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.

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soretum 07/14/2011

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this. I suspect I've add IBS off and on for years now I think about it. Can you tell me where abdominally you all feel the pain? My new GI suspects I have IBS and so do I but I have another GI issues causing pain and I'm trying to sort out which pain is which.
Any light you can shed on this will be greatly appreciated.
Ta.

deleted_user 07/14/2011

I'm new to this as well, but I feel cramping in the middle of my belly.

deleted_user 07/15/2011

Cramping sometimes on my right side (usually related to anxiety or stress), cramping across the middle or a knot feeling. Also some have sharp pain across the lower or lower left side too, if the colon is inflamed. Spasms are also common, which can be painful at times as well.

soretum 07/15/2011

thanks for the info. I have two new issues and am struggling to know which pain is which. I don't know I'm sure. I don't get pain on the left specifically. Sometimes its all over the stomach. I guess in time I'll learn what is what. I know with IBS as with other issues everyone can be different with their trigger foods and pains. am doing the trial and error to work it all out.
Cas

Sundus-Iqbal 07/20/2011

Cramps in my upper middle abdomin, this is usually related to stress. Lower abdominal discomfort and pain when i have constipation.

soretum 07/21/2011

thanks. still not sure what pain is IBS and what might be something else. Hopefully I'll have some answers to that soon. Testing continues.

soretum 07/26/2011

me again sitll struggling with what is IBS and what isn't.
Does anyone here also get pains on the right hand side of their back with IBS.
I'm so over all of this and pray I find the strength each day to fight the good fight.

deleted_user 07/31/2011

Yes I get pains in my lower back as well! I'm glad to know I'm not alone :)

missnewf 08/03/2011

I lived with IBS for a couple of years and in my case it developed in to stomach cancer. The symptoms of IBS are the same - so be pro-active about other similar disorders with symptoms of IBS. Educate yourself and make sure to get all necessary tests - stomach cancer is a silent killer. Don't mean to scare anyone - but I'm one of a billion to have survived and being blessed with life I want to 'give back' and help others learn more about these horrible illnesses.
Peace Love and Joy ...

soretum 08/03/2011

i'm happy to hear all warnings. I'm aware that most things in the GI area can turn to cancer if left untreated and undiagnosed. I see my specialist next week and will no doubt have some answers and more questions.
thanks again

deleted_user 08/04/2011

I thought that IBS was one of the GI conditions that was NOT linked to cancer- unlike IBD disorders (which due to their nature are more prone to develop serious complications.) Symptomatically speaking, there are several documented cases where a person was originally misdiagnosed with IBS, when in fact they had an IBD disorder instead. I am surprised though to hear of a situation where cancer and IBS were found to be related. Thank you for posting this information.

soretum 08/04/2011

what is IBD? not heard of this.

deleted_user 08/05/2011

IBD is an Inflammatory bowel disease. Most commonly recognized are: Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn's Disease or Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis.
There may be several variations both in variety, form and function to each of these conditions.

flowerA 08/05/2011

Thanks for warning, feel much better now! hope doctor knows whats what.,

soretum 08/05/2011

thanks. don't want IBD then. IBS will do just fine if I have to have something!

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