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IBS with Nausea, Lack of Appetite

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Posted 12/29/2010 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
I have episodes where I don't have a BM for several days, then I start to feel nauseous and have to go to the bathroom but only pass small hard stools a couple of times then have several bouts of diarrhea (this is all within an hour or so). I then have a "yucky" I guess it would be nauseous feeling in my stomache and NO desire to eat.  When I start to eat I feel sick.  I can manage to eat bananas, rice, watermelon (very mild non-heavy food) and that's it.   I've always had a "nervous" stomach and would agree that I have IBS (for instance when nervous about going on a trip I might have diarrhea) but these episodes I'm having come out of the blue when I'm feeling fine and not stressed.  A year and a half ago is when this started - I had one of these epsidoes but it was extremely bad, I was throwing up and couldn't even leave my bed (only to go to the bathroom).  I thought I had the flu.  Long story short - went to ER, HIDA scan showed gallbladder had 2% ejection so they said that was my prob. and took the gallbladder.  My problems continued.  A month later an Abdominal CT was done - showed no problems; an uppder Endoscopy was done - indicated mild chronic gastritis.  Was told to take Prilosec and Cholestryamine to bind bile (no follow up from doc. as to how long I was to take these meds  - - stopped when I felt better).  Although I've had a couple "episodes here and there"  they've only lasted a couple of days - wk. at most, I assumed it was related to the gastritis and would take the meds.  Had an episode in Oct. that lasted a wk. then another one a month later that lasted over 2 wks. and still not feeling quite right. I think there's more then just IBS (why the nausea and the lack of appetite?).  Read Mayo Clinic info. about Gastritis - seems to fit me to a "T" but the "EXPERT" dr. who's supposedly the best around says absolutely not - all I have is IBS.  Told his nurse to tell me to take Elavil (again, no follow up by doc. about how long or anything).  All I ever hear is IBS doesn't cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite.  I have finally gotten a doc. to schedule another endoscopy and will also have a colonoscopy done as well.    Anyone have anything like this?  Any idea what can help? 
Posted 12/30/2010 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Your symptoms sound a lot like mine. Even in people without IBS constipation can cause nausea, loss of appetite, and even vomiting in severe cases. Even if you've only gone a couple days without having a BM, you're facing at least a mild case of constipation. If I am not careful that's what happens to me--a few days of nothing, and then what I like to call "everybody out!" meaning going from hard stools to diarrhea withing an hour or so. Afterward I often feel weak and nauseous, and I either don't feel like eating, or I am afraid to eat anything that might encourage my diarrhea. I have never vomited, but I've heard of vomiting in association with IBS. Think about it--your GI muscles have to do a LOT of work to empty your bowels completely in a matter of hours. All that pushing and stretching can cause cramping, nausea, and I think vomiting and loss of appetite can go with those too.

When I have an "everybody out!" episode, more often than not it's in response to a trigger, something that irritates my digestive system. Everybody responds differently, but things that trigger episodes for me are a strong cup of coffee or tea on an empty stomach, a large sugary meal or snack, a bout of vigorous exercise, or even some strong smells (I know the smell one is weird, don't ask me why it happens!). When these things happen to you, think about what you drank, ate, or did shortly before they happened. Keep notes and see if a pattern emerges.

My GI doctor says that "IBS probably is the best description for what you have." He goes on to say, however, that he's reluctant to label it. There are a lot of different GI problems with overlapping symptoms. He has done all kinds of scopes and scans and ruled out anything dangerous, like cancer or ulcers. He says that labeling my disease is not the most important thing, he wants me to focus on the things that make me feel better and reduce my symptoms.

You've probably read about common problem foods for IBS. Start cutting some of those foods out and see if your symptoms improve. Also important is making sure you have a BM every day or every other day. You can take fiber supplements, but I find those less useful. I also don't get much benefit from salad or high fiber cold cereal. I prefer eating a bowl of oatmeal or a few dates every day, it works a lot better for me. You can also try taking a probiotic. Choose one and try it for about two weeks--they need a good long trial. If the you choose doesn't work, don't give up. Try another. They don't all work for everyone. Or if you don't want to try a probiotic and dairy doesn't bother you, eat a yogurt cup or two everyday.

This is a long post--sorry! I just have one more thing to say. Be proactive when you go see the doctor. If he/she says to take a medicine, ask him what it is, why you are taking it, how long you should take it, and when you should come back to see him/her again. Don't be rude, but don't leave the office without getting this information. If he doesn't tell it to you on his own, then ask for it. Also, just because he's the best doctor around doesn't mean he's the best doctor for you. It's okay to go to another doctor for a second opinion, or to find someone who you feel listens to you better. Good luck!
Posted 12/30/2010 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks - - but still don't understand why the nausea and appetite loss last for days. Would like to hear some true advice on Gastritis problems and how long that can last, as well as whether this is a bile salts issue (did a little reading on that which also mimics my symptoms. I have tried increasing my water intake and eating a yogurt (activia) a day - - hasn't really done anything. Have also started the multi-probiotics and will see what that does. Unfortunately my diet is all over the place - sometimes I'll eat something and have an issue and eat it another time and not. To be honest if the 'oscopys both come back clear I give up and will just deal w/ the episodes when they happen. Certainly keeps you thin! Was 140 yr. and a half ago - now I'm just under 120. Time to bulk up for the next round! However, God willing, this will stop.
Posted 12/30/2010 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
You can certainly have "nausea and appetite loss" with IBS and its realitively common.

Other Symptoms May Accompany IBS

Persons treated for IBS commonly report upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. about 25% to 50% report...

  • Heartburn
  • Early feeling of fullness (satiety)
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal fullness
  • Bloating

http://www.aboutibs.org/site/about-ibs/symptoms/

actual vomiting is more of a red flag.

Posted 1/1/2011 10:11 PM (GMT 0)
yep, nausea and vomiting diffenately can happen, i have had flare ups where i have had nausea every day for over 3 months at a time. I usually just dry heave (17 times in one day is my record) but have vomited on occasion as well. I have heard pain or cramping can cause your stomach to get upset. I have had pain that has never gone away for over 2 years now (it waxes and wanes, but is always there). Constipation can cause nausea, as can just a trigger food. Sometimes I can eat or drink something that doesn't agree with me and 15 minutes to a half hour later, I vomit. Accupuncture worked great for a while with the nuasea. They also have magnetic wrist bands for nausea that work well. Just wear them to bed to try to prevent a nuasea episode, and wear them when you have nausea. Hope that helps.
Posted 1/2/2011 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Nausea can also be a symptom of the body being under mental stressors. Emotions even.

Actual vomiting while it can happen its a red flag for IBS.

Like IBS Sucks says though, things like pain and empty stomach and a lot of other factors are all possiblities.

Vomiting should be checked out by a doctor.
Posted 1/3/2011 1:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the info.  I don't actually vomit, just have a nauseous feeling and no desire to eat.  This occurs after the initial constipation then diarrhea - - which only lasts an hour or so and then stops.  The nausea and lack of appetite will continue for a week.  I've been doing well for a couple of weeks now and am back to eating everything although where I would drink a couple glasses of wine, sometimes each night, I only have a small (4 oz) glass once in a while.  I had thought the wine was causing problems due to each time I've had an episode I was drinking the wine consistently but not eating much during the day (too busy) but would have a good dinner.  This is also why I assumed I could be experiencing a gastritis attack since, according to what I've read, it can be brought on by alcohol, bile (I prob. have lots of that sometimes not having my gallbladder now), stress, etc.  It symptoms are nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, gas, etc.  However, there's no info. out there on how long the symptoms of an accute gastritis attack can last.  When I questioned the last dr. I saw about gastritis he said absolutely not, that's not my problem, it's just IBS.
Posted 1/4/2011 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
alcohol can cause osmotic D.

Not eating for long periods of time can cause issues in IBS for sure. This stresses the gut out.

Serotonin is involved in IBS and is a neurotransmitter that signals nausea and appettite as well as sleep and moods and gut functioning.

Most of the bodies serotonin is in the gut.

Serotonin and GI clinical disorders.
Spiller R.

Wolfson Digestive Diseases Centre, C Floor South Block, University Hospital, Clifton Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, United Kingdom. [email protected]

Abstract
Serotonin is widely distributed throughout the gut within both the enteric nerves and enterochromaffin (EC) cells. EC cells are located in the gut mucosa with maximal numbers in the duodenum and rectum where they act as signal transducers, responding to pressure and luminal substances both bacterial and dietary. Activation leads to serotonin release which acts on a range of receptors on mucosal afferent and myenteric interneurones to initiate secretomotor reflexes. These cause nausea and vomiting as well as intestinal secretion, propulsion and if pronounced, diarrhoea. Inflammation in animal models acts via T lymphocytes to increase EC cell numbers and mucosal serotonin (5-HT) content while inflammatory cytokines decrease serotonin transporter (SERT) function. Inflammation due to coeliac disease and following gastrointestinal infection increases mucosal 5-HT availability by a combination of increased EC cells and depressed SERT. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) developing after gastrointestinal infection and IBS with diarrhoea is associated with excess 5-HT. The associated diarrhoeal symptoms respond well to 5-HT(3) receptor antagonists. These drugs also inhibit the nausea and vomiting occurring in patients undergoing chemotherapy which cause a marked increase in release of 5-HT as well as other mediators. Other conditions including IBS-C and constipation may have inadequate 5-HT release and benefit from both 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(4) receptor agonists.
Posted 7/25/2011 9:29 AM (GMT 0)
I am definitely not having constant dahrrea---just in morning usually and go back and forth between formed stools and watery diahrrea with ous---my worse syptom is nausea and inability to eat for over 8 days and before that, milder symptoms for about 3 weeks----but before the last 8 days, I had appetite and could eat, exercised everyday, no fatigue---I have lost a pound a day for 8 days because not eating---taking zofran(spelling?)---feeling nervous I have a dreaded disease---also pain in left rib cage---have had stomach ultrasoung, HIDA scan and lots of bloodwork---having CT scan today---
Posted 7/25/2011 11:59 AM (GMT 0)
BB210 Your doctor sounds like my doctor,  Just IBS.  Definitly not, never heard of biley D, and angry that I am trying to find help on the internet.

Today I have applied for a parking badge as I have got parking fines for illegal parking on urgent toilet visits.  No, not available as IBS in England is not classed as a disability.  If I had one I wouldn't be so frightened of going out in the car and being stuck in traffic looking for parking spot to use the toilet. 

I am trying the Gaviscon alternatives as they contain a lot of chalk which mops up a lot of the bile and makes the stools more solid.  In the last seven days I have had only one emergency which was controllable within about five minutes range.  Imodium causes lots of pain and discomfort and eventually by passing uncontrollably.  the gaviscon mixtures cause a lot of noisy wind but that I can live with.

Shawn 12,  Interesting piece,  I was given anti depression med a year ago but did not monitor whether they had an effect on the D, however my state of mind was certainly better and I was coping a loot better.

Ginger biscuits in the handbag or pocket are good for the sickly feeling.  Not eating makes it worse.  But plain biscuits, low sugar are better, cream crackers.  I do try to force myself to eat a couple of dry biscuits when things are bad and it stops the sickly feelings and reflux.  It is harmless to try that one.

 

Posted 8/5/2011 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
I can add chills to the list of IBS symptoms if you have a bad flairup but without a fever. My gastro dr said this isn't unusual. I understand it has to do with the vagas nerve . Anyway the dr said it isn't unusual so I'm going with that as misery loves company. Merri
Posted 7/27/2013 8:53 PM (GMT 0)
Wish I had seen this a long time ago. With my IBS which I have had on and off for my entire life, I do not get nausea or vomit, but when I have eaten a trigger food, I do force myself to vomit and that almost always makes me feel better. It's gross, but it works for me. I have just been through a horrible bout this summer, the hot weather does not help me. I am now on dicyclomine for the spasms which were truly awful and it has quieted them substantially. Still have the D sometimes. I have lost about twenty pounds in six weeks(am overweight anyway) but I find that I am just not interested in food. Afterall, eating leads to a lot of issues when you have IBS. So I am trying four or five small meals a day. It's a battle. There are only about 12-14 foods I feel safe in eating, very bland, very boring. If I drank alcohol, it would kill my intestines. All I drink is water, no gas. I have also had the feeling cold bit. Warm baths help.
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