Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, and constipation. Typically no abnormalities appear during standard medical testing, and so irritable bowel syndrome is identified by the symptoms. Although irritable bowel syndrome can cause serious discomfort, the intestines are not harmed.

1,516 Members
3,492 Posts
0 Online
Gastrointestinal System
/ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

Diverticulitis or IBS?

littlemart
littlemart
Can diverticulitis be confused with IBS? Seems like the symptoms are the same or close. I've been told that I have IBS by my gastro, but he was never completely sure. Now I'm just wondering if this could be something else.

Sure wish they would come up with a definite diagnosis tool for IBS.
22Lynn
22Lynn
Have you had a colonscopy yet? I've seen several people post that their GI doctor dx'd diverticulitis from that test. My dad had it for years. His only sympton was bleeding rectally, a lot, not a little. He always ended up in the hospital for about a week.

It's a good question your asking. I don't know.
Lenoire
Lenoire
My friend has diveriticulitis and I had IBS. Hers always bothered her on her left side, and mine mostly only bothered me on my right side.
The left side is your descending colon, where it's on its way out, and that's where her pain was. Mine was on it's way up the ascending colon, on the right, and the majority of the pain was where it turns, at the top to make its way to the descending colon. Not sure if any of this helps.
Andy1986
Andy1986
Yes both have the same symptoms so you need a colonoscopy, or at least a stool test for inflammation in the bowels.

It's shocking really that doctors hand out diagnoses without thorough investigsations, my old boss got misdiagnosed with IBS then diverticulitis with abdominal pain before they finally did a test and found one of his kidneys was twisted.
littlemart
littlemart
I did have a colonoscopy ... maybe 5 or 6 years ago. Nothing showed up there. I think the doctor said they do them every 10 years if everything is ok. But I've had so many problems like a small bowel resection and then developed gastritis and I've had MS for years. So everything is suspect.

My husband recently had his gall bladder out and in the process they found he has diverticulitis. But... no one gave him any suggestions or treatments for it. They also discovered a sliding hiatal hernia... again.. no suggestions. He also has some very serious conditions so I can understand their reluctance to try any more surgeries.

Thanks for the replies. Every one of them helps me.
22Lynn
22Lynn
I'm like you, nothing works right in my digestive system any longer. My GI doc has me getting a full endoscope and colonoscopy every 1-2 years depending on what she finds. I've had 3 endoscopes this year from gastritis and ulcers I didn't know I had. I'm all healed now. I think your doctor should be doing these tests more often than every 5-10 years for you. I would push for it. Hope your feeling better.