What are the symtons for IBS

[Reese201]

I have chronic diarrhea, bad stomach pains or cramps. Soon after I eat, I have to run to the toilet. Barely making it…. This is accompanied by bad stomach cramps. I have had this problem now for two months. I had a specimen tested for any bacteria or viral infection; came back negative. What could I possible have? I was wondering if this could be IBS or something serious?

[Reese201]

Thank you.... I will try anything at this point. Do you know if these yogurts and other drinks that are on the market; the ones that claim will help if you have IBS, will really help the symptoms as they claim? Have you tried any yourself?

[Reese201]

What is a stool color? Whitish, yellowish, greenish..? No, it is brownish; sometimes dark and sometimes lighter.... but definitely brownish; could even be yellowish brown.

[Reese201]

I am 64, but a young 64. I am very active and do not look my age…. I haven’t had any illnesses, never get sick; however, I do have allergies and usually to drugs, antibiotics, etc.  I have had a few colonoscopies and was told I am as clean as a whistle. I had an upper GI, one doctor thought I had Acid Reflex… I do not; upper GI and stomach ultrasound was normal. All my blood work is normal as well. I will try your suggestions and see what happens. I do not smoke. I did drink wine with dinner every day; however, since I have been having this problem I have lost my taste and desire for any kind of wine or alcohol.  Thank you!

[boron]

What is a stool color? Whitish, yellowish, greenish..?

Foul smelling stool appears (among other in)
- fat malabsorption (whitish stool) - fecal fat test confirms fats in the stool
- parasite infection due to food or water poisoning - ova % parasites tests confirms parasites. This test is not the same as stool culture for bacteria. The test is often false negative so three stool samples on three different days (at least two days apart) should be given
- Clostridium difficile overgrowth (barnyard smell of the stool, lower left abdominal pain, bloating) - a test for Cl-diff toxin in stool test reveals this.

Before these tests you can try:

- Lactose free diet - would help in 2-3 days if you have lactose intolerance
- Low-fructose diet - would help in 2-3 days in fructose malabsorption
- Gluten free diet - symptoms would lessen in a week or so if you have celiac disease

How old are you? Do you smoke?

[FurballsMom]

Usually, when the tests all come back as "normal", that's when the doctors conclude that it is IBS.  I take a sedating antispasmodic myself.  It's called Bentyl (Dicyclomine).  There is a less sedating one that is relatively new on the market called Hyocyamine that is a sub-lingual antispasmodic.  I tried it myself, but I didn't have as good of results as I did with the Bentyl.  

My IBS has the opposite problem as yours, but I've heard that dietary fibers, such as Metamucil and Citracel were recommended for all the symptoms of IBS.

[Reese201]

I have had the tests and they all came back normal. No antibiotics; could have eaten something strange I suppose.... Whatever it is it is getting worst. The loose stool is nasty smelling! My family doctor gave me a prescription; however, it causes drowsiness. I am Realtor, driving all the time and this drug gives me fatigue and makes me extremely sleepy.  I appreciate your comments, thank you.

[boron]

Symptoms may be described as IBS but some other disorder (lactose intolerance or fructose malabsorption) may be the culprit. Have you also had ova & parasites test of the stool? What happened 2 months ago - have you eaten something strange, taken antibiotics...?

You can make some diet trials, like having low-fructose diet for few days:
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/21247?personal_page_id=494312