Irritable bowel syndrome

Colonoscopies are just the pits. Just remember though that severe constipation is just the pits also.

In Ireland IBS just means you need to be gluten free! Actually all over British Isles! We can’t digest gluten genetically.

Take a look at https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/mesenteric-panniculitis/. I wouldn’t discount that diagnosis. IBS is so widely used for many diarrhea related problems, that it’s almost meaningless. Just my 2cents.

That link isn’t working

Hi @catstx.

If the link, https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/mesenteric-panniculitis/ still isn't working for you, then go to the NORD website and search for "Mesenteric Panniculitis."

Yes, I too believe that they throw a lot of stuff in the IBS basket. My girlfriend just ended up having 1 1/2 feet of her colon taken out with “CECUM VOLVULUS”, twisted colon at the cecum. She had all the symptoms of IBS, but the ER was able to get her dx very quickly. I’ve had a twisted colon for 20 years and no one has ever suggested taking part of it out with all my bowel problems all my life taking laxatives and enemas 3-4 times a week. I pray u get the rt fix for you. Blessings🙏

I have pain on and off all day some days. Feels like pent up gas. Do doctors really know how to treat IBS-D? I haven't found one yet.

Hello @mariajean03

IBS is certainly an uncomfortable problem to deal with. Are you familiar with the Fodmap eating plan? On Connect, many of us with IBS (with either diarrhea or constipation) have tried this eating plan and find it very helpful. Many members have contributed to this discussion. Here is the link,
--Fodmap Eating Plan
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fodmap-eating-plan/
While the diet may seem rather restrictive, if you follow it for just 30 days, you can then slowly introduce foods and see which creates symptoms.

I'm wondering, @mariajean03, have you ever kept a journal of your food/drink intake to see what might trigger the IBS symptoms?

I can't eat anything but protein bars and peanut butter. Almond milk and pancakes and such refined foods. Most everything goes right thru. Have to do a breath test for SIBO in Iowa City. They see alot of it there with folks suffering with ulcerative colitis. The UC is in remission. I have anxiety so really worried about all this.

I suffered mostly right sided pain when I used to eat a friend's Spanish peanuts. I have subsequently learned peanuts are a high oxalate food. If you haven't considered oxalates as a contributing factor to your pain let me explain. If you have tried lowering oxalates, no need to read any further. Most nuts are high in oxalates, almond milk is loaded with them. Many protein bars have nuts and chocolate in them, both are loaded with oxalates. Should your pancakes have soy, that is high in oxalates too. Before I learned all this and decreased my oxalate intake I struggled to sleep at night at all due to so much pain. The majority of my pain had been on my right side. The G.I. doctor I had seen at the time mentioned he thought I had irritable bowel syndrome too, but lowering my oxalate intake lowered my pain level. All this pain went away after two weeks of lowered oxalate intake.

Another clue oxalates could be a trouble maker is to increase your day time water intake, and lower your salt intake, if tolerated of course. Please beware that oxalates need to be lowered gradually or the body can go into a oxalate "dumping" mode and make one feel even worse. I had done my oxalate reduction under a Nephrologist's supervision.

I have personally found working with some registered dietitians helpful, but just like many other medical professionals their helpfulness often depends on their area(s) of interest. This is what worked for me, I wish you luck in finding what does the trick for you.