Could it be IBS??

[ksilv]

Hello - I posted a question about elevated liver enzymes a couple of weeks ago. Since I'm going to see a Gastro doc on June 14th, I want to bring this up to him as well.

For the past few years I've experienced symptoms that everyone I've asked (including docs) says sound exactly like IBS.

Here is a list of them:

Alternating symptoms - for a few days they will appear or weeks, and then everything will be normal again for days or weeks.

* Alternating constipation and loose stools
* Sometimes I have symptoms, others I am completely normal.
* altered stool shape (sometimes not "sausage shaped" but more narrow or even flattened). This usually is accompanied with the constipation or straining to have a bowel movement. I am most concerned about this one as I have heard it can be a sign of cancer or polyps. I think that since it has never "kept happening" - things always return to normal; that most people have told me it must be a spastic colon or IBS (if it is a blockage it usually always happens or you consistenty have a symptom). Sorry for the "detail"
* I have never noticed blood

I am a 29 year old male and feel completely healthy and have no weight loss, loss of appetite, or lack of energy.

Since I have an elevated liver enzyme report
ALT 100
GGT 95
Bil 1.9
I am sort of thinking that these two things could be related. Plus, I've been researching the internet which is probably the worst thing I could do with regards to painting a potentially devestating scenario. Also, my younger brother was just diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. People have been telling me I should not need to spend the money to have a serious exam b/c the symptoms are more related to IBS.

Since I am seeing a GASTRO specialist on 6/14 I would like to ask for a colonoscopy as well as talk to him about the liver function.

Has anyone had similar symptoms with IBS? Is it normal for me to be "more concerned" than doctors......I am terrified as I just had a baby 11 months ago and would like to see him grow up!! I just want to be safe and see if I have any issues.

Also, if polyps were present, how long do they usually take to develop into a malignancy, if ever? Just looking for thoughts I know there cannot be any sure answer until an exam...however I am told I do not have an "emergency" so I feel like life is on hold (not socially drinking or anything) until June 14th.

Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

IBS can certainly cause the symptoms you are describing.  However, it doesn't explain the elevated liver enzymes.

An abdominal ultrasound as well as blood tests looking for hepatitis would be a reasonable initial workup.  

A colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy is reasonable to evaluate the bowel symptoms - including the possibility of ulcerative colitis.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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 patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[Hudson]

Hi there Kenny. I can sense your heightened anxiety and I know how you feel. Is there anyway you can call your gastro and get on a waiting list in case anyone cancels an appointment?  June 14th is a long time to wait.

Also, I think maybe you should stop reading articles on-line. I did the same when I had my liver issue and all it did was scare the cr*p out of me. In fact I still feel like I have become a bit of a hypochondriac since my ovarian surgery and the liver thing.

I really hope you can get in to see your doctor sooner. Maybe call the office again and explain your anxiety to one of the nurses? There must be some way they can work you in sooner. Good luck!

Hudson

[ksilv]

Hudson -

You read me like a book!! Could not agree with you more on the internet research stuff......it really makes you think 'worst case scenario'....which is even more frustrating when the docs tell you that you are WAY overworrying - wonder how they'd feel if it were them with the issues and having to wait a month and a half to find anything out????

Anyway, thanks for your comments and I think I may take your advice and throw my computer out the window - of course I do love having access to this board........

Have a great day,and I hope you are well.

Kenny

[Hudson]

Hey Kenny, I read you like a book, because I am exactly the same way. I can get myself so worked up and then things turn out to be not nearly so dire. I actually told my gastro I was certain I had one foot in the grave and he laughed and said "You don't even have a speck in the grave". I think you will feel better once you have your appointment.

Don't throw the computer away, cuz then you won't have this site. Just read "happy things"!

I have a feeling you are just fine :-)

Hudson (p.s. I am feeling pretty good , but I still have to go thru a routine colonscopy in a few weeks. I turned the BIG 5-0 and it seems to be mandatory. ugh).

[Thuney]

I am having problems similar to yours (w/exception of liver anzymes)--I have appt with GP tomorrow to set up colonoscopy and CT with dye.

I like to be informed--like you--but am scared to death from all I have been reading.

Hang in there--I do share your anxiety!

[ksilv]

Thanks for your thoughts - I am meeting with a Gastro doc tomorrow - had to wait almost 2 months just for a half hour consultation!!!!!! Nevermind the tests....why do all the docs seem to think I am nuts to want a colonoscopy at 29????? I just want to rule out what is bogging down my brain...hopefully it is just IBS but I want to know for sure so we can address issues if we have to sooner than later......very frustrating.

Best of luck to you.......will post again after tomorrow's interview.

[Thuney]

I think you have to be pro-active about your health nowadays with all the medical cutbacks--too many mistakes are made if you're not on top of things!

Let me know how it goes!

[Thuney]

How did your appt go?

[ksilv]

Thanks for asking, it went well I guess. Still a bit unsure as he seemed pretty unconcerned. I guess you always take your own symptoms a little more seriously.

He could tell I was worried though, and b/c of the enzymes being a bit high and my "IBS" like symptoms, he did approve some tests. Monday the 26th I go in for an ultrasound of the liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. July 19 I go in for a flexible sigmoidoscopy.....he did not seem to think a full colonoscopy was warranted or necessary because my symptoms pointed to a "lower bowel" issue, if anything. I guess it's a start. I'm just glad I'm finally going to have some tests to get some kind of idea of what is going on.

I'll hope for the best,and thanks again for your thoughts....and how are things with you?

[Thuney]

How did your tests go today?  Did they turn up anything?

I had a colonoscopy early this morning--showed all clear--so while I am relieved, I still don't know what is causing my problems!

Hang in there--and let me know how you are doing!

[ksilv]

Thank you for checking in!! So glad to hear that your test was clear, sometimes frustrating in itself in that you can't figure out what is going on!! But I guess it's better than worst case, right!!

Anyway, Had my upper right quad ultrasound and they said the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver all looked great?? My enzymes had come down (stopped all alcohol consumption for a few months) but the ALT was still a bit high at 84 (limit is about 64 I believe)......so it looks like I am just very sensitive to alcohol and need to really watch myself. (docs did not seem in the least bit concerned....which always puzzles me since it is still a bit high)

As for the colonoscopy, the gastro doc did not say my symptoms and age called for one. However, he suggested my bowel symptoms were more related to the lower bowel - so he ordered my a flexible sigmoidoscopy; which I believ is like a colonoscopy but just does the lower section. That is scheduled for July 19th. I'll check in after that....again I'm glad to hear your test went well, must be a major relief.

[Thuney]

Glad all you tests looked good!

Maybe you have developed an allergy to alcohol--or at least certain ones.  I hear that is a possibility.

Yes, a sigmoidscopy just does the lower half.  Let me know how that goes for you!

Good luck!