Hi,
I've been diagnosed with IBS a couple of years ago. I have very loose stools most of the time as well as gas (and resulting stomach problems) and pains, also bladder problems (is this common among IBS sufferers)? The pains are usually just general pains in the abdominal area, but recently they have sometimes become worse, like really extreme sharp pains around the abdomen and rectum after I woke up at night and particularly when I was lying on the stomach - it did feel like these pains might partly have been linked to gas as well. Do you get really bad pains like that with IBS? If I've had a stool test that turned out fine a few weeks ago, would that definitely rule out other intestinal diseases? I'm a bit scared there might be more behind it after all. Also, apart from what not to eat, are there any specific foods that it is good to eat against loose stools?
Thanks very much.
It is natural to feel that there is more behind the daignosis of IBS. I have it myself and at times the pain for me is just as you describe. I would say your test would rule out other diseases. You could try including eggs in your diet. Eggs are said to bind you and I eat one egg each day, normally hard boiled or mashed up on a sandwich. There are meds for the stomach cramps that IBS causes and I use Mebeverine and these do seem to help. You normally take those about 20 minutes before you eat for the best result. If you are not already on them you could ask your doctor if you can try them. I know how bad the pain can be and I do sympathise with you. Try to avoid spicy foods wherever you can as it is a big trigger for IBS.
Thanks very much - I guess it makes sense that eggs work as a binder, so I'll try that. Yes I've tried to take Mebeverine though a bit too irregularly, I'll try to think of it more often. In any case it's reassuring these are the kinds of pain associated with IBS, it's just quite worrying when the pain is really strong! But thanks again, I already feel a bit better.
I am glad if I have helped. For me I liken the strong pain to childbirth lol, sometimes it is the only way to deal with it. I can understand how anyone with IBS would feel there may be something else wrong. If I get worse than normal pain I do go and see the GP, always best to be safe. If your GP feels it is the IBS then all well and good. But if it gets worse to the point where you cannot eat and keep anything down then book an appointment, or even if the pain is unbearable, get it checked. I have recently had a bad 3 month spell where I had to live on soup and plain yogurt becasue the IBS got so bad. And in that time I lost 2.5stone. Whilst that maybe good for the figure it is not good for the health. Just keep an eye on things and see how you go. Good luck.
LJJ - you mentioned sharp pains in the rectum. I think we may have similar symptoms - the best description I have for what I get is a cross between cramp in the rectum / anus and a sort of stabbing feeling. It can wake me up at night. It can ease if I pass wind or a motion - but not always. Apparently this is called Proctalgia Fugax, and is linked with IBS. Do a google and there are a few suggestions for managing it - I have found a concentrated effort at relaxing the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding area (with a bit of deep breathing) can help. Sometimes I just have to wait for it to pass. It does not seem to be exclusively linked to a flare of IBS, indeed sometimes posture can trigger it. Not fun, but doesn't seem to be serious. Good luck with yours.