Could this be IBS?

Diseases & Conditions Irritable Bowel Syndrome
1
Hi Everyone,
 
I hope this doesn't get too lengthly....
 
I have had diarrhea or loose stools for about 2-3 months.  The odd thing is that I have it everyday around the same time.  about 15-30 mins after lunch, I am running to the bathroom.  That is my only episode.  My only other symptoms are gas and bloating.  My blood work shows that I was a tad bit anemic with my levels being at 11.1 and the second test at 12.5.  Does anyone know what is normal?  I thought it was 12-16 but my doc says 13.7 - 17, so they consider me too low.  A also have family history of colon cancer - grandmother was diagnoised at 85.  I'm am 36y female with no other health problems.
 
Could this be IBS?  Should I go ahead with the colonoscopy or try meds first? 
 
Thanks for any advice!!
2
hi kellyinSC,
i've had diarrhea everyday since mid-March.  i was perfectly normal until then.  since that day, i have had diarrhea everyday.  lost my appetite because i was "going" all of the time...not fun at all!  i've had all of the tests...colonoscopy, egs, stool cultures, blood tests, upper gi, small bowel series, ultrasounds, cat scans, hida scans...you name it, i've had it.
 
i would suggest gatting a stool culture, if you haven't already, to rule out parasites, bacterias, etc.  it could cause diarrhea like that. 
 
since you have diarrhea after a meal, it sounds like IBS...but getting a colonoscopy sure wouldn't hurt anything!  you don't remember a thing about the colonoscopy.  i won't lie, i was VERY nervous and my blood pressure was high and my pulse was too before they took me in for the colonoscopy...but i'm only 26 and i had NEVER had something like that done before...not even had an IV in my arm.  i was BOUND to be real nervous.  
 
end result, they didn't find anything wrong in my colon and i have peace of mind knowing that.  i would go ahead and get the colonoscopy because it won't hurt anything and you will know if anything is going on in there.
 
please postme if you ever want to talk!
i understand what you are feeling like.
 
take care.   
 
3

Thanks for the quick reply.  My doctor did mention a stool sample, but then opted for the colonoscopy.  I'm VERY worried about the test.  I've had several friends/family members who were deathly sick during the prep and that makes me very anxious.  Did you drink the miralax and gatorade mix?

Does anyone have any suggestions regarding the prep of the test?  Any tricks to not gettting sick? Are the pills better than the liquid mix?

Thanks again.

 

4

Hi Kelly, welcome to HealingWell...

It's a good idea you're getting a colonoscopy for two reasons: 1) You're slightly anemic, and although this could be caused by diet, it could also be caused by gastrointestinal bleeding (which you may or may not be able to see); and 2) You have a family history of colon cancer.  Simple blood and stool tests could not detect gross abnormalities in your colon, so it's a good precaution.

Then again, there are a million other things it could be besides IBS (or colon cancer, which, depending on your age, is a very unlikely possibility).  I could start a list, but it would take a very long time.

The colonoscopy is no prob.  I've had three in the past five years.  One time they just decided to go in while I was having an upper endoscopy, so I hadn't prepped and the scope was useless (don't even ask me how that happened - but I was under the care of my parents then); the second time I drank the Fleet Phosphosoda, which was disgusting, but I only had to chug down two ounces of the stuff; and the last time I had to drink the gallon of GoLytely, which was the worst.  You just have to go in there realizing that the prep is going to be no fun, so you have to make it fun for yourself by spoiling yourself silly with things like trashy magazines and heating pads on your bum and lots of ginger ale and mindless movies and having your friends over to make fun of your poopiness.

The actual scopes - all three of them - were a breeze for me; didn't feel a thing, no after-effects whatsoever.  Rest assured that you are doing it for a good reason and take it in stride as much as you can!

5
I'd definitely put up a fight for the pills. I had to drink the GoLyghtly stuff once and I'll never, ever drink it again. It's sickening! I have heard that in Canada they have something called Pico Salax. It's a drink too, but it's supposed to actually taste good! Like Tang, everyone said. If I have to have a colonoscopy again, I'll order some through an online pharamacy if my doctor won't give me the pills.
6
I am a new member who believes it is time for the colonoscopy again. Keriamon just posted to put up a fight for the pills, rather than the drinks they give you for preparation.
Please help by telling me what are the pills that are used instead of the drinks ? Thanks in advance. Search'n
7
Hi Search'n,
Welcome to HealingWell! :-)
The pill that I know of is Visicol. It is usually prescribed in conjunction with a common laxative, like Dulcolax. You're still supposed to drink lots of fluids.... 8oz with each pill (I think you take like 4 pills and then a couple Dulcolax).
IF you can't get the pills, ask your doc about Phosphosoda. It is MUCH better than GoLyghtly.
Good luck and please keep us posted.

Co-Moderator for the IBS Forum
 
Please donate to help HealingWell continue to help us..... www.healingwell.com/donate