IBS or what?

  I'm 22 and have had gastric troubles for 3 or 4 years now. I haven't
  been diagnosed with anything yet (but have an ob/gyn appointment coming up).
  It started with my periods. The second they started I had intense cramping
  and had very frequent bowel movements all day, clearing everything out of my
  system. But this obviously made it very hard to function normally & I had to take
  a lot of painkillers. After a year or two I suddenly developed abdominal pains and
  was given hyoscyamine. The trouble subsided but has remained persistent for
  2 years now with symptoms much like IBS. I have a lot of pain &
  discomfort almost all the time. And my periods are still a nightmare but now
  I'm sometimes constipated during it. It varies.
  I'm really just wondering what's "normal" in IBS? Sources of information
  (books, web) don't always mention all things in detail. For example,
  is the mucous that often happens supposed to be orangey? I often find my
  stools are that color. And I have "inbetween" movements, where I
  eliminate some but much is left on the surface & almost impossible to
  wipe off successfully. And is there any connection between my period &
  this problem? My understanding of endometriosis is that the problems tend
  to occur with the period but not at other times. This has certainly been constant
  for about 2 years.
  Well, like I said, I'll ask the ob-gyn when I go in a couple weeks,
  but I thought it'd be comforting to find out some things now if I can.
  Thanks.
___________________
Dear Ann S.
Seeing your gynecologist is the first step towards identifying the cause of your symptoms.   Irritable bowel syndrome is a constellation of symptoms that includes abdominal pain related to defecation, diarrhea, constipation or diarrhea alternating with constipation.  Many people will notice mucous with the stool.  Because these symptoms are also found in other diseases, a workup is necessary.   If the gyncologist does not identify a cause for your symptoms, you should be evaluated by a gastroenterologist to confirm that thereis no organic cause for your symptoms.  Only after an evaluation can the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome be made.
While awaiting your appointments, you should try some dietary manipulations to see if your symptoms improve.  Specifically, you should increase the amount of fiber in your diet.  Taking Metamucil or another formulation will help regulate your bowels and may reduce the abdominal pains.  Just remember that when you first start fiber, you will have lots of gas.
  
This response is offered for your general information and should not replace the conclusions drawn from a careful and complete evaluation by your physician.
If you want, we would be happy to see you in the Division of Gastroenterology at Henry Ford Hospital, in order to review your records and initiate treatment to improve your symptoms.  You can arrange an appointment with Dr. Fogel, one of our experts in the investigation of abdominal pain.  He can be reached by calling the Henry Ford Physician Referral Line at [phone].
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: irritable bowel syndrome
0.3