Do I have IBS? Help please.

Hey everyone,

First off I'd like to say that before making this post I lurked around and tried to educate myself on IBS, I also noticed everyone is really helpful so that only reassured me in terms of making this first post.

I made an appointment to see a doctor due what I believe may be IBS, but until then Id like to get your guys input in terms of the symptoms I'm feeling. I know you Gus aren't doctors, but many of you have IBS and can definitely give suggestions.

A month ago I really scared myself by thinking I could have contracted HIV. After several visits to STD clinics and visits to the doctor, everyone has reassured me that I had no potential risk of being infected. However, the anxiety has persisted and since last week the symptoms I have been feeling have all been pointing toward IBS. I'd also like to say that even before I became anxious about this topic I suffered from constipation and pain in my stomach that went away after I went to the restroom. I also had lots of gas and I constantly burped, but I never gave it much attention until recently when these symptoms began to get worse.

As of lately (last two weeks) I have been experiencing the following:
Extreme gas both burping and farting.
Stomach rumbling after I eat or just in general.
Bloating (not severe but it is noticeable)
Loss of appetite (can be associated to the anxiety)
Pain in stomach in all 4 quadrants (particularly in right upper quadrant right below ribs)
Pain in the middle of my back as well as severe pain in lower back.
Constipation (I go once a day if I'm lucky and it's usually small and there's some substance I poop with it)
I get full with very little food.

I have read that people may have IBS and that symptoms may get more severe with anxiety/stress, is there any truth to that?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

-Abe

[TheBigpicture]

yes that is true that stress and anxiety can cause these symptoms however, i wouldn't blame it all on that if you were having stomach issues before hand. could be an intolorence of certain foods or spices. you might want to check further into that to rule it out. It's not something that can't be managed well and it seems like the older we get the more intolorent we become.

[Strength18]

Thanks for your prompt response. I forgot to mention I also have pain in my mid upper back. Do you think this could be IBS or is it more common for gallbladder issues?

[TheBigpicture]

Gallbladder issue's may cause severe pain in the upper abdomen. The pain  may be last for about 40 minutes or may even continue for a number of hours. One may also experience severe and sharp pain in the area under the right shoulder. The pain may also be followed by mild soreness in the abdomen. In some cases though one may also experience pain in the lower abdominal area as well. it is best if you let a doctor confirm you have gallbadder problems. I personally do not have pains like you have mentioned but that doesn't mean it couldn't be IBS.