Symptoms of IBS?

[Flarin-up Vicky]

What are the symptoms of IBS and how is it treated? I totally am a hypocondriac,I seriously think I suffer from all the other conditions one can get from ic!!! :bonk: I read one of the symptom(the only one I remember reading) is waking up in the morning and the first thing you have to do is poop,is that right? Not to be gross or anything,but my stools are constantly changing color.One day it could be like an almost black or dark brown,the next day it's like almost a greenish color(sorry to be so graphic)!!!! Is that common with IBS?

[Katrina]

IBS is not the same for all who have it. Some get just contipation or just diarhia or just pain from gas ....or a mixture of some or all of the symptoms. My experience is that my stools get green when I have to much fat....I have Crohns though as well as IBS so please talk to your doctor to make sure ok?!!!!! You are not alone....but I am not sure what causes that besides diet.

Now on the treating of IBS....diet changes (sorry not good news lol), fiber, stool softeners and diarhia meds. Sometimes pain meds and anti spasmodics also help.

Please talk to your doc to be sure!
:grouphug:

[jaime15]

Well I hope it is something you end up not having. I had terrible diarrhea no matter what I ate. Even water would make me go. So my m.d sent me to a gastro for a scope to rule out polyps or any other serious illnesses. It turned out o.k but I was dx'ed with IBS-D. I can't imagine what people go through for IBS-C.
Anyway, after years of taking an anti-spasmodic, I had to stop it when I became pregnant. So, now, 4 years later, I haven't had to take it again. I have had my bouts of diarrhea, but nothing like pre-dx.
I hope you get to your doctor and at least be checked. :grouphug:

[angelmom34]

I have often wondered if I have IBS...about once a month I'll get very crampy "down below" and ache in the pelvic area something terrible....and sometime can go have a bowel movement and sometimes not....and sometimes it is GREEN, sorry to be nasty!
What is up with this? Any suggestions?

[jaime15]

Anytime you have a new symptom, check it out with your doctor! I hope it's nothing......and you feel well again! :)

[andcohen]

I also having wondered if I have IBS. Although it does not seam to effect me all the time I seam to go from being consitpated or then to having dirahia. But the main problem is the pain & cramps I get when I need to go. ( not all the time) It hits me all of a sudden like a lighting bolt to the point I have to stop in my tracks doubled over with pain. I start to sweat & get dizzy.It then will pass for a minute or two the wham it's back again. When I get to the loo it takes a while for me to be able to go but after I do the pain then goes. I don't know mabey my bowels are just crazy with all the meds I am on??? They only thing I have noticed is that it is worse since I had my C-section with my son. I haven't spoken with my dr about this even though it has ben happen for a few years because I feel like a big enough pain with all my IC problems. Pretty silly hey, but you just feel like a dud having problems with both ends :headbang: Thanks for any advice.
Andrea

[Babs RN]

While I am not a doctor, I can add some insight into the mysteries of doody. Color is usually a result of the foods or beverages you have consumed, or medications you are on. For example, iron supplements turn stool a very dark green color. Heavy intake of beets(ick)can turn your stool red. I even made the mistake(in my younger years when I ran like a gazelle and swam like a fish)of eating red licorice and it turned my poop red too. Changes in your bilirubin(an enzyme produced by the liver)can change your stool as well. I don't have IBS and Katrina is a master at explaining that. Well, class, that ends my lesson on The Poop Rainbow of Colors.

Hugs,
Barb :)

[sweetpea2555]

I agree, I was thinking it's the iron. Iron makes your stools turn dark. It doesn't hurt to get checked out, if anything it will help you feel better. Good luck and hope you feel better soon!

[Cricketmk3]

I found out the hard way that Pepto Bismol turns poop black. I thought I had a deadly disease or something!

[Betsie]

http://www.ibsgroup.org/

Just one of many and you may find answers to the many different types of questions that come up here....IBS is so common with IC...but it should always be understood, if not checked out....any changes, you really should seek out a gastroenterologist for answers and/or treatment. :)