Cramping so bad I feel faint and sweat. IBS or something else?

Digestive health
1

Hi all. I'm 26 years old and I've always had issues with my digestive system. I used to ALWAYS be constipated. Then I had a surgery for a bowel obstruction several years back. That greatly helped my regularity and I just assumed that was the underlying reason for my constipation.

Fast forward to now- I have the opposite issue-diarrhea. I've never felt such an intense urge to use the bathroom. And when I finally do, I'm there for at least 30 min. The best way I can describe the symptoms is literally just the most intense spasm/cramping that only seems to be cured by emptying my bowels completely. The cramping is so bad it makes me break out in a sweat/shaking. Then afterwards I'm left feeling faint and weak. Usually I'll lay down.

I don't have this all the time. But when I do, it will occur in bouts. Sometimes it will last 2 weeks or more. Then go away for several months and my digestive system seems to be fine.

This is the longest bout I've had and it's so exhausting. I'm on week 3 and having this issue at least 4 times a week.

Is this IBS or possibly something else?

Any input would be greatly appreciated

2

It sounds very much like ibs. Alternating from one extreme to the other use to happen to me before C started to finally set in. Of course a colonoscopy or endoscopy will go a long way in helping find those out for sure.

3

It sounds like IBS which can sometimes be triggered after surgery.  Pain is temporarily relieved after a bowel movement with IBS.  IBS can occur in bouts and then go into remission again.  It can also be constant.  Try a food diary to see if a food is triggering symptoms and see your doctor for tests and a definitive diagnosis.