[Guest]

I am unsure if my symptoms are indeed IBS. My symptoms are a dull ache which worsens with exercise (esp. running) on the right side (about the area of the descending colon?). The pain is accompanined by constipation. The pain has been pretty consistent this time for about a week or 10 days. I have had bouts of these symptoms two other times in the past 5 years - both, I believe, related to stress. The really unfortunate thing is that runnig is a big stress-reliever for me, and that is what seems to exacerbate the pain most - to the point of ending my run 10 minutes after I start - which leaves me even more stressed and frustrated! I intend to call my dr. in the am, but probably will not get an appt. for weeks. Any advuce on what I might be able to do in the meantime to relieve some of the pain?

 

[Guest]

The right side is the ascending colon, it then goes across the top of the abdomen and down the left side (decending colon).Pain that is associated with a change in stool frequency or consistancy is one of the symptoms of IBS, so what you describe could be IBS.You could try having some peppermint tea, or capsules (I use Peppermint Altoids as they have enough peppermint oil in them to work and are cheap and easy to carry) before you go out for your run. Peppermint is commonly used as an antispasmodic.For easing the constipation one thing to check is your water and fiber consumption. Increasing both (if you only do one increase water) sometimes helps a great deal.------------------Ph.D. in BiologyAuthorized Expert for IBS Self Help Group - Ask the Specialist forum