[15313]

Hi. Here are my symptoms- I can't get in to see a specialist for 3 more weeks.-Constipated sometimes, direahh sometimes-Tired all of the time-Achy bones (primarily arms)-Never feel like I am done using the bathroom, like there is still some there-This week, my back started aching, and it hasn't stopped yet!-really bad, awful gas-bloatingDoes this sound like IBS? If so, what can I do for it now. This has been going on for a year or so, but this week it has really jumped on me and I gotta get some relief for this back pain.

 

[16608]

Hi--IBS symptoms really vary person to person. The only "official" diagnosis comes after a physician has ruled out every other thing it could possibly be. Unfortunately most of us go through that route one time or another, to get the diagnosis. IF it's IBS, it can also come & go, like yours symptoms apparently do (mine too) or it can be unrelenting, like many on this forum. The achy bones/back pain are not "common" IBS symptoms but be sure to tell your dr. They may indicate something else like fibromyalgia, arthritis, etc. In the meantime before your appointment may I suggest warm baths and/or a heating pad. My heating pad has been my best friend during numerous bad days. Good luck to you.

 

[Kathleen M.]

Nothing you said trips a red flag for the GI symptoms are something other than IBS, but some of your symptoms sound a lot like fibromyalgia and it is common to have both, so that may be something beyong the GI symptoms that needs to be evaluated.K.

 

[15313]

Thanks for your reply Artgirl. Another symptom I forgot to mention is that I Never feel like I'm done using the bathroom. And excuse me for being graphic, but it's like my poop is really sticky or something. Like I have to wipe over and over and over and over and it never seems like I get clean. Again, I'm sorry, but it easier for me to tell this on a board than it is to actually talk to someone about it.

 

[16608]

I know what you mean about not feeling "done" and having trouble cleaning up. Sometimes I find it helpful (if I'm home when I get an urge to go) to lay down with my knees up, so the belly can relax and do some gentle clockwise abdominal massage. There are times I can actually feel something "shift," and then I'll REALLY have to go. As far as cleanup, being gentle and using warm water on the TP helps (if you're at home, that is.) Or those premoistened baby or hemorrhoid wipes. Irritation there is irritating, to say the least! So I do get clean--but gently! (Some day I'll get a bidet....)As far as graphic, feel free to be as graphic here as you need to be! We all understand, and nobody is grossed out by anything here.