IBS vs. IBD - get it checked out

[MelanieJ]

Hey folks,
I just wanted to share a lesson I learned recently with all of you. For years, my primary care doctor and I assumed that I had IBS because it runs in my family. Well, after getting a new job, new insurance and a new primary care doctor, I was sent to a gastroenterologist because my bowels had just gotten worse and worse (to the point of vomiting with bowel movement due to major spasms). Much to my surprise, I found out that (besides being terribly anemic due to all this) I have Inflammatory Bowel Disease. We're still trying to figure out if it's Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis. Either way, I'm doing better! Funny, now I understand why fiber wasn't helping my bowels - it's not really a good thing for IBD patients (but is for IBS folks).

So, lesson learned. Be sure to get stuff checked out and don't assume. Also, if your primary care doc tries to blow your symptoms off, get a second opinion! I still can't believe she didn't think to have be scopes or have my iron levels tested. :::sigh:::

Hope everyone is doing well.
Melanie

[darlene]

Melanie, you are not alone. I have had IC since 1969, and Crohn's disease since 1986. They are both inflammatory diseases. I suspect that many others on this board have been incorrectly diagnosed with IBS, but really have IBD. Colonoscopy with multiple biopsy can help get a correct diagnosis. If you have any questions about IBD, just ask. I am a former support group co/leader for the Crohn's and colitis foundation.

[mink47]

I'm glad I looked on her for help - I've had "bathroom" problems since I was 5. I used to be constipated almost all the time but for at least the last year I've been dealing with diarreha. I was diagnosed with IC about 2 years ago. Just Monday I went for a colonoscopy but don't have results yet. I was told it looks like mild colitis and pink inflamed pieces were sent out to be biopsied. I get so nauseous & my stomach "shifts" at least 4 times a day and I have to go to the bathroom. I work full time & have a part time job in the evenings but my bathroom trips are running my day. Any thoughts/suggestions? I'm supposed to get test results hopefully tomorrow.

[darlene]

If your biopsies show you have IBD, you will be put on the proper meds. they can help a lot. I used to be so nauseous, with such severe diarrhea, that I hardly got off my sofa. the correct meds got me up and out of the house. They can do the same for you. Now, If I could just get my IC under control!

[yvette]

(((((((((Mel))))))))))))))
Thanks for the info....hope you're doing OK...
Love and Hugs,
y. :)

[jrowley]

Another disease of the bowel is Celiac disease (CD) is a genetic disorder. In people with CD, eating certain types of protein, called gluten, sets off an autoimmune response that causes damage to the small intestine. This, in turn, causes the small intestine to lose its ability to absorb the nutrients found in food, leading to malnutrition and a variety of other complications. The offending protein, gluten, is found in wheat, barley, rye, and to a lesser extent, oats (WBRO). Related proteins are found in triticale, spelt, kamut. Refer to grains and flours for a more extensive list of both safe and offending grains.

It also has symtoms simular to IBS.
What are the symptoms? How long have they been present? How often do they occur?

Abdominal cramping/bloating
Abdominal distention
Acidosis
Appetite (Increased to the point of craving)
Back pain (Such as a result of collapsed lumbar vertebrae)
Constipation
Decreased ability to clot blood
Dehydration
Diarrhea (See Stools below)
Edema
Electrolyte depletion
Energy loss
Fatigue
Feet (Reduced fat padding)
Flatus (Passing gas)
Gluten ataxia
Mouth sores or cracks in the corners
Muscle cramping (Especially in the hands and legs)
Night blindness
Skin (Very dry)
Stools (Loose? Hard? Small? Large? Foul smelling? Floating? Clay, Light tan or Gray-colored? Highly rancid? Frothy?)
Tongue (Smooth or geographic - looks like different continents)
Tooth enamel defects
Weakness
Weight loss

So if any of you are experiencing such symtoms rather it be one or two or several I would recommend a gastroenterologist for testing of all three dieases.

http://www.csaceliacs.org/index.php

[Ginny]

I also have celiac. It was misdiagnosed for 32 years as IBS. I had to do the research myself. If you need more info send me a private message.

Ginny

[mink47]

My biopsy results still haven't come in but I kept calling the dr b/c I don't feel good. He put me on Asacol for the inflammation. Anyone have any experiences with Asacol?

[darlene]

I have had Crohn's disease for nearly 19 years. I love asacol! It is a great improvement over the old sulfa based meds that gave me severe headaches and vommiting. I don't get any side effects from asacol.

[mink47]

Thanks for the info - that's encouraging. I've been on it a week & haven't noticed much of an improvement but I'm trying to stay positive :) I haven't really noticed any side effects either tho so that's good.

[darlene]

I needed more than asacol to get real improvement. My gastro had to add 100mg of Imuran per day. Some studies show taking asacol may reduce the chance of colon cancer. It was the imuran that got me off the sofa, after almost 10 years. I still suffer daily pain, nausea, and diarrhea, but it is enough improved that I was finally able to get around more.

[mink47]

Asacol (6/day) was not helping so my dr. upped it to 8/day and added Lesvin. It has seemed to be a little better. He's still not sure what it is that's wrong with me - the biopsy & colonoscopy were not normal but not blatently something either. They did more bloodwork. I wish i could get some answers!