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Change in IBS symptoms and bloating, would like a chat with a doctor.
Optional Information: Person's Gender: MalePerson's Age: 25
Hello,Associated constipation,diarrhea?Flatulence?Any other medical history?Are you taking any medication?Stress and anxiety?Pain abdomen?Mucus in stool?
Hello and thank you for your quick reply. Sorry if the information below is too long but I thought it to be relevant.
History
I was diagnosed with IBS-C at 13 (now 25) after a sudden period of intense cramping and bloating. For years I took Mebeverine until it stopped working around four years a go and I haven't managed to find anything else that works (tried Buscopan and others). For the last six months I have had severe abdominal distension and dry hard stools - even when taking laxative (Movicol and/or senna). There is no mucus in my stools and never had been.
Current Concern
The main symptom is trapped wind however more foods seem to irritate my digestive system now - I ate a whole bag of oven chips a few days ago which may be the cause for the mushy stool and abdominal pinching/cramping/bloating I am experiencing now although I am not sure.
Medications I take daily
Ranitidine (mild Gastritis)
Domperidone
Diphenhydramine
Medications I take on an as-needed basis
Co-dydramol (helps ease the cramps and gas)
Gaviscon
Pepto-Bismol
Tested over the last five years
Endoscopy (5 years a go)
Blood Test - Celiac (5 weeks a go)
Blood Test - Liver function (5 weeks a go)
Blood Test - Kidney function (5 weeks a go)
Blood Test - Lupus (family history) (5 weeks a go)
Blood Test - Electrolytes and Urea (5 weeks a go)
Blood Test - CRP (?), ESR, Glucose (5 weeks a go)
Urine dipstick test (5 weeks a go)
Ultrasound (1 year a go)
Chest/Abdominal Xray (3 years a go)
The abdominal pain is above the navel in the area which I think is the transverse colon. I am quite tall (6ft4) but it looks to be in the right place from pictures I looked at.
Hello,Thanks for providing more information.As you have chronic history of IBS-C so you should be seen by your gastroenterologist for a clinical examination and ask for medications like Amitiza (lubiprostone) which is used to treat chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C).Also avoid prolonged use of laxatives as it can result in chronic constipation.For bloating you can take OTC Simethicone and metamucil.Try some probiotic when you finish the breakfast (immediately after it).Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of fluids.In my opinion you need to undergo colonoscopy if you haven't done yet.Sometimes your IBS could easily be covering up symptoms of other problems, such as diverticulosis [pockets in the bowel] a polyp, mass or other form of colitis.So having said this,make an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation and management.
I hope this helps.
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Thank you.
Thank you for your suggestions - I will talk with my GP next time I see him and ask to be re-refered to a gastroenterologist.
I have tried pro and pre-biotics with no success and simethicone doesn't work for me, however I have not heard of metamucil and will look into it.
My GP and a gastroenterologist I previously saw said there were no red-flah symptoms and all blood tests have always shown no results for inflammation as well as other tests and no history of cancer, bowel issues or other in my family. Do you think that was an acceptable answer?
I think they did a stool culture/test a few years a go to look for blood and found nothing there, not sure if that's any help.
Well as you have chronic IBS-C so colonoscopy must be done in your case as chronic symptoms can result in other secondary changes in colon due to which medications and self care measures don't relieve the symptoms.So make an appointment with a gastroenterologist and ask for new medication like Amitiza (lubiprostone) for your IBS-C.
Experience: M.D with over 30 years of experience in practice.