[Guest]

Hiya folks. I'm new here but I've been reading these boards and they've helped a lot -- mostly the fact that everyone seems to have different symptoms, different triggers, different remedies...and yet the same frustrations!Found you guys after several years of unexplained abdominal pain/D. Even had my gallbladder out earlier this year, which helped with some pain but not all. I refuse to give up looking for the forumla that works, tho --something that'll let me feel free to eat more than bread and boiled chicken!One question for other women here (maybe ground you've covered before): do hormone fluctuations seem to make this thing better/worse for you? Reason I ask: my IBS seemed to come on with one pregnancy (it ended in miscarriage) and seems to have gotten worse with my last one (baby will be one in May)Thanks all!

 

[Guest]

gutsygal--I'm new here too. I do think it is hormonal. I am not pregnant but 42 years old and I believe perimenopausal. I know my hormones are out of whack right now and lo and behold I now have IBS! Coincidence? Good Luck!

 

[Guest]

I agree, I had problems with both of my pregnancies, and have a bad time during certain points in my cycle.Kerry

 

[runnl8]

Hi and welcome gutsygal. Oh I don't know. With my first pregnancy, almost 7 years ago, it was a breeze, and my IBS was almost non existant. Could eat anything that I craved. Now with my next pregnancy, which was almost 3 years ago, it was IBS HELL!!! Which the whole pregnancy was terrible, but the IBS was really bad. I do think that hormones have alot to do with it though. But it's weird. Used to have bad D with the periods, now I'm C most of the time. I don't know, I blame hormones for everything. Good luck. runnL8------------------"A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother". (C/D-type)

 

[HipJan]

Like runnl said, I don't blame it all on hormones but, for me, having goofy hormones just makes everything worse!

 

[Guest]

Hmm - When I was pregnant twice my IBS went into remission. Now a few years later it seems to get worse during ovulation/high hormone times of the month. My doctor thinks hormones can make the symptoms worse.

 

[K9Mom]

FYI - Pregnancy often acts as a trigger for thyroid problems. Diarrhea and constipation are just two symptoms of a thyroid problem. Simple blood test checks the thyroid. If you can trace this back to your pregnancies then perhaps getting a doc to check your thyroid would be worthwhile? Good luck, whatever you choose!!

 

[Guest]

Thanks, k9mom -- I did have my thyroid checked (before gall bladder surgery) and everything was fine. Good idea, tho.It's just an interesting question. Pregnancies also trigger lots of emotional ups and downs, too...which some folks think can make IBS worse.

 

[Guest]

My IBS-D kicked in, when I started taking the pill (Diane-35). Last year I stopped taking it and I'm much better, but unfortunately not healed.Cornelia

 

[Guest]

I find that interesting about the pill resulting in the ibs. I'm just new to this board - as soon as I read this thread I HAD to register to ask this - along the same line as the pill post above, has anyone experienced, or know of someone who did, ibs symptoms after being on the depo provera shot? (when I mention depo to various people, I get looks of "OMG, not THAT horrid stuff!)My daughter was on the depo, and a few weeks after her last shot she developed diarrhea and severe (VERY severe) abdominal cramps. She's lost 30 pounds in 2 months, and is now anemic. After doing some research on the internet, I came across all sorts of horror stories related to the depo. She lives in a city with a doctor shortage, and when she finally got one to see her, he set up an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist - in FOUR months! And he wouldn't prescribe anything for her. So when she came home for a visit, I made her go see our family doctor who has all her records from the day she was born. He took blood samples, which were normal except for the anemia. He prescribed modulon for the cramps and iron for the anemia. After 5 days of taking the modulon she says they haven't helped. I'm hoping it just takes time?Sorry for the long post - I just wanted to make all the facts known concerning her situation.P.S. - of course, she didn't go for her last depo shot!

 

[Guest]

to gutsy gal--lots of things cause Ibs. I've had them all for years.I was told all the time "Iwas depressed'"I had anxiety syndrome" etc.(do you run into this?) meanwhile I kept getting worse then I got lucky!!I found the right doctors. What I have is Celiac Disease.That doesn't mean to say you have it but who knows--,research it(lots of info on the web)check it out.Cd causes many health problems-My thyroid, hormones and adrenal systems are all messed up(amongst other things)since being diagnosed and going on a special diet( the cure for it)my D and C have almost cleared up, it's wonderful.I am also getting treatment for the hormonal deficiencies. Don't expect your doctor to go for the celiac idea though for some reason most of them don't believe in it!! I've had 37 yrs. of misery!- and my health ruined by it.I will gladly get more info to you, just in case that should be your problem too.