IBS or something else?

[Sherlock101]

about December 06, I have suffered very bad flatulence.  My bowels movements have also changed from 2 or 3 times a week to 3-4 times a day.  I often have a bowel movement within an hour of eating a meal and I have noticed undigested food in my stools.  I am famous for always being the last person to finish eating so I know that I am chewing my food properly.  My stools are also very light in colour and very soft.  I get watery diahorrea at least 2-3 times a week.  My diet consists of mainly protein (fish, occasionally red meat, chicken), fruit and vegetables, some carbs (rice, pasta).  I also get severe abdominal pain in the upper mid section of the abdomin (just below where the rib cage meets).

Despite eating a reasonably healthy diet and drinking at least 2 liters of water a day, I have put on 154 pounds in the last eighteen months.  My activity levels haven't changed and I either steam or grill my food so I can't explain the weight gain and nor can my doctor.  Blood tests have ruled out problems with my thyroid, liver and kidney function. Diabetes test results were normal as were my cholesterol levels.

I was diagnosed with B12 deficiency and low follate levels last year and have regular B12 injections and take 5mg folic acid daily.  I am, however, still extremely tired most of the time which has resulted in me missing days at work - I have slept through the whole day (sometimes for 15 hours!)    My doctor can't give me any explanations and just keeps sending me for more blood tests and telling me to do some exercise! I know I'm now morbidly obese and need to lose weight (I am the one carrying the weight around after all!) but despite how quickly the weight has gone on, the assumption is that I just sit and eat all day and nothing could be further from the truth - my friends and co-workers could testify to that fact.

I have constant migraines, my skin and hair have become excessively dry and my fingernails have become very thin, dry, split all the time and have deep ridges.  I have started taking multi vitamins, evening primrose oil, coenzyme Q10 and omega 3 fish oils daily but this hasn't helped. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Grizzlebear]

try qigong treatment.  I have had similar symptoms and have found relief in this.  Be warned, it is a very agressive form of "massage" but it really gets the body to respond.  

[boron]

You obviously have some sort of malabsorption. Skin/nail changes are from vitamin (A,D?) deficiecies.

Tests:
1. Stool fat test - to check for fat malabsorption. Stool with the fat is foamy, sticky, foul smelling, floating.
2. Stool test for reducing substances (lactose/fructose...). You can be lactose/fructose intolerant.
3. Blood tests for vitamin levels.