IBS or IBD?

[GG1986]

I have had problems with my stomach since I was a child, Dr said it was IBS and I have never been checked/tested for anything else. The last few years my symptoms have ramped up and since having my baby 7months ago it's got even worse. I will list my symptoms;

Pain before and during bowel movement.
Diarrhoea-sometimes up to 8 times a day.
Diarrhoea straight after eating a big meal.
Waking in the night for a poo.
Sweating and feeling sick and dizzy during diarrhoea episodes.
Mucous in stool.
Urgency - have had accidents as couldn't get to the toilet in time.
Pressure/contraction like feeling during diarrhoea episodes.

I've recently done a stool sample and haven't had the results yet, I am going to be shocked if it comes back normal as I've have been unwell with all the symptoms above for 2 weeks.

similar symptoms to my DH who has IBD. Autoimmune diseases often have reduced symptoms during pregnancy as your immune system is working at a lower level.

Same symptoms as me but mine some in flares every month or so. Always had what I’d call a sensitive belly.

I’m currently waiting for a coeliac result.

Saw Dr who said stool sample showed inflammation. I've had to do 2 more samples to rule out infection and had urgent blood tests yesterday. If no infection they are starting me on steroids and referring to gastroenterology with possible IBD.

Just saw your post and wondering how you got on? I have ibd but now in remission thank goodness! The symptoms cross over with ibs but any gastro worth his salt will be able to give you a definite answer.
Just something to watch out for - blood tests aren’t a reliable way to diagnose. Unfortunately colonoscopy and biopsy are the way to get answers (speaking from experience!!). Hope things are improving for you

I had all this recently and blood tests and all came back normal. Intolerances don’t show up on blood tests though (well that’s what doc told me) and I’ve cut out gluten and feel A LOT better.

I do have an autoimmune connective tissue disease though and no gluten/dairy/sugar/nightshades really helps. What you eat can have a great effect on inflammation.

If your tests come back fine try Optibac 7 Days Flat and/or S.Bourlardii probiotic.

If you do end up with an autoimmune disease FYI you have to be super careful which supplements you take as you don’t want to boost your immune system. But some supplements are adaptogens and so are meant to boost immune system if you need it and suppress it if you need it. It’s a total minefield!

(Had a stool sample too I meant to add, which came back fine)

Ah bum sorry just saw the date on this!

But, if you do come back to this - try and see rheumatologist rather than/as well as gastro!

If OP does come back, I second the advice to be careful with supplements. I was offered extremely horrible medicines and so I decided to try supplements… let’s just say I ended up in hospital!! (And ended up taking the medicine, and am now living normally… doctors know best most of the time 😜)

Hi all, thank you :) Last Tuesday I saw my Dr at the surgery, she said my bloods showed low ferritin and low b12, the other stool samples were clear for infection, my calprotectin level was 400. She decided to send me to the hospital as I felt really unwell still, I had more bloods done that came back OK, bowel and chest xray were both clear, the Dr has referred me for urgent flexible sigmoidoscopy to see if we get any answers from that. The last 3 days I have felt a little better, the diarrhoea has finally stopped, but yesterday there was a bit of blood and lots of mucus in my poo.

Glad you’re feeling a bit better. Do let us know how you get on x

My ds has had the same symptoms & bleeding from his back passage, he spent last Tuesday night in hospital, he has been referred for an urgent colonoscopy under the two week wait but the doctor thinks he may have ulcerative colitis or Crohns disease.

Update - the colonoscopy was normal! Biopsies all clear. Which is great, but also no answers for my horrendous symptoms and why I am anaemic. I've been referred to gastroenterology and the wait is a year!!! I don't think I can go another year feeling like this, it's really impacting on my life. Dr starting me on iron and vit b12 tablets, other than that I've not been offered any other medication or advice.

I know this thread was a while ago. Just curious to see if Op got any further with treatment/tests.

What you described is exactly what I have. Also diagnosed with IBS many years ago. But I think I fall into the category of IBS-D.
Having a flare up currently a suffering greatly. Constant loose stools, after everything I eat, exhausted.. contemplating going back to GP. Feeling miserable.

Hi, so I was referred to gastroenterology who asked for MRI of small bowel, I have an appointment in April with a consultant so will know more then. Its been going on for such a long time, the Dr's did give me amitriptyline to try and it's definitely helping with the loose stools.

@GG1986 wow it's taking a long time for you to get any answers hasnt it..
I've never had any further examinations. I've had stool samples and bloods and they've never queried anything other than IBS.

But this flare up is wiping me out. I've been taking Imodium but it doesn't help.

It's awful isn't it. And because it's something that happens mostly in private (in a bathroom) I find when you try to explain it to others they just don't get it. They think it's just a bout of diarreha which will stop if I take a tablet,

OP I could tick off the majority of your symptoms and have been diagnosed with IBS. I was in horrendous pain for a very long time. I’ve recently tried acupuncture and within a few sessions my stools were back to normal, no more horrific pain and my bloating significantly reduced. Three months later and I’m still having amazing results so it might be something to try.

I was advised by the acupuncturist to avoid diary and raw, sugary and greasy food. When I do eat these foods now I’m still triggered but it’s very mild flatulance compared to significant diarrhoea and being doubled over in pain.

Hi all, I finally got a diagnoses in August, it's bile acid malabsorption X