How to tell the difference: diverticulosis or IBS? Or both?

To increase fiber and maybe try a celiac diet if I want. But I’m not ready to try that yet. Thanks for your response

While experiencing IBS-C it was very painful. I also had pain concentrated on my left side. Not sure if it was the diverticulosis. I feel sorry for those who have it worse. Our son was diagnosed with UC 18 years ago

jjl23,
After your colonoscopy were you told you have a redundant splenic flexure? If, you were not told yes or no, then I would recommend you get an informed doctor or radiologist to check your previous colonoscopy for it. Don't be surprised if you get the brush off and refusal to give you proof of the answer. The default answer is, NO YOU DON'T HAVE IT. You probably already know that it is an extra long loopy large colon...left side is called splenic cuz it's on the same side as the spleen. (Left side is the most common) If you have it on the right side, it is called a hepatic flexure, cuz it's on the side of your liver. I am 65, a radiologist just happened to mention it in a CT Scan report, 2 yrs ago. So, after 2 very probing colonoscopies over 5 years and 17 years of numerous X-rays, I only found out that I have it, accidentally. I have since learned that 99% of this type of anomaly , we are born with. I have also learned that for some bizarre reason, most people are never told they have it. Many people have this anomaly and have no problems at all with it....so those of us that do have it AND WITH ANY INTESTINAL ISSUE, an extra long and loopy colon is MOST LIKELY INVOLVED, how could it not be...we are never told. My CIC causes much much more pain on the left, due to having a redundant splenic flexure. So I live in constant fear, pain, stress, panic of all things small and large intestinal related. I must keep my poop on the loose mushy to full on diarrhea to attempt to reduce/avoid any repeat, ER-ICU stays, self digital removal episodes.
Also cramping that may radiate towards the back can be an indication of a partial to full obstruction forming, in either the small or large intestine. No one ever told me this either, until apparently I was crying in pain, such that my hubby called an ambulance and I had a partial small bowel obstruction forming. I don't even remember the cramping pain, I guess the pain was bad enough that all I really remember is trying to breathe slowly. Well wishes to you and your son. I apologize if you already knew this stuff, I just didn't want you to learn it the extra hard way.
ShelleyW

The tried and true "Four Fs": Fluid, fiber, fitness, and fruit . . . every day. Many people believe they're following this, but really aren't. You need a good half-hour of good exercise everyday, at least 30 g of fiber, two quarts of water, minimum, and two whole pieces of fruit. Miraculous. I have diverticulosis and suffer from (occasional) constipation related to IBD, but I can usually track down my problem to how I've lived a day or two before. Do not drink cold water, either—hot tea or tepid/room temperature water are best, anyway.

Why is cold water not good?

I think I may have IBS-C and D. I’ve been posting on the Constipation threads for months due to 2 years of C….then couple of months ago became normal! Was so happy, then I had several episodes of D! Now, I’ve cut out the salads, cause I was eating a bunch, only now, I’m not going again! I’m furious!

I sent my gastroenterologist a pm with the update and she’s ordering a test for SIBO and referring me to gastro nutritionist. No pain, no bloating, just gurgling….then D. After D…..C..again! Why can’t I be normal again? I’m exhausted trying to be healthy to only have one issue after another…..sorry for the pity party. It’s been a rough week. I’m still grateful though for all my blessings.

I feel your pain. I too have C and D. From what I am reading, diet for each condition contradicts each. Doctor now recommending colon surgery. Am undecided but something needs to change!

I feel your exhaustion. IBS exhausts your body, mind and spirit. When I have IBS-D I feel physically tired. Frustrating as in I don't have time for this. The time spent in the bathroom when I could be doing something I need get done

Sorry to hear you might need colon surgery. What a decision to have to make.
It sounds like you've been suffering a long time. It's very frustrating to have this disease. Best wishes to you

I've had constipation my whole life. Was on Metamucil for 30 some years, Miralax for 5 years. Just weaned myself off the Miralax. It was causing too much D and urgent bathroom calls. Not good. It took me almost 2 months to do the weaning off Miralax and at times it's still hard. Here's my agenda: 4 to 5 Senna S, 425 mg. oxide Magnesium, 1 kiwi, prunes, prune juice, flax seed and I use a step stool during a BM.

I also just was recently diagnosed with EPI and take Creon for that. So I deal with IBS, EPI and constipation. I also have some Crohns.

It's really hard. I always ask why I can't be normal.