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IBS or IBD???

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 10/29/2006 5:42 PM (GMT -7)
I have suffered from "IBS" for more than 7 years now.  I have recurrent bouts of diarrhea (sometimes bloody) and extremely painful abdominal pain.  The pain is so bad at times that I can't walk or sit up in a chair.  In addition to the pain and D, I have skin problems, red raised lesions on my body and muscle aches.  I finally had a colonoscopy last month and the doctor told me other than "mild patchy inflammation" everything looked good.  The Doc. said that it was probably an infection that is clearing up and I should start to feel better (infection for 7yrs???)  The D and pain are so intolerable at times that I have to leave work and miss out various activities.  Does anyone else have these symptoms?  Is "mild patchy inflammation" and elevated sed rate normal in IBS???  Please help!
Posted 10/29/2006 6:57 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Tina,
Welcome to HealingWell! :-)
To me, your symptoms seem more severe than "just IBS." Bloody D is never a symptom of IBS (unless you have hemmies too). Pain is a symptom, however, that's relative. I also don't believe skin problems are related to IBS either. Inflammation not a symptom as well. It sounds more like IBD to me. Maybe you could post your symptoms and concerns on the Crohn's and/or UC board, see what they all think.
Have you thought about getting a 2nd opinion? If your doc took photos while doing the scope, you could take them to a different doc and see what s/he thinks.
In the meantime, are you taking anything? Calcium (caltrate w/vitamin D) can help with D and inflammation, and probiotics can help restore normal digestive function.
Hang in there.
Posted 10/29/2006 7:43 PM (GMT -7)
I agree with 7Lil...you best get to a GI for a scope, blood and stool tests.

:)
Posted 10/29/2006 7:43 PM (GMT -7)
Hi Tina, sounds like it could be IBD to me as well.  Another thought, have you been checked for Celiac Disease (gluten sensitivity)?  Some of my symptoms sound similar to yours, diarrhea, patchy inflammation (small intestines), abdominal pain, etc.  I do hope you find some answers soon, I know how you are feeling on a daily basis ((((hugs))))

Here is a link for you to check out http://www.celiac.com

Posted 10/29/2006 8:16 PM (GMT -7)
I'd get a second opinion if I were you.  Take your results and any pictures to another GI (preferably at an academic medical center, if there's one nearby) and have them check you out.  Patchy inflammation does not occur in IBS.  I hope you start feeling better soon!
Posted 11/2/2006 2:41 PM (GMT -7)
I think you have IBD. Get a new doctor who knows what he's doing!
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