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Dr can’t help my IBS. Now what?
Hi all, I hope you’re well?
I have IBS for over 20 years and managed it well until 2020 when I contracted c diff in the UK (I now live in the US). Since then I have struggled with constant pain in my lower abdomen and now the area where my gallbladder is located.
I have had all the tests that the GI will do and nothing shows, apart from a small polyp in my gallbladder. My GI dr has said that there is nothing they can do for the pain as I have tried all the meds they could “offer” and essentially be on my merry way. The only information they told me was that I must be depressed or anxious which is what is apparently causing it. To clarify, I’m pretty happy with my life and I’m most definitely not either of those.
I can’t have fibre as it makes the pain worse, I’ve tried homeopathic meds and the ones the dr can prescribe. I’ve done a FODMAP diet previously and know which foods make it “worse.” I just don’t know what to do anymore as the specialist has said they don’t need to see me anymore. I feel lost and know that this pain isn’t normal.
My IBS before was nothing like it is now. I’ve been told it can change after c diff but I would happily have another round of c diff over this pain.
Has anyone else experienced this from the dr or have any advice as to what to try or do now?
Thank you so much
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@suetex I will definitely be asking my dr about LDN when I see him next.
@mark1952 thanks for responding.
I have mixed. I honestly wish it was one or the other because at least then I could manage it better. I just feel like it does what it wants. I could eat something one day and it make me suffer constipation, I eat it the next time and it’s diarrhoea. So frustrating
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2 ReactionsHello @yorkshirerose2016, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Getting a second opinion at a multi-disciplinary medical facility like Mayo Clinic would be a good next step for you. Here is a link with information on scheduling an appointment: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63.
I'm wondering if you have been maintaining your weight? What foods seem to cause you the most symptoms?
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2 Reactions@hopeful33250 thank you for responding.
I have lost around 40lbs in the past two years through cutting out certain foods. I don’t eat fast food anymore, I have figured out which foods cause me more pain than others (some of which are supposed to be low FODMAP and “ok”) and try to exercise every day (not doable some days due to my fibromyalgia).
I know eating garlic, strawberries, too many grapes and basically most carbs affects me. I stay away from a lot of grains as they do the same. I have just started a sugar free diet this week to see how I get on with that. Other than that or maybe going gluten free, I’m not sure what else to do.
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1 Reaction@yorkshirerose2016
I am sorry to hear you have IBS-M. As you say, managing that must be so challenging. Do you have a period of a few days of one or the other, weeks, or is it different every day? I have IBS-C. I just started on one tablet, 72 mcg, Linzess, plus Senna. I expect I will have to increase the Linzess dosage. Four tablets a day is recommended for IBS-C.
For IBS-D, I suppose you have been given the prescription meds (Xifaxan, Viberzi, et al) and OTC meds. Maybe some pain/spasm meds (Bentyl, Levsin, et al) as well.
I can relate to your reaction to doctors' pronouncements about depression/anxiety. It is hard to be happy when you are in pain. Antidepressants seem more viable for folks with only IBS-D. Unfortunately, they all seem to make constipation worse.
I hope other members with IBS-D add to your post.
Good Luck and Best Wishes!
Mark
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4 ReactionsHi, I have suffered with IBS for many years. It did get worse after having covid in 2020.
I find anxiety and worry really triggers mine. I try a light diet for a few days, but, yes the pain is horrible. The medication I’ve taken in the past made me sleep.
Take care, try a heating pad and relaxation techniques.
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3 ReactionsMy bodies reaction (the same night) was colorful dreams that were like Broadway musicals. I assumed I had a real need for it. I miss the dreams although I occasily have one with color.
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1 ReactionBTW: Sjogren's action on the GI tract is like IBS. Just another thing to add to the things to worry about.
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1 Reaction@mark1952 thank you for replying.
I tried linzess when I had IBS-C prior to it changing after C Diff. I know it did wonders for me back then, I hope it helps you too!
I feel when drs can’t give a definitive answer, it’s easier to blame something which you may have experienced in the past and they believe you must obviously be suffering with now. Because I have had anxiety and depression years ago, I apparently must still be. So even my confirming that I’m fine apart from this, they tell me I’m not. It’s frustrating.
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3 Reactions@suetex thanks for responding.
What is sjorgens?