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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 7/11/2006 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
 September 12, 2001 (1 day after 9-11) I went to the doctor because I had narrow and sometimes ribbon shaped stools and several loose stools (not diarrhea) a day. I also had an urgent need to have a bowel movement. She diagnosed me with IBS and just to be safe (because of the ribbon-shaped and narrow stools) sent me for a colonoscopy to rule out colorectal cancer. It turned out fine and the doctor agreed that it was IBS.

 However, I am confused abut the symptoms of IBS. Most all of what I have read says that you have constipation altering with diarrhea. I do not have these symptoms and I have only slight right quadrant abdominal pain that come very infrequently.

 So my question is: Can you have IBS without constipation altering with diarrhea? Can you have the only symptoms I have and still have IBS? I have had some bowel habit changes in the past few days and because of my hypochondria wonder if I could have been misdiagnosed.

 What do you think?

Thanks,

Sylvia

Posted 7/11/2006 11:44 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Sylvia,
Yes, it is quite possible to have IBS with only your symptoms.  IBS is tricky and has many symptoms... You can have C or D or both.

Here is a list of symptoms for diagnosis of IBS according to the Rome Criteria:
3 months of continuous or recurring symptoms of abdominal pain or irritation that
          * May be relieved with a bowel movement,
          * May be coupled with a change in frequency, or
          * May be related to a change in the consistency of stools.
Two or more of the following are present at least 25 percent (one quarter) of the time:
          * A change in stool frequency (more than 3 bowel movement per day or fewer than 3 bowel movements per week)
          * Noticeable difference in stool form (hard, loose and watery stools or poorly formed stools)
          * Passage of mucous in stools
          * Bloating or feeling of abdominal distention
          * Altered stool passage (e.g. sensations of incomplete evacuation, straining, or urgency)

Also may experience:

  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Full sensation after even a small meal
  • Vomiting
  • Gas

All of these are possible, but not necessary. 

If you're not satisfied you may want to make sure you've been tested for IBD, Celiacs, lactose intolerance, Gallbladder, H.pylori, and parasites.

Posted 7/11/2006 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
But I thought C stood for constipation and D for diarrhea. That is where I am confused. I have neither.
Posted 7/12/2006 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
Oh I see....
You are right about the C & D. However, IBS doesn't necessarily mean you have either. IBS is just a "change" in bowel habits.... A change in frequency or texture. Sounds like that is what happened to you with your "ribbon" poops. Abdominal discomfort is huge too.
Posted 7/12/2006 1:33 PM (GMT 0)
Its funny how IBS can happen overnight, you can feel fine on Friday, then on Saturday BAM!!!!!  And after reading alot of the letters in this forum it seems like once you have it, you got a friend for life ( tell me that don't suck ) I seen my doctor, he told me to add more fiber to my diet, I can remember shopping for clothes, buying a new CD or DVD going out for a nice diner, spending money on a 12 year old sipping scotch, yesterday I found myself in Drug Fair deciding on what fiber drink would go best with a nice 12 year old stool softener, I can't wait till Friday Im treating myself to a fiber chocolate shake ( Yum ) Ya know it just keeps getting better, If I hear one more person over the loudspeaker scream we need a price check on the enema 12 pack on sale this week, Im gonna beat somebody with a case of Ex-Lax,,,listen to me,,,have one weird bowel movement and im ready for a straight-jacket,,,all in all I've learned one thing, never trust a doctor who gives a rectal exam by candle light, FEEL BETTER EVERYONE, later MJA.
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