IBS?

[House Cat]

I have been having stomach issues for more than two years now. Whenever I ask the doctor about it, she tells me it''s IBS, prescribes a medication (that I never fill because it''s sedating,) and sends me on my way. The problem is, when I read about IBS, the symptoms just don''t fit (another reason for not filling the Rx.) My stomach goes from burning, to feeling like a rock is shoved under my ribs. The only thing that has ever felt similar, in terms of the rock feeling, is when I was pregnant and my babies would shove their feet under my ribs.

I was wondering if anyone else with IBS has these same symptoms. I don''t want to pry too much because I know this topic can become a little TMI, but did your symptoms of IBS fit the descriptions you read on the internet or brochures?

Thanks..

 

[cellososweet]

hmmmm. . .I''d get a second opinion for sure. Has anyone ever talked to you about Crohn''s? Sometimes the ulcers and inflammation that come with Crohn''s can make you feel like you''ve got something pushing up on your insides. Does that make sense?

When you say it feels like a rock is shoved under your ribs, is it in the middle under your breast plate where your diaphragm is or is it on the side?

I hope you feel better whatever the cause is!

 

[Octavia]

My IBS is relatively mild, but I don''t think I''ve ever felt that. Occasionally if I eat something my body doesn''t like, I feel like I''m being pumped up like a balloon, which is pretty painful until I "deflate," but that doesn''t sound quite the same as your symptoms. I ditto getting a second opinion -- maybe you can get a referral to a specialist rather than a primary care doc?

 

[Kaleigh]

I''d see a specialist if I were you.. Good luck.

 

[lulu]

I have ulcerative colitis and/or crohn''s, depending on the specialist, and it does not feel like your description. Are you seeing a gastroenterologist?

 

[LtlFirecracker]

If I were in your position I would consider a second opinion by a specialists if you feel that your doctor is not listening to your concerns.

 

[House Cat]

Hi,

My son has Crohn''s. I''ve asked him if he has ever had the feeling that I''m describing, he said he hasn''t. I don''t really have any of the other symptoms he has either.

The rock under my ribs is to the left side.

I think at this point, asking to see a specialist is a good idea. Thanks.

 

[soocool]

My sister felt like this and it was gallstones. She had her gallbladder removed 3 years ago and is doing fine now.

Get yourslf to a specialist and nip it in the bud.

 

[brightlight]

I would definitely get a second opinion and ask specifically if it could be gall stones. Are you experiencing nausea? My dad went to see a doctor who told him he just had indigestion. He kept vomiting, so he went to another doctor. Turns out he had ginormous gall stones and had to have his gall bladder removed. The food would reach the gall stones, be blocked from going any further, and come back up.

 

[fatafelice]

This sounds like what my sister has experienced, and it took doctors forever to determine that she has a stomach disorder where she doesn''t digest fast enough (gastroparesis, I think). Like you, they put her on meds for IBS, then reflux, and who knows what else that didn''t do her any good.

Definitely find a specialist and get a second opinion.

 

[ilovethiswebsite]

I have had IBS my whole life - and I have never felt that way. Have you had any testing done, such as xrays, ct scan or colonoscopy? I would suggest you see a specialist and get tested.. Those symptoms sound very inconvenient!

IBS usually is a catch-all diagnoses when Dr''s have done all the proper testing and still get figure out what the problem is. Usually, the person experiences many food intolerances, and can experience frequent diarrhea, bloating, constipation, and nausea.

You may have ulcers, or gallstones as someone else mentioned. Either way - get tested to rule those possibilities out.

 

[gemgirl]

I''ve had IBS since I was seventeen and I get the type pain that you''re describing, but I know what I look like inside because I''ve had all of the tests available for both stomach and intestinal issues. In my particular case, I get that rock under my ribs feeling because I have slow motility time and I have a few extra feet of bowel twisted into a knot and is stuffed up under the left side of my ribcage. It''s difficult for matter to get through that mangle of twisted bowel, but you need to see a Gastroenterologist who can order the necessary tests so they can diagnose you correctly. Without tests, IBS is a wastebasket diagnosis.

 

[MonkeyPants]

Maybe allergic to gluten? I know that gluten allergies are often mixed up with IBS...maybe worth a shot to test for it.

 

[House Cat]

Thanks everyone!

I''ve been making note of what foods seem to be more problematic. So far, anything fatty or overly processed is causing problems. Basically, if I''m not eating homemade soups, turkey sandwiches, or very wholesome type chinese food (steamed rice and non fatty type dishes) I''m in terrible pain.

I''m going to make an appointment this week with my doctor and insist on seeing a specialist. Now, to find my voice. My regular doc has a pretty strong presence and I find her a bit intimidating. Deep breaths, Big Girl Panties, Pretend I''m speaking for one of my kids

, hopefully that should do it!