Mis-diagnosed with IBS

Hi, i am a male, 23yrs old, 5ft 10, weigh about 9.5 stones/133lb from the UK. Just to give you an idea of my medical history; been suffering from IBS symptoms for the past 5 years. Symptoms have gradually become worse over the years despite trying different remedies. Age 19-realised i was going to the toilet more often than usual. Age 20- experiencing inconsistent bowel movements- weighed about 145lb. Age 21 suspected stomach problems, starting to experience periods of diarrehoa and constiaption.Had my first IBS attack which lasted a few weeks suffering from fatigue, diarrehoa, inability to tollerate any type of food which was part of my normal diet.This was mainly an indian-asian diet. I went to my doctor, she diagnosed me with IBS at age 22 and prescribed me with Colfac IBS (mebeverine) tablets-anti spasomadic. Symptoms subsided slightly with these tablets and a slightly restricted diet by cutting down on take away foods and fatty foods. Symptoms re-emergerd about 8 months later but included bloating, flatulence,and violent spasms. At one point i was soo bad i was on long term sick. I was going to the toilet abou 2-3 times a day to empty my bowels.Also started to loose weight.Also suffering from rhinitis. Had allergy test done and was told to cut out on wheat and take preventitve measures for house dust mites. Symptoms were at worst about 8-10 months ago. Had a sigmidoscopy done but was given the all clear. Doctor prescribed me mebeverine tablets but  after taking them for a while suffered side affects including, irregular heartbeat, fatigue and anxiety, suffered from panic attacks but have now managed to control this. I have lost the abiltiy to tolerate a lot of foods compared to 3 years ago. Recently stopped all prescribed drugs and went through a hypnosis program which also involved a bio-resonance program. I have currently enforced a restrctitve diet including wheat free foods, nothing fried, plenty of fruit and veg,have also cut out on beverages such as fizzy drinks,tea and coffee..drink herbal teas and honey instead. Have a very high carbohydrate and fish oriented diet. I have also been taking Advantage IBS tablets which i had imported from the states. These were not recommended by my hypnotist but through my own research. My symptoms are less frequent with these tablets and diet. Bowel movements are also more regular however i now suffer from chronic bloating,gas and fatulence and i also suffer from violent muscle tiks and spasms. It usualy occurs on the lower right hand side of my stomach but penetrates randomly throughout my entire body including legs, hands, even my eyebrows flicker violently from time to time. I am also finding it extremelydifficult to put any weight on desspite now going to the empty my bowels every 1.5 to 2 days. In the last few weeks i have also noticed i am suffering from urine incontinence. I  get sudden urge to go for a pee. This has left me feeling depressed and basically triggers my ibs again. Hospitals have refused me for a colonoscopy based on my symptoms and have told me im wasting their time. I have tried all sorts of herbal and non-herbal remdies from psyillim husk, acidophillius tablets,to having a restrictive diet as advised by my dietician but if one symptom subsides then a new one start and these muscle tiks and spasms are becoming really annoying not to mention the embarrasing gurgling sounds on the lower left and right hand side of my stomach. I have done alot of research to cope with my daily struggle and have been back and forth to doctors and hospitals but to no avail. Just to note i had a car accident about 4 months ago after which my symptoms were at worst and have also noticed disclour in my nails and they disperse and break off easily. This maybe due to my inabilty to tolerate dairy products hence the lack of calcium. Please could you tel me what is causing these violent muscle ticks and spasms that occur throughout my body. Are they related to my IBS or is this something else and how can i put a little weight on even with my healthy diet.It doesnt make any sense.Apology for such lengthy detail.Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I agree with imaging the colon.  If it hasn't already been done, an upper and lower endoscopy should be done.  Sending the stool off for analysis and culture can exclude infection and possible malabsorption.

I would also consider blood tests to rule out celiac disease.

If the tests remain negative, perhaps IBS can be treated more optimally.  Tricyclic antidepressants and antibiotics like Rifaximin are two options that can be tried.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician or gastroenterologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

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