[sharanne]

Lately (last few weeks in particular) I have found that I feel totally 'wiped out' after I have a bout of D during the day. It can be anytime of day, but often in the morning. I used to recover more quickly from an increase in my symptoms that might last one or two weeks, but I don't seem to be in recovery mode as much lately, rather it has become more of a daily drag. Is my IBS getting worse, and why do I feel so drained after a loose BM? I have tried all the usual remedies which seem to improve my symptoms for a while and then I'm back to square one. I will be seeing the GI specialist in two weeks for the first time in a year. Not sure what he will do at this juncture. I have had 2 negative colonoscopies (last one almost 3 or 4 yrs ago). My mother suffers from colitis (non ulcerative) and my aunt had fairly severe Crohn's. I worry that my IBS could lead to IBD - (apparently no evidence to prove that one can lead to the other), or even worse, my most dreaded thought - colon cancer. I have lost about 3 pounds (I only weigh about 119 lbs) and I am 5 feet 6 inches. Every article I read scares me, but I just want to feel better, and I am at a loss as what to eat. I have not been prescribed any meds, just use occasional immodium and metamucil. Perhaps my doctor will try a prescription med. I do take caltrate daily as I need calcium as well, but not sure it helps the IBS.Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. Also, is the feeling of being 'wiped out' common with other sufferers of IBS?I

 

[lmchibimoon]

Hi. I was reading your story and something similar happens to me. I always feel really sick in the morning and almost always have a strong stomach-ache that only finishes almost at noon. After I pass through this pain I feel exhausted, I think it is due to a loss of energy trying to hold on to the pain and my nerves so I won't do anything unless I am in the restroom. Yesterday, I read an article (http://ezinearticles.com/?IBS-and-the-Role-of-Serotonin&id=1254013), that said that it may be possible that this IBS is related to lack of serotonine, which could also explain your sad mood. Don't give up and try to get therapy because this can only make things worst. I know it is very difficult to move on but anyway, we have to try!!

 

[MommyL]

Sorry to hear about your energy level. I am right there with you. I wake up in the morning and my stomach "wakes" up and after I have done my trips back and fourth to the bathroom I am tied. I just feel tired all of the time. I will say that the Elavil helped me sleep better at night which helped the fatigue and it helped my stomach pain and loose stools. I took about 25-50 mg and that did help. I would look into seeing if your GI doctor will maybe let you try this med. I understand your frustrations about eating, it can be hard to know what to eat. Make a safe list of foods that you know that you don't react to and try to eliminate foods that are highly reactive to those of us with IBS (fructose, caffeine, dairy, corn, gluten, soy) and try eliminate them for 10-14 days.