IBS or time for a second opinion?

A few years ago I was diagnosed w/ IBS (not the constipation kind ). I am just wondering if IBS can get quite this severe or did my doctor(s) miss something.

The reason I am asking is that the pain I get is so severe and I usually start getting shakes (like my body is shivering severely, but my skin temp seems normal...like I am having a hard time regulating myself). The pain was so severe two nights ago, DH was so worried and wondering if he should take me to the hospital. I was wondering if I was bleeding internally, it was so bad. It has been this severe before (around the time I was diagnosed). It IS usually triggered by foods. However there are times I can eat something and be fine, other times I eat it and this happens.

My question is, has anyone heard of IBS being this severe??? If this was you, would you go through the whole battery of tests again?

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

who diagnosed it as IBS? Was it a regular doctor or a GI specialist? What type of tests did they do? I was diagnosed with the same type you have but mine if really induced by anxiety. However, yours does seem extreme, at least more extreme than i have. Did they do bloodwork? My best friend just went to the GI and it turned out she had some kind of parasite that was causing her the issue. They found it based on bloodwork. Hope you start to feel better soon. It really is no fun!

Message edited 5/17/2008 8:40:01 PM.

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

My regular doctor but (I'm not sure how much this matters) he specialized in GI. I did go to a GI doctor too, but I think the original diagnosis can from my regular doctor. They did not do a colonoscopy. They did do blood work, specimen samples, upper GI (even though my big complaint had to do w/ the lower part of my GI tract). It was a while back (2001).

I was ok for years just watching what I eat. I will be honest, I have let my guard down a bit with the exception of known triggers. I did some reading online on webmd. It says that IBS can be very mild, and in rare cases, very severe. It said usually the more severe cases are w/ people who are very anxious and do not typically understand how much stress really impacts them. hmmm.

Thinking maybe I should go to another GI specialist. I'm not looking for a "worse" diagnosis. However, if there is a way to get to the bottom of it, that would be great. Why suffer like that?

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

you need a colonoscopy..that is the only way to exclude some other issues. They can biospy the colon and check it out.

Please let me know if you want a good GI..

I hope you feel better.

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

This is not to scare you ,but years ago my DH had that problem, and he was told by few different doctors it was IBS gave him meds, it went on for years but nothing helped, he was very very sick, in lots of pain, they actually scheduled surgery, a week before surgery dh decided to go to one last GI in Manhattan, and was diagnosed with something totally different, he never needed surgery and he's beed doing very well since. so what I am trying to say is ,that, if you feel that sick get a second and maybe even 3rd opinion. as theys sad above you need colonoscopy. Feel free to FM if you have any questions or need any info.

Message edited 5/19/2008 6:03:44 PM.

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

I also want to add that it's important to see a specialist, not just a general practioner who specializes in gastro issues.

good luck..I hope you feel better.

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

I definately agree that you need a colonoscopy if you haven't already received one. My BIL was diagnosed with IBS and then had a colonoscopy because the symptoms weren't improving. It turned out that he has colitis. (Sp?) It is worth checking out. Now he is able to keep it under control a lot better knowing the real cause.

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

Thanks for all of your help. I will definitely look into a specialist.

I am nervous about a colonoscopy only because it's invasive and I have never been put under before. Can someone help to relieve my nerves about that, 'cause I'm sure that's going to be the route that is taken?

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

i've had several and the actual procedure is nothing. The anticipation of it is the worst and so is the prep.

the anesthesia is good stuff and you're only out for about 10-20 minutes. You wake up right away.

I went home right after and was fine to drive that night even though they didn't want me to, but I'm a rebel.

the best part is that after you wake up, you will know what was found and have a plan of action to make you feel better.

Once it's over, you'll be glad you did it. You won't feel anything at all. After, you will be a little gassy because they pump air in to open up the intestine for a good look. No pain, no side effects.

Good luck and FM me if you want a referral or want to talk more about it.

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?

Re: IBS or time for a second opinion?