Could my symptoms just be IBS

[hhi719]

I was diagnosed with IBS 14 years ago and over the years my symptoms have changed.  They originated as severe constipation with bloating.   A few years ago they changed to nausea and diarrhea.  These symptoms were eliminated with change in diet.  A few months ago my symptoms changed and started to include bloating and feeling full with little food.  My bloating use to go away with a bowel movement but over the last few months the bloating severity changes daily.  Sometimes my stomach looks like I have just eaten and other days I look 7-9 months pregnant.  I suffered from infertility and went in to menopause 2 1/2 years ago at age 40. I was diagnosed about 6 years ago with several small cysts over both of my ovaries but my doctor did not seem concerned.  My symptoms include bloating, feeling full on very little food, constipation, and lower back pain that alternates from the left to the right.   My concern is the continuous bloating which is a new symptom and the pain that radiates in my back.

My question is, "couldn't this just be IBS?"

I went to my GI and am going in for an endoscopy and colonoscopy.

Should I put these tests on hold and just see my gynecologist?

Leslie

[PinkTissue]

I was looking around at the IBS forum when I came across your post. I know it sounds alarming, but have you considered a CA-125 test for ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer because the symptoms are not obvious till the cancer is advanced. And a lot of your symptoms sound a lot like ovarian cancer (but I am praying for a simple reason like IBS). My mum had ovarian cancer and she had similar symptoms described by you.

I was at the ovarian cancer board for some time when my mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Many of the laides shared that their cancer was misdiagnosed as IBS until the ovarian cancer has advanced.

CA-125 is a tumor marker test for ovarian cancer - and while it is not the most accurate test around, it is still worth doing it.

[shewrites]

You probably need the gastro tests anyway, but I would certainly check in with the gynecologist as well..  Especially if he/she does ultrasound in the office.  That's a pretty easy test and certainly worth the investigation.  Please be persistent and get the answers you need.  And let us know how things are going.  Good luck and God bless ...