a transplant, I want a transplant!)......

The vast majority of this IBS knowledge and the situation I find myself in, didn't really sink in until a new colon surgeon drew me a diagram of what my lower colon looks like without my sigmoid and 15 inches above that spot. Then she placed this drawing next to a medical journal page of a normal colon. I just sobbed in her office. It hit me smack in the face - there isn't an area inside my body where stool can collect and back up. It has to come out (as long as I eat).

I took a good hard look at my situation and made the vow to make it as best as it can be. I'd have to say I do okay over 50% of the time. Maybe even more than that. But I'll never go back to what I once was. I had it so good and didn't even know it!

But then others tell me - you beat cancer! Yes I did but I paid a price for beating cancer and my colon resection. I will never again be normal.

So I know what it's like to deal with all of this day in, day out. You are definitely not alone. Stick around, you'll meet lots of nice folks on this forum.

Marsky, you are truly a legend! With what you have been through and are going through!
Hearing your story does help put everything into perspective for me. My sister survived breast cancer (her right breast removed) last year and my 21 year old nephew was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
It's great to be able to let out my own troubles though! It really does help me feel better, so thank you.

You keep hanging in there. and I'll certainly stick around.

mezmerise - why thank you. I'm sorry to hear your sister is a breast cancer survivor. And how serious that is for a 21 yo nephew to be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Wow, your family has seen it's fair share of medical crisis.

As far as bloating goes, might I ask you if you chew gum and/or use straws? If you answered yes to one or both, stop for a while and see if this reduces bloating. Both habits pull in extra air to the gut that you don't want there. Also, if you drink a lot of soda or any carbonated beverage, these add more air to the gut. Finally, if you tend to eat very fast, almost woofing down your food, that's not good either. We're supposed to chew our food thoroughly before swallowing, sip minimal liquids and keep your mouth closed. You can consume your liquids in between meals. These are suggestions I've read on these forums.

A heating pad relieves bloating for me. Also, sipping hot tea and massaging my abdomen moves the gas along and just over all calms my gut.

One more thing, when I take my daily probiotic my gut is quieter, more relaxed, lessy gassy. I have only taken my probiotic (in my bio), since early May. You purchase it at a health food store in the chilled section. A probiotic certainly cannot hurt you. I knew I had nothing to lose so I tried it. It has made my stool more consistent, which frees up more of my time (I'm not stuck at home with repeated bm's, or almost D-like stool). This probiotic isn't a cure all but rather seems to level things out for me. If that makes any sense.

Hi Snowylyn,

Sorry, was reading through the posts again & saw yours again.

Me too, though it can be embarressing when your walking down the supermarket isle with nowhere to run!

It did lessen though quite abit when I saw my GI & he said to stop taking metamusil. I did, and started taking normafibe instead and the constant gas I had stopped not long after.

My bloating is still the same as when I had alot of gas to now when I have very little though. I do find abit of reflief temporarily when I can bring up a big burp though, it doesn't feel as tight in the chest area.

Hi every one. i am brand new here. i've been suffering from chronic IBS problems for 9 months now and prior to that my symptoms were arguably rather spotty and seemingly just bouts of stomach flu or constipation.

My history:

PTSD - severe
Depression - chronic, managed with SSRis and SNRIs
Anxiety - PRN meds
Type 1 Diabetes - Insulin managed

My "diagnosis"

C-Type IBS, or perhaps Gastro-paerisis

Symptoms (during the past 9 months):
Chronic severe nausea (i mean severe and chronic) 80% i am in bed overwhelmingly nauseous
Chronic severe pain: 70% I am in bed with severe pain unless I've taken pain medication (i do so sparingly so a not to aggravate functional motility problems).
Bloating was severe at first (i've 135 pounds and 5' 7") i looked 7 months pregnant) combined with lots of burping, lots.

When symptoms are snowballing and fluctuating, I end up having a really difficult time controlling my blood glucose levels. I can't keep meds down, so I end up vomiting any food I've eaten as well. No food equals no glucose and then major blood glucose level problems. Oddly blood sugar levels can be way too low, 30 mg/dL, or way to high, 600+ mg/dL. In July 2010 I was hospitalized to stabilize my blood glucose levels and tested for DKA (Diabetic ketoacidosis) a fatal complication of Diabetes. They kept me for 4 days.

During the stay I insisted on seeing a GI to discuss and do some testing on my GI issues. I know exactly why I was having trouble with my blood sugar levels. They didn't seem to get it - man, our health care system is seriously afoul! They prescribed Metacel and Phergan - yay! Been there done that.

Prior to this hospitalization, I'd had numerous incidents of the very same symptoms. However this time my boyfriend insisted I go to the ER.

Procedures done to date:

Upper Endoscopy - Results show hiatal hernia and gastritis (7/2010)
Stomach emptying study (1.5 hours) - Results: normal, however the stupid doctor did the test soon after (3 days) initiating brief dose of Erythromycin which is known to facilitate emptying for approx 2-9 days
Stomach emptying study (4 hours) - Results: normal
Upper Endoscopy - Results show gastritis (3/2008)
No colonoscopy because there is little evidence the problems originate in lower GI area.

Physician history:

I've seen 5 GIs now, since the onset of severe symptoms. Basically, the first 4 gave me the typical IBS dismissive routine simply because the nature of the diagnosis is generally exclusionary. So, lets do some tests, in the meantime take some NSAIDS and Phenergan and track your diet and try to relax. Seriously, all 4 said the same exact thing, which I already found on the internet.

The 5th physician, however (recently relocated from NYC to Atlanta), seemed to take a very special interest in my history, the possibility of Fibromyalgia and migraines in myself of siblings (trauma experienced as a child). Yep! This was indeed true.. She maintained that because of neurotransmitter predominance in the stomach, mis-firing and similar dysfunction can stimulate many of the IBS symptoms. She said she is a big fan of Dr douglas Dorffman, a leading IBS research physician operating out of UNC--Chapel Hill, NC. she said his treatment center uses groundbreaking methods to help people suffering with chronic IBS symptoms. His treatment center is in very high demand and getting an appointment is near impossible and requires a physician's referral, naturally. you can see his site here:

Medications to date:

Amitiza (can cause diarrhea and fecal vomiting if taken for much more than a couple of weeks, btw) Zofran (Ondansitron), Phenergan PO and PR, Hyomax, Tigan, Mucolax, Dicylomine, Cymbalta, Wellbutrin, Robinul, Ropinirol and selectively, hydrocodone when I'd rather be dead than endure the pain. and by the way, I realize opiates exacerbate motility issues. I have been instructed to NOT use NSAIDs any longer. When hospitalized in July, I hadn't taken any hydrocodone at all for about 2.5 weeks prior. I really don't have motility issues, according to the motility studies, so who knows?

Current Scenario:

Horrible. I might go for weeks with chronic symptoms, staying in bed in agony, then feel good for 3-4 days. Then the symptoms reappear without warning. Now I am often stricken with severe nausea, neither Zofran (once performed miracles), Phenergan or Tigan will help at all. I no longer really vomit, concomitant with the nausea. I am afraid to eat so I am relegated to those absurd meal-in-a can products like Ensure to give me calories et al. The other night I took 150mg of Phenergan and still had horrible vomiting. Sometimes smoking a little marijuana will help with nausea, but makes the pain feel worse. So i rarely use it.

I am at my wits end. My depression has become substantially worse. I am a 38 year old woman, and life is not supposed to be like this. I spend most all of my time in bed. I am afraid to leave the house now, I am afraid I will be stricken with a bout of nausea (and potentially vomiting). I have no life, unless you consider vomiting, pain and nausea living. I do not.

I have an appt at the UNC Motility Treatment Center with Dr Dorffman in January 2011 (can you believe that? I was overcome with disappointment it is so far away),but in the meantime I am living on a rollercoaster and can't stop it.

I need help, I seriously cannot continue life like this. I am NOT suicidal, but deeply despaired and discouraged and hopeless. I am losing weight, my blood sugars are not easily managed.

I am no proceeding to seek a way (my GI will write the script) to acquire domperidone, I heard it has considerable potential. since the Zofran really doesn't work much (almost unheard of) I am seeking another 5-HTP antiemetic that is stronger with more efficacy at the moment.

One problem I have is I am relegated to Medicare coverage or similarly inexpensive ways to get medication. The Zofran, which can cost up to $1000 for 90 count prescription. I found a place (Costco) that sells it fo $200.

At this point I am desperate and seeking any way to I can think of or find to get out fo this nightmare. I fortunately have a very caring husband, although I realize his life, too, has been dramatically impacted by this horrible problem. It is literally a nightmare.

Hoping someone here might have some insight, or suggestions. Please :)

-Shay

shay_y

That sounds like Gastro-paerisis

IBS is a condition of the large bowel.

Whats the pain med you take? Okay I see it. It not just that they can cause motilty problems, but they can lower pain thresholds in the gut as well. So pain tolerence goes down and can make the pain worse. This is called narcotic bowel syndrome.

depression can also make pain worse, the parts of the brain that process pain are involved in our emotions and thoughts.

I am going to have to go through your post more. I also still need to do that with mezmerise post above.

Hopefully some information will help here for the both of you.

On another note. Got back my ultrasound report couple days ago & there is evidence of fatty infiltration of the liver with multiple intrahepatic lesions that have features consistent with cysts. No other specific abnormality is seen.

I want to state that I don't drink alcohol at all. Body just can't tolerate it - one glass wine and I'm drunk! and I'm not terribly overweight either (I have put on 3-4 kilos since these problems all started) I weight 56 kilos and usually weigh between 50 - 52. I have been on HRT for 3 years now, I'm 46, & was still able to maintain same weight during that time by having a relatively good diet, so I just don't understand how I would have a fatty liver!

My doctor doesn't think the above is anything to worry about, but I still wonder, has my pain (which is in the right area) have anything to do with my liver?

Gi suggested I take a 1 ltr glycoprep & a couple days of clear diet to see if that gives me relief from my bloating. Because my chemist had to order prep I decided to start the clear diet 2 days ago anyway - was keen to see if it worked. First day OK but yesterday I was really, really sick, in bed by 8 o'clock last night. Decided to eat today since I was taking the prep today. Took it at 9.30 this morning) feel lighter than I have in months, not so bloated, although still getting pain under ribs, & back.

I took my GI suggestion to see a Dietitian and have an appointment on the 14th Sept. to see if I have a food allergy which is causing my bloating and now it seems to double check my diet!

mezmerise

Have you ever gotten a second opinion from another gi Doc?

Have you ever seen the diagnotic information from the rome criteria on IBS?

Something doesn't seem right here or you have more then one condition going on.

shay_y

How long ago were you diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes?

It really sounds like you have either functional dyspepsia or perhaps even gerd. Upper GI conditions as well as IBS. The two conditions can effect each other.

I would get a second opinion at some point.

This is worth reading

Functional Dyspepsia

"Dyspepsia is a common clinical condition associated with a complex of upper abdominal symptoms including: upper centered discomfort or pain, feeling of abdominal fullness, early satiety, abdominal distention and bloating, belching, and nausea

http://www.med.unc.edu/medicine/fgidc/collateral/functional_dyspepsia_06132005.pdf