[paul762]

hello everyone, im new to this board as from today and id like to tell you all about my symptoms to see if they sound like ibs or crohnsfirst of all i have what feels like a little bulge under my right ribs and also have a dull ache on the top right hand side of my abdomen i also suffer with the frequent need to use the loo approx 3-5 times per day stools are loose and sometimes almost fluffy like, sometimes if i have a drink after a meal an hour or two after i will have extreme pain across the bottom of my stomach and will have an urgency to need the loo again and this is the fluffy type also, this has more or less stopped me going anywhere and i now spend my days living like a hermit, also every now and again i get small extremely painful mouth ulcers on my tongue.well thanks for listening and any advice will be much apprecciated.ps i gave a stool sample to the doctor but they said there were no problems, does anyone know what happens when they send this off to the hospital?thanks again.paul.

 

[Lexi_Con]

Hi Paul,Sorry that you are having such a frustrating time of it.I think the best thing would be to see a Gastroenterologist as soon as possible.It is impossible to tell if your symptoms are caused by IBS or Crohn's unless a series of test have been done.Only after this series of tests can the proper diagnosis be made.Then a treatment plan can be discussed with your specialist.Some of the things that may help:Stress reduction techniques (hypnosis, meditation, etc.)Dietary modificationsMild exerciseMedications that act on the digestive systemMedications that help reduce the effects of stressMost people benefit form a combination of these, and it will vary from person to person.There is a lot of information on this Bulletin Board; check out the Diagnostic Criteria at the top of the opening page.There are also forums for medications, and dietary modifications.I have learned a lot at this site, and I am very grateful for all the support that people have given me.I have had IBS symptoms for 10 years, the last 2 of which were awful.I had reached the point where it was totally incapacitating and I was virtually housebound.I learned about the IBS diet on this BB.It has made a world of difference for me.

Here's a site where you can find out what foods are usually "safe" for IBS:www.eatingforibs.com You can try eating these suggested foods while you are waiting to get an appointment with a GI doctor.When my IBS was at its worst, I got hope from reading the success stories of other people.Maybe this will help to give you some hope.Good luck! . . . from Lexi

 

[paul762]

thankyou very much for your advice, im only 27 im afraid to go to work , i had to quit my job caring for the elderly because symptoms became too much to handle. ive read somewhere that fibre might help or charcoal tablets but have not tried them as of yet, my symptoms seem to have only started since i moved into these flats i think we have got a mobile telephone mast on top, i always thought people had to live so many km from these things.anyway thanks for the advice and best of luck.paul.

 

[Lexi_Con]

Paul,I have IBS Diarrhea-predominant, with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and MSG sensitivity.For me, dietary changes and a minimum dose of a Metamucil-type product made a huge difference.This was after trying various medications that either didn't work or had bad side effects.I have a lot of weird allergies, so this might be why this was the case.In my case, following the IBS diet has helped, along with a maintenance dose of a Metamucil-type product.I take the minimum recommended dose in the mornings, and I use the unflavoured product that is not artifically sweetened.Check out the diet at the site I gave you.The dietary modifications are often particularly effective for those who suffer from chronic diarrhea.It is something you can start right now, while waiting to get an appointment with a GI specialist.Best of luck! . . . from Lexi