Unsure if its IBS or some other problem

Hi all,

about 2 months ago I had a severe but short diarrhea attack. It lasted for around 5 hours and it went away. Some weeks later, around 15 days, it reappeared again with some abdominal pain etc. Again, it lasted for a few hours and went away again - but the need to defecate was very strong. On another occasion I felt very constipated and did pencil stools....but no tarry color or blood. Then I went to the doctor and he felt my abdomen and concluded that I am suffering from IBS - he didn't feel any lumps or nodes. This was a month ago....

Some days ago I had diarrhea again - this time instead of abdominal pain I had several belching, felt bloated, and also a bit nauseous. It lasted for only 3 trips to the toilet and it went away. What bothers me is the constant noises coming from my stomach/abdomen and the slight nausea (just as if i am hungry). Also I let a lot of gas and have constant need to defecate - sometimes its just gas! Eating helps a little to ease the nausea but then it comes again.

Important to note that I am not loosing any weight, I have a very open appetite, I don't feel tired, never seen blood in my stools....but I am confused whether this is indeed IBS or some other problem. I ve eliminated all dairy products from my diet and replaced them with soya based products. I ve also cut down coffee from my diet and spicy food. I lead a quite sedentary lifestyle because of my work....

Has anyone else experienced this before?

Thanks a lot

Parasites? what does that indicate?

Not really....I ve travelled last February. Yes I ve been given some antibiotics.

Sometimes parasites can produce the symptoms that you are experiencing. Or it could very well be IBS - IBS can have a wide array of symptoms but I am not quite sure it produces "belching" which is why I asked if you have had any stool cultures done. Actually, parasites and bacteria can be picked up anywhere. Here in the states we can get parasites, though it's a bit more rare than some countries. An IBS diagnosis is made by the method of exclusion - most docs will try to rule out other possible causes before jumping to an IBS diagnosis. If after having a clear colonoscopy, clear stool sample and/or food allergy or intolerance testing, but yet you are still having issues, than an IBS diagnosis should be considered.

You can also approach your symptoms by keeping a food diary. Record everything you eat and see if you notice an increase of symptoms after eating a particular food (keep in mind that it takes 24-72 hours for food to make it thru the digestive tract). If it's food related, you might be able to find the offending culprit.

As for the antibiotics, sometimes anti's can disrupt the "flora" of beneficial bacteria in our guts. You can try taking a probiotic and see if this helps. Probiotics are good bacteria meant to replace the bad that is over populating.