[arrrgh]

First off I have two questions really.1. I hear a lot of people say they have Endo and IBS. if Endo can cause D and the pain etc. isn't it really the Endo that is effection your BM's, or is it really both or am I missing something here?2. Tell me if I should look into Endo. Here's my history> I have been on Birthcontrol since I was 16. I went on because I was having severe cramps (couldn't stand up at times) and my period would last anywhere from 9-13 days then would start again in about 14 days instead of 28. The put me on the pill and had to change my medicine about 3 times, because it would help for awhile than I would start to creep back to the same way I was. I also could bleed through a Tampon and pad (always have to wear both) in about 2 hours! I have since found a brand that keeps me regular at 5-6 days and greatly has helped with the cramping and flow (though still very heavy at times) Now recently I started having D a lot, or frequent, loose stools. Could this be from Endometriosis? I also have trouble distinguishing between menstral cramps and the normal pains I have been having since my BM pattern changed. Which made me realize those pains I have through out the month are very much like cramps. However I also have some kind of stomach acid problem too I believe as I have upper stomach pain and burning. What do you guys think? Could it be Endo not IBS? I haven't really had any testing done yet, I am going to see a GI specialist Sept 9th.Sara

 

[JenS]

Here is my opinion from things I have read and heard:1. People with endo have a special bowel spasm; it is not the same as IBS but it is closely related. Therefore, the drugs that most take for IBS (such as Bentyl) can be a real help to those with endo. 2. If I was in your shoes, I would definitely talk to my doctor about endometriosis. The ONLY way to determine if you have endo is through a laprascopy (outpatient surgery).Good luck to you!

 

[JenS]

Also, check out some of the books and tapes here: http://www.endometriosisassn.org/

 

[M&M]

Ditto everything that Jen said. And just wanted to point out that Endo and IBS are 2 separate illesses. It is possible for one to mimic the other, or cause similar symptoms, therefore thorough diagnostic testing is always in order!

 

[~JR~]

Hi:I have had endometriosis and bowel problems for years. You can have endo. and IBS at the same time. In fact, recent research has shown that the intestinal flora of women with endo. may actually be different from women without endo. and that this may lead to sporadic inflammation and pain of the bowel. It is really impossible to know whether or not you have endo. without having testing. Laparoscopy is the only definitive way to test for endo. It then gets more complicated from there. You don't necessarily have to have endo. of the bowel to have endo. affecting your bowel. You can have endo. in the pelvic cavity releasing prostaglandins that can cause the bowel problems. Adhesions can also cause bowel problems. Endo. of the bowel is also possible. Sometimes, even when you have been diagnosed with endo., the doctors don't know whether the bowel problems are being caused by the endo., adhesions, etc., or whether it is IBS. This is true in my case. In fact, the doctors go back and forth on whether or not I might have Crohn's disease as well.Unfortunately, there is no definitive way to get a diagnosis of endo. without having a laparoscopy. Hopefully the future will bring an easier and better way to get diagnosed.Good luck. ~JR~

 

[arrrgh]

Hello everyone, thank you so much for the infomration! I just am so unsure what is wrong with me. Obviously the GI is not going to be able to tell me if I have Endo. I would assume I need to see a Gyno for that right?Sarah