IBS or Something more sinister?

Hi


My names Matt and im currently 22. I was diagnosed with IBS when I was 14. To be honest ive never had bad symptoms and its never stopped me in day to day life. At most I would get a little bit constipated once a month. Since leaving High School my IBS virtually disappeared.

Role on a year ago:

I came home from work (IT Engineer) was a little bit tired so fell asleep watching TV. Suddenly I was awoken by blinding pain on the left side just below my ribs, this pain then worked its way round my back. I felt sick and VERY disorientated. I rushed to the bathroom and thats where i laid for 1 hour all curled up in pain. I regret so much not getting help but I just didnt know what I was doing. That night I went to sleep not in as much pain but it was there.

I woke up feeling unwell and in discomfort on my right and left side just below my ribs. So I went to my GP's who diagnosed it as IBS and gave me some pills. A couple of days later blood appeared in my urine. I went back to which my doctor ignored my first issue and suspected I had an infection (Sure enough I was clear of infection).

The pain didn’t go away nor did the disorientation and sickness. So I went back, after much discussion the doctor thought I may of had a kidney stone. After X-rays and Scans I was clear of that.

So after trying many different pills I said Id had enough and id like something done. Beginning of the year I had a Camera down the throat which found nothing. The consultant advised I get referred to the Gastrologist, which I have had done.

I went with my girlfriend and listed my symptoms in hope to get a good answer. My current symptoms are as follows:

*Pain on my right and left side just below my rib cage.
*Nausea
*Acid Reflux
*Heart Burn
*Fatty foods make it worse
*Disorientation (This gets worse as symptoms do)
*Blood tests have showed nothing.

After listing that she explained its function related to my IBS. I sadly dont believe this and dont know who else to turn to now. She has agreed to run scans to see if they show anything.

So what do you guys think?

Matt

I feel the same way.
I've been in serious discomfort for years. I'm a 20 year old female. I try to maintain my everyday life but it's so very hard. It affects everything in my life, including jobs, school, relationships.
IBS doesn't quite cut it for me. I am trying to do research on my own and figure out something else to consider.

I feel your pain though. Ive had many tests done. All of them have been repeated and I even went to the MAYO clinic last year. I've done many different diets as well.
I wish i could say something to help you. All I can say is to continue doing your own research because doctors aren't much use to us and to maybe work on some different diets.

Jessie

Hi Matt and Jessie,

I too get very similar symptoms. I am a 24y/o female. Have been getting these symptoms for 3 years, they just started very suddenly one day in 2009. I agree with Jessie, If you aren't getting answers you may need to push harder with your doctor or even change doctors. Or just keep asking!!! You are paying them and you are the one experiencing the problem!!! I always take someone with me to my appointments (usually my mum or dad or sister) because they can ask extra questions you may not think of and they are an extra set of ears to remember what the doctor tells you. I always write down questions I specifically need answered before I go to Dr. I really hope you find answers and soon!!!