Discomfort under rib cages, digestive issues and alternating BM's

[Sammyz78]

Two months ago, I had what I think was a bout of food poisoning.  My digestive system hasn't been right since.  It began lower abdominal discomfort, and some tenderness by the hips.  Bowel movements alternated from const. to diarrhea.  Went to the doctor, and thought it may be a pulled muscle, since it felt like one.  He found no masses and checked for hernia.  Did bloodwork:  liver ALT were about 5 points higher (51) than normal range, bad cholest. was 5 points high, good cholest was 5 points low.  Bun/creatine ratio was a little low, but the numbers themselves were avg.  HPLC was 5.7 (5.6% was the top range for normal).  Bacteria was classified as rare.  Since then, I've had a few good days in terms of bowel movements, but experience discomfort (not pain really) below the ribs (upper middle) on both sides (sometimes more on the left side), lower back, and mid-back (though i think the mid-back is from lifting my daughter).  Been eating better, which seems to help with the BM's, but if I eat out, then it goes to diarrhea and then a day or two of constipation before going back to "normal" BM's.  Wondering if this is a cancer issue, or a digestive issue.  Lower abdominal pain is minimal, seems to only recur when I'm backed up or having difficulty passing a BM.  
Your help is appreciated.

[patient915]

Yes, IBS can be in the upper abdominal area.  I would say that unless your symptoms get worse a CT scan isn't needed, but it's up to you.  I would say to just avoid fatty foods because it will help your blood tests and it won't cause the flare ups.  I would bring this up with your doctor and also maybe talk about seeing a gastroenterologist.

[Sammyz78]

Thanks for your response, I didn't realize that IBS could be in the upper abdominal area as well.   I have a follow up with my general practitioner next tuesday to go over my blood test results.  I may ask him to do an ultrasound or CT scan (he mentioned it last time, but only if I was really concerned about it).  

Most of the symptoms are "discomforting", not really painful.  The pain under the ribs just is a feeling of feelings, rarely are there any sharp or dull pains, just in the lower back and abdomen when I'm backed up.  

Do you think a CT scan is sort of ridiculous at this point?  It's looking like diet is shifting my physiology enough to make a noticeable difference.  But I still eat out maybe 1-2 times a week, and then the cycle starts all over.  So I'm concerned about this "fatty foods" intolerance and hoping it's not associated with the pancreas.  

[patient915]

Welcome to the gastroenterology community!  I don't believe that this is a cancer issue.  It sounds like you have IBS.  I would recommend seeing a gastroenterologist to be evaluated for this.  Good luck.