This much pain and tenderness from IBS?

[AO111]

I've had a diagnosis of IBS for several years but never had much of a problem. Recently in the past 6-8 months however  I've had a dramatic decrease in appetite and weight and the more I try to eat the more abdominal discomfort I get. I've also had a aching and cramping pain in the same location in my extreme lower right abdomen. It's some what tender to the touch from the outside but from the inside (my vagina) it's worse. I found that out during a gyno visit and vaginal ultrasound. I just saw the gyno 3 weeks ago and she sent me for an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound. I'm waiting to hear back from her on the results but I saw my regular Dr. today and he said there was nothing abnormal indicated on the ultrasound. My regular Dr. seems to think the pain I'm experiencing in that particular spot is to do my colon being cramped or constricted in that area due to IBS. I disagree.

[Timothy P Murphy, M.D.]

Dear AO111--

If had a patient with similar symptoms I would want to know:
1) How old is the patient?
2) Any family history for colon disorders-- ie colitis
3)Any blood inn the stool
4)Any abnormal labs including complete blood count, Sed rate/CRP (markers of inflammation), liver tests

Chronic pain needs to be explained--always.

I have had several patients with localized colitis (crohns disease, ulcerative colitis); chronic appendicitis, right sided diverticulitis, and even cancers (lymphoma and colon cancer--but usually over the age of 40) with similar symptoms.

If you are worried, I recommend requesting a consultation with a gastroenterologist who will give you a second opinion and if concerned order the appropriate tests (CT scan and or colonoscopy).

These symptoms could also be easily explained as IBS/chronic constipation as well so I do not want to overly worry you.  I personally like to listen to my patients--when they worry, I worry. Its their body and life.

[AO111]

thanks

[gillianra]

Consider also gluten intolerance as a possible factor, especially if you have any family members with autoimmune diseases (e.g., thyroid disease - http://www.researchgate.net/publication/41148032_Prevalence_and_relative_risk_of_other_autoimmune_diseases_in_subjects_with_autoimmune_thyroid_disease/file/9fcfd50c9f522cec88.pdf )

[AO111]

Thank you for your reply. I wasn't aware that IBS could cause this much trouble but I will be getting a second opinion with a gastroenterologist mainly because Irritable Bowel Diseases run in my family. My mother, grandmother, and great grandmother all have/had them.