Awful awful cramps. IBS worsening or something else?

[boredandrestless]

I've had very minor IBS for years now and it doesn't give me too much bother.

Lately though I've had the most horrible cramps and pains, as well as urgency to 'go' and when I go I'm looser than usual, and there is some mucus too. Sorry if TMI!

Last night I had to go to bed early and just curled up in a ball, and today after lunch I was the same. Poor DS had to sit on my bed and watch a DVD while I whimpered and slept on and off for an hour and a half.

Doc has given me some anti spasm tabs, but so far don't seem to be kicking in, and had me take in a stool sample. I just wondered if anyone else had been through similar, it's really getting me down.

Have you been checked for coeliac disease would be my first question?

I don't think so no. I will look it up.

I'm not sure what tests GP was running on my stool sample though. She said something about bugs as I had recently been on holiday but I don't think it's a bug. Been going on too long now and cramps seem linked to after I've eaten.

The GP I saw last week asked what tests I'd had when my IBS was diagnosed - none! It was about 9 or 10 years ago though and I was at a different GP surgery then.

I'm going back in about a week for results and to talk over tablets and other tests.

Coeliac is checked by blood test. It is worth being checked.

Thank you I will ask GP when I go back.

Could it be your gallbladder? Is your poo white of floaty?not a common effect but when I had gall bladder issues I always had urge to poo!

no not white or floaty

Yesterday it was quite pale, and other days it has been really dark.

Can't believe I'm discussing my bowel movements on the internet.

Ha ha, at the moment I have a thread that is like periodwatch so I have no shame!
After a Gallstone/gallbladder attack (intense pain just under ribcage) you can get pale poo so it might be worth checking it out.
Don't be fobbed off with being told you don't fit the "type" of gallstones sufferer. Mine was because I'd lost loads of weight that they appeared!

Google giardia, its a parasite you can catch on holiday and it can last for months! Antibiotics cure it. Even if they dont show up in the sample, the doctor may prescrible abs just in case

Thanks for mentioning, I wiill ask doctor if this was tested for when I go back.

Have felt okay today, soo relieved as the cramps have been horrible.

You havent drank any carbonated drink that you havent before, have you?

Most of them contain aspartame which can make stomach muscles spasm. I've had it recently. I thought I had appendicitis or gall bladder problems. Worse than childbirth, thought I was dying.

There's a list on internet somewhere about drinks with aspartame in as well as some foods. Avoid.

Glad you feel better today.

Oh I think I've drank every kind of carbonated drink there is! Haven't tried anything new lately.

My mum was obsessed with everything being sugar free too so we were always given stuff full of aspartame. I now can't bear the full sugar taste of regular fizzy drinks.

You can suddenly develop a reaction I've been told. I've drunk diet coke, Dr Pepper on and off for years, but like I said recently omg I seriously thought I'd be in for surgery.

I've cut out all such drinks, replaced with fruit juices or water and I havent had a similar reaction. Bear it in mind.

Ah I see! I will definitely bear it mind. I've been mindful of trying to think if there is a link to certain things I'm eating and drinking that bring on these cramps but nothing so far has fit the pattern.