3 replies to this topic

[kellysmom]

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Okay, my c.diff. test just came back negative. Should I have another one in case the first wasn't reliable? Or can IBS-D really be this bad? Can it cause the gurgling intestines after eating (especially in the morning) and sharp pains and numerous trips to the bathroom, day after day for weeks? And the lack of appetite and feeling like you have to go (and then going unless you've medicated yourself) every time you put food in your mouth? Can you guys tell me your stories?

[Kathleen M.]

Symptoms after meal, meal after meal, day after day, for months, years and decades is possible with IBS.Symptoms after meals is really typical of IBS, especially the morning meal. Times when the colon would normally be more active in all humans can be times when the colon goes into severe overdrive with painful cramps, diarrhea and gurgling.Infections generally don't care when you eat, they will cause diarrhea at any time.I had severe pain after every meal when the IBS was bad. Luckily mine got better but some people have these symptoms you decribe for years on end, not just for a few weeks.IBS is chronic (meaning long lasting, not permanent as it can go away, eventually) and usually you need a minimum of 6 weeks to 6 months of symptoms before they call it IBS so expecting this would go away after a week or two is not something worth expecting.Now some people do not have daily symptoms, but lots of people do.

[kellysmom]

Kathleen,Thank you for the response. If this is indeed my old friend IBS, then I know what caused it (my dh's family and the anxiety they cause me) and that I should see my therapist. I need coping skills. Thank you again.Candace

[baz22p]

Hi Candace,Short answer - 'YES', but please remember that IBS is not IDENTICAL for all, but the symptoms are SIMILAR (hence our ability to help one another).I agree wholeheartedly with Kathleen. IBS is a condition that is diagnosed by excluding everything else; in other words, if tests for various things come back negative then IBS is all that is left.The role of a doctor?gastroenterlogist is to ease the discomfort while assessing you. Self help during this time is also important (diet testing, keeping a diary of activities/IBS/food intake etc).I have had IBS for many years (haven't been able to work for over 7) and my stomach still gurgles/rumbles when I eat the slightest things - even just a cereal bar! Baz.