IBS Pain

I am a 36 year old male 2 years post gallbladder removal.  Recently I was diagnosed with IBS after enduring the following:  endoscopy, colonoscopy, mri with/without contrast, barium swallow, numerous blood tests, ultrasound and hida scan.  All tests were normal with only minor gastritis and elevated liver enzymes due to non-alcoholic fatty liver. My symptoms include abdominal pain, full/burning sensation at the bottom of my sternum that radiates at times through to my mid back.  My question is can IBS cause this type of mid-back pain or should I seek a second opinion?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a comprehensive GI workup, which would exclude many of the GI causes for the discomfort.  

Looking outside the GI system can be considered.  For instance, an ultrasound to evaluate for an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be considered.

Otherwise, medications like tricyclics and antispasmodic agents can be considered optimize treatment for IBS.

A referral to a GI physician is recommended.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com

[mikcin]

ASk for a referral to a good gastroenterologist.  Sometimes there are things that don't show up on all the tests.  Perhaps the pain is from the gastritis?  I would not give up!

[JimK3145]

Recently I've been experiencing the same symptoms except I still have my gallbladder. I had an endoscopy performed and was found to have gastritis also. My primary care physician thinks I have IBS and says that he thinks that this is causing the lower rib and back pain. I don't think that this is the cause. My current gastro Doc doesn't think that I have IBS but he can't explain the cause of the pain. He wants me to see another gastro doc at a teaching/academic hospital which I am scheduled to do on May 28th. I'll let you know how I make out. Currently this pain has changed more into a general stiffness. You might want to check out the entry on this forum from May 6, titled "Tightness/pain beneath the right rib radiating to mid and lower back" posted by revjr. There are 22 replies to this. Maybe this might help you. Keep us posted on how you do! Thanks and good luck.