IBS symptoms?

[RAS6]

HI! Question for those of you with IBS:
I have IC and have had problems with constipation that lasts 2-3 days and ends in diahrea. I also have "fluttering" like movements in my abdomen. This started when I was 14 and the doctor I saw at the time just said to take a stool softner and Fiber supplement. I did this for a year and then stopped. My symptoms didn't return untill this year (10 years later) and when I took two to three servings of Fibercon a day, that took care of the problem. Just these past few weeks (particularly after my Hydrodistention) I am having the same constipation/ diahrea issues even when taking the max amount of Fibercon. The "fluttering" is also back and does not go away when I take Ditropan (which calms my bladder spasms) which makes me think these are not bladder spasms. I didn't mention it to my Urologist yesterday b/c I wasn't thinking it could be related, or anything he could help me with. I am planning on calling my GP tomorrow. In the mean time I was curious if IBS symptoms were similar to what I am having.
Thanks everyone!
-Rachel

[breannlea]

I haven't been dx with IBS, but I think I have it as well. I read those with IC are 100 times more likely to have it. I will go a few days of going to the bathroom several times a day, then it switches to constipation, and lately I have been extremely bloated. My doctors have said to take fiber and sort of deny the fact that I may have IBS. Let me know how your appointment goes, because I want to know if I should be more persistent!

[Lisa_S]

i have not yet been diagnosed with IBS yet either. However, I also experience days of constipation followed by sudden softer stool (not quite diarrhea, just very loose). I have added a fiber supplement to my diet and have been trying to eat a lot of soluble fiber, but I am still having problems and abdominal pain as well. Next I will probably try to eliminate dairy.

This "fluttering" you mentioned... what does it feel like? I have been getting a lot of gas lately, and when that happens, it feels like something is moving painfully through my intestines. Sometimes it gurgles a bit too (mostly feeling, not much sound), which is what I was reminded of what you mentioned fluttering.

[Katrina]

You need to talk to your doctor!!!!! You also need to have a colononoscopy because although it could be IBS it could be other things as well. yes it is 100X more likely for IC patients to have IBS.
With fiber make sure you take soluble fiber, add fiber slowly or you will have gas which equals pain, and for constipation it won't do anything unless you get enough water!
Not everyone with IC only has IBS...there are quite a few of us that IBD so don't let your doctor ignore your symptoms....get a colonoscopy!
The bad news (or good)is that other than a different antispasmodic most of the treatment of ibs is alternative and diet.
You may find you like an antispasmodic like hyoscyamine better since it works on the digestive muscles as well as those of the urinary tract.

Nurses and doctors used to be quite concerned when listening to my abdomen because of all of the movement!!!

[RAS6]

The only way I can describe the "fluttering" feelings is like when I was pregnant (which is NOT the case now) and I felt those first new kicks. Just like small sporadic movements, except just in my lower abdominal area. I don't have alot of gurgling or noises, but I do get pretty bloated (hello sweatpants!)
I am going to make an apointment with my GP tomorrow. She knows gastro-intestinal issues have bothered me for along time. I have been cleared for ulcers and just had a clean ct scan. I just didn't follow up with things because I was busy/ didn't have insurance/ and many other excuses I used to not take care of myself! But that has all changed now with IC, because if I don't take care of me, I am flat on my back and no good to my family!

[RAS6]

I mentioned my constipation/diahrea problems to the nurse at my Urologist's office and she talked to the Doctor. He prescribed a stool softner and I am feeling better (2 days on it now). We are going to see how that goes and if the problems come back or I start having stomach pain They said I would be refered to a GI specialist.
Thanks everyone!
-Rachel

[Freckles]

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/128/117134.htm

I came across this article and thought it might be of some interest to you guys. I don't have this so can't relate but I do have arthritis and this was on a link sent to me.
Karen

[Katrina]

Interesting article.
As far as treating IBS with antibiotics....it may be healthier to try a similar approach by probiotics...which have a good chance of working even if your cause isn't bacterial and can help to out number the bad bacteria. Also are reachered for being helpful for IBS without the risks that come with antibiotics or the struggle of convincing a doctor to give it a try with you.

Since I have IBD I have taken long term antibiotics and know they aren't enough for me but that the difference a strong probiotic makes is ammazing.