Appendix or IBS?? Hmmm

[Barnical]

sorry coun't think of a better title.. right I have IBS.. past week it has settled down (yipppeee).. but I for 2 days now have has really sharp pains around my belly button .. and low right, a slightly high temp and feeling queezy, ( I would say dodgey bowels.. but I always have this anyway).

So the question is.. it could just be my dodgey stomach, and I don't want to bug docs again about this.. but it could be something I actually need to see someone about. I am really busy (seriously) tomorrow.. if it is appendix.. how long should I hold out for?
Opinions please.. I am trying to get away with this, you can tell huh?

Could it also be a bad episode of Diverticulitis?

Patients often present with the classic triad of left lower quadrant pain, fever, and leukocytosis (an elevation of the white cell count in blood tests). Patients may also complain of nausea or diarrhea; others may be constipated.

Less commonly, an individual with diverticulitis may present with right-sided abdominal pain. This may be due to the less prevalent right-sided diverticula or a very redundant sigmoid colon.

[edit] Symptoms

[edit] Diverticulitis
The most common symptom of diverticulitis is abdominal pain. The most common sign is tenderness around the left side of the lower abdomen. If infection is the cause, then nausea, vomiting, feeling hot while having no fever, cramping, and constipation may occur as well. The severity of symptoms depends on the extent of the infection and complications. Diverticulitis worsens throughout the day, as it starts as small pains and slowly turns into vomiting and sharp pains.

[edit] Diverticulosis
Most people with diverticulosis do not have any discomfort or symptoms; however, symptoms may include mild cramps, bloating, and constipation. Other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and stomach ulcers cause similar problems, so these symptoms do not always mean a person has diverticulosis.

If it is appendix the pain will get worse not better and you will find that you can't straighten due to pain.

I think that diverticulitis tends to be pain on the left hand side.

I would ring NHS direct and get their advice.

Any chance you could be constipated?

more common on the LH side but not unknown on the RH side I just know I get lots of appendix type pain, sometimes really ill with fever & vomitting (been admitted twice!) but I'm sure it's to do with bowel issues and probably diverticulitis.

thank you.. I'll hold out and see how it goes.. if I can't stand straight all the time I'll give doc a call ..

lets face don't risk your life if your feeling really unwell esp if you starting vomitting green stuff (ie not bile!)

That's interesting CarGirl.

I've been admitted twice with pain on the left. First time they thought it was kidney stones, second time they thought it was pelvic infection. Turns it was either IBS or diverticulitis. They never decided! I take aloe vera juice every day and it really, really helps.

the appendix is on the right side of the belly button.....You'll know it it be that as you'll be in agony and once it become severe, u wont be able to straighten your back. Ive had it!

TBH I can't be bothered to go through the hassle of getting a proper diagnoses I suffered terribly with constipation as a child and I think by bowels are completely wrecked. I spend my life being conscience of what I eat and drinking plenty of fluids and not getting stressed! I remember trying aloe vera juice - it made me wretch, I am a very fussy eater!

I mix it with apple and mango juice. I promise that it really does nearly hide the taste and texture. It took 3 weeks of daily doses, but it keeps almost all of my symptoms away, including the daily pain on my lower left hand side.

I agree that not getting stressed is a biggie!

right .. I'll look out for green vom.. I'm okay at the mo curled up in the comp chair.
I'm figuring oif it's appendix, get to the point of HAVING to call someone.. if not it'll be fine.

I poked the bit where it hurts and nearly shot through the roof ..!
( I am calmly saying all will be fine)

Oh and I wish I could get constipated ( in the nicest way)

Oh dear Barnical - better to be safe than sorry you know!!

Littlefish perhaps I'll give it a try again when I'm feeling brave!

Doesn't sound right Barnical. Please phone NHS direct.

When they thought I had appendicitis, they pressed just above my belly button to see my reaction. I nearly passed out! (even though it turned out not to be appendicitis)

I know.. but I just want it to hold out for another day.. ..

It's not going to do that just because you want it to, now is it Barnical.

Just make the phone call and see what they say.

Sorry - mean to put a

Didn't mean to sound patronising.

I'll ring if it gets any worse.. I'll probably fart and all will be better LOL.. no prob about the

although it hurts considerably more when I press my sore tummy when I have sharp pains I have never almost shot through the roof (think I cried and reached for the sick bucket ) get it seen tonight and then it's over and done with?

I agree with CarGirl.

I'm off to write reports, but I'll check back in an hour.

Oh yes - another thing.

The time they pushed above my tummy button to see if it hurt, although it wasn't appendicitis, I still ended up in hospital on intravenous anti-biotics for 4 days.

Pain is an indicator of something being wrong!

thanks guys.. rang out of hours.. they'll be here at some point!
littlefish i'll do your reports if you do my portraits!

Put your thumb in your belly button and your little finger on your hip bone and gently press with the knuckle of your middle finger.

If it hurts and hurts more on the release it could be appendicitis.

When I was in Hospital,there was a woman who had had paisn for a week and hers was appendicitis.

How are you Barnical?