When does it end?

[Too Confused]

I have had a reoccurring problem now for 6 years.   I started having a change in bowels habits - thin, looser stools.    Cramping after eating and needing to rush to a bathroom.  I traced it down finally after 2 years of problems to a calcium/magnesium supplement.  I also during that time had Salmonella poisoning confirmed from stool tests.   I stopped the supplement and most of the symptoms improved - but did not entirely stop.

Now years later though better, I still have changing bowel habits.  Sometimes constipated, then next day fine normal.   Next day looser stool, thinnish.  I have also have had a slight pain on my lower right side for over 6 years.  I had first experienced this same pain 25 years ago and did have tests then.   All fine.   I have also through all of these years had occasional  (once a year), very slight blood after  I eliminate.  I know that I have had a fissure.

I have occasional stomach aches, gassy.  High stress on and off.  Late forties, female and premenopause.

My health is good, appetite good, weight perfect.

So what do I do?    Is this what IBS is?  Could it be cancer?

[Too Confused]

I'm starting to think this site should be renamed - Scared Straight  - To A Colonoscopy.

I must have given the impression that I am in serious pain or serious trouble.   I apologize.   I feel great, this is a minor inconvienance, flares up when stress is high.  As I said - I've had it for 6 years, first noticed it 25 years ago, it has greatly improved.  This really started when I started having anxiety attacks 6 years ago - which have completely stopped a few years back.  

Thanks for all the concern - don't worry I have no plans to foolishly ignore my health needs.

[wmary]

Please see your family doctor asap for a referral to a gi or surgeon for a scope.  It could well be ulcerative colitis, which some think as an auto-immune response.  It is easily treated with steroids or other immune suppresant meds such as Asacol.  If left untreated it can cause anemia and other problems dealing with the uptake of vitamins and minerals from food.  The other IBD is Crohn's Disease, which is usually genetic and starts at an earlier age.
Good luck and please don't put off that Doctor visit.
Mary

[eveningstar]

I agree, it is very important that you get a colonoscopy as soon as possible.  The fact that you have had these problems for so long is concerning.  I have had several colonoscopies, and got along just fine,  I was sedated and completely "out" and never knew a thing.  The only unpleasant part is the prep for it, but it is certainly tolerable and worth it all --- this test can literally save your life so please call today.  Good luck and keep us posted.

[yoshi]

if you go to your family practice doctor,he can order tests for you.

[Too Confused]

Thank you for your comments GB - how nice!  I would be much more worried if I hadn't had this going on for so long - it has actually gotten a lot better then it was years ago!    But you are right - it is always good to get checked!

[ConcernedGB]

Hello,

I know sometimes it isn't fun to go to the doctor to get a "work-up" like a colonoscopy, but once you go you'll feel soooo much better when you can get some answers.  Most of the time, the diagnosis isn't half as bad as what we imagine it could be.  Just go to the doc, do it, and you'll be soooo glad you did.  Good luck and let us all know how it comes out.  I am the biggest worry wart in the world and know exactly how you might feel right now!

[Too Confused]

Thank you!

Where would I go to get a test for bacteria or parasites?

[surgeon]

You don't mention seeing a doctor recently; that's what you should do. It could indeed be IBS; but it could also be many other things. You need a thorough evaluation, including, most likely, colonoscopy. No matter what list of possibilities gets provided here, the only way to find out is by direct interverntion.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Bloating, gassiness, and alternating bowel habits between constipation and diarrhea are characteristics of IBS.  However, before attributing it to that, you have to make sure it isn't anything else.

Any change in bowel habits should be evaluated with an endoscopy (colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy).  Cancer, polyps or inflammatory bowel disease can also result in the change of bowel habits you are describing.  

I would also test your stool for infection - both parasites and bacteria.  

I the tests come back negative, then I would discuss treatment for IBS with your 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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.