Do I have Irritable Bowel

[CJ3]

I am looking for some help,  I am a 25 year old female and have suffered from chronic abdominal pain.  I have had a CT scan and an upper GI, both have came back normal.  My stools vary from constipation to diarrhea, I have also had long stringy stools, mucous in my stools in addition to stools that are stringy and can be pulled out.  I had bloody stools and was diagnosed with a hemmoroid.  I have been to see several doctors ( md docs on the miliatary base)  they haven't offered much help or sympathy.  I was referred to a gastrointesinal doc who told me that the pain was in my head and put me on anti-depressants.  I currently have an appointment with a general surgeon who is going to perform a colonoscopy.  The pain in my stomach area radiates through my back and lower abdomen, in addition with the problems of going to the bathroom.  I drink a daily fiber drink which sometimes will make the pain go away.  I also have recently had  a baby 3 months ago which is when the pain began.  I had my gallbladder removed in 99.  Do you have any suggestions for me.  I just keep getting the run around and they seem to not care that I hurt  and have 2 children to care for.  Thank You CJ

[lawrence]

I have had problems with my bowels as well
After my last colonics I felt great, more energetic but my bowel problems seemed to continue, which included bloating, gas, diarrhea with undigestid food in stool, and fatigue. I figured it was probably intestinal parasites, so i went out and found a clense kit and started that, as well as some black walnut to expell worms. The fiber didn't seem to bulk up my stools but the black walnut did help with Stool formation, I was ready to give up. Then one day I cam across hydrated bentonite clay, one tablespoon of that and I had perfect elimination overnight it was a little pale but all symptoms were gone. However if I stopped the clay they would return.
So the clay worked well for about 3 months and then it slowly begain to stop working I started to take black walnut, alfalfa, probiotics, charcoal,bentonite fiber just to try to keep regular bowel movements and slowly the symptoms returned eventually all of the things I used to take to keep me regular such as balck walnut and alfalfa stopped working. Even imodium stopped working , it used to stop everything and quick fix all problems. I tried not taking everything and the stool that was eliminated became almost completely undigested and pale. So no problem right digestive problem? I went out and got the best digestive enzyme I could find and ox bile and hcl, this digestid the food alright but the day after I took it all I was completely exhasted. I made an elimination that afternoon, digestid food but still vary pale.
So Ive been taking a parasite formula, alfalfa, bentonite, probiotics(from jaro) grapefruite seed extract, some digestive enzimes and a friendly yeast called Saccharomyces Boulardii which is the most benificial supplement ive been taking. I still have smelly powdery stools but at least I feel better. I sleep well, I have no fever, my glands are not swollen, Im trying to avoid all carbs but brown rice and a little bread, also red meat, scince then I have lost some weight but it is slowly returning, I have food cravings, Im quite often hungery even shortly after I eat. I don't often lose my appitite unless Im upset or depressed which is also now a bit of a problem as well as iritability.
Doctors tell me I have IBS and that i should take more fiber and relax. Well im taking fine ground psyllium fiber and I feel a bit better but my stools are very knotted with some mucas. This seems to stop now and then but my stools become loose and brittle, could this be a sign that my colon is clearing out?

[jen2020]

Hi:

Is nausea one of the symptoms of IBS? What about bloating & gas?


Thanks,
Jennifer

[Orewa]

I  have only experienced these problems since I had my gall bladder out, almost all of these symptoms over 5 years since no more GB.

[CJ3]

Thanks for the advice, I have had pain for probably three years...it just didn't become severe enough to worry about until after my daughter was born.  I got my medical records and was really surprised at how often I have seen a Doctor for stomach pains.  Did you have the bowel problems also?

[Keeky]

I have irritable bowel syndrome. I have had all the stools you speak of and wonderful gas that comes along with it.  It happened after I had my first child and during the time I was put on an anti-inflammatory for carpal tunnel syndrome.  I suspect the anti-inflammatory triggered it. However, IBS runs in my family.  You do get abdominal pain with IBS. I was very depressed for the first year or so after being diagnosed at 23.  I didn't want to go anywhere.  It seems to go in bouts...always there but worse depending on what I eat.  It is always worst at night.  Part of the reason I think it was so bad at first diagnosis is that it caused a great deal of anxiety which makes your stomach turn even more and causes even more problems.  I have learned to live with it.  If you experience gas, activated charcoal is my number one suggestion.  For constipation or for small stools Miralax will help add water to the stool.  Always see a gastro for it not a general.  They have more information.  Unlike you, fiber makes mine worse but maybe because I have constipation most often and fiber creates gas which means it's more unpleasant for me and whoever is around me.  =)  I can smile about it now and I have let my closest relatives and friends know so they don't wonder why I have to leave the movie a few times or the dinner table.  A lot of doctors assumed at one time that IBS was caused by anxiety, but let me tell you that anxiety is caused by IBS.  More doctors know that now.  I am a very happy person in general so I know it's not stress or anxiety.  I also had no problems during pregnancy with IBS and have read some studies that suggest hormonal changes can make IBS worse.  I do believe that.  Both my mother and sister who have IBS had hystorectomies, due to endometriosis and both of them had a great deal of relief from problems of IBS.  Hang in there, try the Miralax.  It is a prescription so just mention it to the doctor as something you would like to try if possible.  It is not habit forming at all.  Also stay away from carbonated drinks, chewing gum and anything that causes gas.  You swallow air when you chew gum.  Okay, I've typed enough.  Good Luck

[gregd64]

The gastro doc should have done the colonoscopy, and the general doc usually give out the anti-depressants so Im confused. Your descrition sound like you could have Colitas but your nerves
can make you have weird bowel movements also and thats why you were given the anti-depressants. Blood in your stool that is bright red and not dark and clotty does come from hemmoroid
and the can be internal to the anus and not just the external type. Good luck and try to stay calm until this is figured out.
Having 2 kids is not easy...