IBS question

[mactime13]

I wanted to ask about IBS.  I got out of the Navy a few years ago and while i was in i was told i had IBS.  I am fairly nervus about most things but i wanted to see if what they said made sense.  I have had bowl issues since i was around 12 or so and i do feel better after i go but i don't always feel complete.  I do get gassy as well as cramp if i eat something stupid of which i admit i do a lot, fired food and such as my work does not help me out much on that one. I was a little concerned about colon cancer but i have not had a change in bowl movements i have had the same thing going on for about 16 years now.  I also don't have any yellow in the eyes or weight loss ( kinda would like that but i don't ).  I have a healthy appetite and am pretty active.  I duuno i guess i just wanted to see if someone else agree's with the Navy Doc that it is IBS.  I do have a lot of anxiety and that make my stomach feel horrible and i am off and on in the bathroom then i am better until the next time it hits.  I am a white male 32 years old with no other medical problems...that i know of.

thank you

[Ross76]

Hi Ive been married to my husband for fourteen years when we first got married I noticed two black heads on his back, I popped both and one went away, fourteen years later the other one is still there! It is really gross for me to pop it but I cant stand to see it there. lol It is barely visable to the untrained eye and no longer has a black spot on it, I just notice a bump on the top part of his back, under the skin. I have squeezed it out many times and it looks like a long white string coming out, it is truly gross and I've even tried sticking a tooth pick in it and cleaning it out and I've added alcohol, peroxide, tea tree oil, but the little sucker just does not want to go away, and it just bothers me, not him. lol It doesnt hurt or smell or anything weird like that. But my question is, is there any other home remedy I can do to get rid of it, I dont think its a pimple, Im not sure what it is, just a weird long white stringy thing that sometimes comes out in pieces and does not heal. Please help,
Ross76

[Kevin Pho, MD]

IBS is a disease that can manifest in a variety of symptoms.  Normally, other causes need to be ruled out before settling on that disease.

If there is concern about colon cancer, a lower endoscopy, such as a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, would be the tests of choice.  

Stomach pains can be due to an ulcer or inflammation of the upper digestive tract.  Obtaining an upper endoscopy or upper GI series can be considered, along with blood tests to evaluate for H Pylori.

These options can be discussed with a GI physician, and if negative, then IBS may indeed be the cause.

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 Pho, M.D.

KevinMD.com
Twitter.com/kevinmd