Please give some advice

[jakey2]

I've used this forum before and found it to be most helpful, so I hoping it will help again.  I have a few questions.  In the beginning of decemeber I began having upper right abdominal pain, (I already had my gallbladder removed), around the 16th of Dec, the pain moved to the lower abdomin (abdomen), shifting from middle, right and to left, visited the ER 4 times, all blood test, urine test normal, CT scan normal, checking for appendicitis.  Upper GI with barium normal and abdominal ultra sound normal.  Pelvic vaginal ultrasound normal however 2cm cyst on right ovary.  My PCP said nothing to worry about with that cyst.  As days go by pain has become less and intermittent, I had no diarrhea for about 3 weeks, but experience constipation and gas throughout the days.  I have a bowel movement everyday as well.  Also, for the past 3 days have had headaches, and a pain, somewhat burning on my right thigh, what is that? I was drinking peppermint tea which helped alot but I don't want to over due and good thing, so I have eased up on that.  I drink tons of water. I also was prescribed Nulev, which helps some.  I have a good appeptite as well.
My PCP and GI doctor suspect IBS, I guess I'd be ok with that if there truly was a rememdy for IBS.
Based on this info here are my questions.
1) Does IBS pinch the lower abdominal area?
2) Does IBS shift from, left, right, middle?
3) Most of the pain is intermittent lower right pain, is that common?
4) 3 ER doctors, My PCP, my GI doc and a PA have all said that its not appendicitis, plus CT scan and blood test came back normal. Can symptoms of appendicitis last 4 weeks? and can IBS mimic the symptoms of appendicitis?
5) What are home treatments for IBS?
6) Digestrin is a natural herb supplement that I've seen advertise on the web, which states to relieve IBS in 48 hrs or so, have you heard of this and is it safe to use?
7)Finally, I've read to relieve some of the symptoms of IBS is to increase fiber intake, forgive my ignorance, what would be good fiber intake, that is effective and that I would find faster relief with?

Any more suggestions or input you have would be most helpful.
Thanks

[Kevin Pho, MD]

To answer your questions:
1) IBS in itself has vague symptoms so some answers to your may be vague.  To answer the first one - it is possible for IBS to pinch to lower abdominal area.

2) IBS can also have shifting pain as you describe.

3) IBS can cause RLQ pain.  Other causes to consider include appendicitis, muscle strain, inflammatory bowel disease, or infectious colitis.  

4) Yes, IBS can mimic the symptoms of appendicitis.  You may want to consider an appendicial CT scan that utilizes rectal contrast.  This may be more accurate than a standard abdominal CT scan.

5) Increased fiber intake is the only recommended home remedy approach to IBS.  There are some who advocate psychosocial interventions such as hyponosis, psychotheraepy, and biofeedback.

6) I am not familiar with Digestrin and cannot cite any studies showing any effectiveness.

7) Fiber supplements such as Metamucil or Citrucel can be discussed with your personal physician to increase fiber intake.

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

[norma97]

I was diagnosed with IBS and have been suffering for the last 4 months!  It started with acid stomach and now the most bothersome symptom is severe bloating in my abdomen.  I would like to ask other IBS sufferers how severe their bloating is?

[jakey2]

Hi, I actually started having this abdominal discomfort and pain, somewhat pinching and gasey feeling beginning in Dec.  Like I said before I was in the hospital 4 time, blood test, ultrasounds, x ray, upper GI barium swallow all have come back normal.  The pain I was experiencing was a full sensation, hard stomach like I has lots of gas, pinching and also felt like strained stomach muscles.  I was on Nulev for about 2 weeks and only took it as needed, it did help with the constipation, but not so much with the pain and cramping.  Are you expereincing cramping?
However for the past 2 weeks, I've been doing a natural treatment.  Every morning and every night, on an empty stomach I take 2 tablespoons of Acidophilus Probotic lactose free, then 1/2 later or more at breakfast I take a Vit. C capsule, before each meal I take 2-3 digestive enzymes, depending on the size of the meal, and 2 fiber supplements as well.  I drink at least, the mimimum of four 24oz of bottled water a day.  Sounds like alot but really isn't and to tell you the truth I feel like new again.  The pain is virtually gone, no gas or constipation and I'm having at least 2 sometimes 3 bowel movements a day.  This is what I did by going to a Very Good nutrient store and asked for help, you might want to do the same.  All I know is I feel 100% better.
Water is the KEY so drink plenty.