IBS? Gluten Intolerance? Something else?

[GoldenKiwi]

I'm trying to get to the bottom (pun not intended) of a few issues at the moment.

Some maybe TMI but I figure it's okay as it's the health topic!

Sometimes, when my body is working up to needing a poo, I get severe sharp pain in my lower abdomen (bowels? Intestines?). It's so bad that I cannot even stand straight. As soon as go to the toilet I am fine. Is this normal? Does it happen to everyone now and again? It happens to me usually once a week or so.

I constantly have gas, farting, gurgling noises, bloating and stomach discomfort.

Poos in general are okay, sometimes I am constipated and it's harder to go. No diarrhoea although sometimes when I have to go I have to go immediately. I can't wait.

I have had a blood test for coeliacs which has come back negative.

Could a gluten intolerance cause these symptoms? Or mild IBS? I read about IBS being a daily struggle and although I am in some discomfort, I'm not in severe pain every day.

I have Hashimoto's which is autoimmune and have read lots about how cutting out gluten can help with that. I am considering doing a food diary and then speaking to a doctor.

Thanks for reading and for any advice you may have!

Hi, I'm not an expert but gluten intolerance sounds possible. Bear in mind that if you are going to have any further tests for coeliac disease, you'll need to still be eating gluten.

Thanks @OneSmallPieceOfCheese I've already had a test for coeliacs and it was negative.

I think I will do a food diary or try an elimination diet.

IBS is merely an umbrella term that is used when medics can't find the root of the issue, possibly because of a lack of any real understanding on how the gut, its biome, and bowel all work together, and often in relation to our brain/mood. Re. the latter - stress can manifest in the gut causing all the symptoms you describe.

Also, given your symptoms, I suggest starting with a FODMAPS elimination diet. Often, it's about finding out which foods you can tolerate and how often. For example, some can eat lactose every day, some twice a week but never on consecutive days, and others need to avoid it completely. It's about finding out what works for you.

Just a little update.

I saw my GP and she says it is likely IBS as I have had a negative coeliac test. I have done a fit test just to tick a box although she has no concerns around that.

She recommended the FODMAP diet and I am trying to understand it before attempting it, it seems so complicated. In the meantime I am using an app to track my food and symptoms.

Had a McDonald's for lunch two hours ago which hasn't bothered me in the slightest - yet. But a lovely home cooked roast dinner last night? My stomach was gurgling and gassy as soon as I'd finished eating.

As I understand, foods high in FODMAPs can start symptoms around 4 hours after you've eaten, is that correct? But if you get an immediate reaction, that could be a heightened gastro colic reflex, right?

Did you get any update on this OP?
What you are describing is what I'm currently experiencing and have for a long time, (since 2018 at least) but due to having a really stressful time recently it seems to have gotten worse.

Get your ovaries checked, I have these symptoms and just been told I have cysts. There is also a link with cysts and thyroid issues

FODMAP is one option, another is keto.

Keto is much simpler to follow and is helpful for a whole load of autoimmune conditions.

Following as also similar but with lots of night nausea argh

Doubt it's my thyroid as I have just have the NHS health check, and it seems to check thyroid in with the full blood count. No anaemia etc either, all my results were ok. When I sit down I feel like a bubbling feeling around my bottom and in my gut. Never have diarrhoea tho, stools vary from soft to hard, but like the OP, when I need the toilet I have to run to it, I can't hold it in. Symptoms got worse since stress really, so I do think the stomach noises etc are stress related. My mum has IBS tho.

Could be IBS or look into SIBO.