Is it truly IBS or something else?

[Ulrichsm]

I've seen my regular physician, and a GI specialist many times now.  I've had a barium x-ray (4 mos. ago) and a colonoscopy (3yrs ago)-- all negative.  My doctors are convinced it's IBS, but I am not buying it. I don't know if my doctors are being proactive enough.  I suffer every day with stomach cramping, have too numerous of bowel movements every day (often discharging just a little, and/or a clear mucus). It's like I'm having the same bowel movement all day long, every day; I am also extra tired, can't get my energy level up. My eating is only one meal a day (evening) because with stomach aches goes your appetite. Now in the last month I am also experienced a low-grade, but sharper, pain on my right side just below the rib cage.  I've been on many meds (Zelnorm, anti-depressents, Citrocile fiber), and none work at all.  It's now been two years of misery, getting worse and worse.  I am not stressed out.  Stress doesn't enter my life.  Doctors say it's stress.  But now I'm stressing over my belly.  I'm in excellent physical condition, age 43, play tennis, hike, eat very well.  Do I need a new set of doctors?  Where do I go?  I need answers and I need them quick.  Becuase if this is just your garden variety IBS, then I don't know if I can manage it anymore.

[kidcoconut]

Did you ever find out what was/is wrong?

[shannonv33]

have you ever tried acidophilus for your diarrhea, I havent yet but Im going to try. My life pretty much revolves around a bathroom ever sence my gallbladder was removed, not to much fun.

[gasburger]

Sounds like the symptoms I had before I had my gallbladder removed - ask your doctor to arrange for an ultrasound on your gallbladder -- it's pain free.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion - meaning that other disorders should be ruled out first.

A workup with a barium study and colonoscopy is pretty good.  The upper GI workup can be more comprehensive - including an upper endoscopy.  Things you want to rule out are GERD, an ulcer, or inflammation of the upper GI tract.

In addition to the endoscopy, you can consider more specialized testing including a 24-hr pH study which is the definitive test for GERD.  

Other options would include an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the liver and gallbladder.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

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.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[Isabeljo]

I am not a doctor, but I recall my mother having your same complaints.  One doctor thought she had "collagenous colitis."  She would cramp and dump clear mucous a few times a day. She took immodium and bentyl. In any event, I hope you are keeping up your electrolytes with gaterade, taking something like immodium, esp before bedtime or perhaps try this med call "Digestive ADVANTAGE" for maangement of Crohn's and Colitis after asking your doctor of course. I may start taking it myself. I take pancreatic enzymes which help alleviate nausea and gas as well as increase absorption.