Burning sensation in lower abdomen. Is this a symptom of IBS?
Hi everyone. I'm new here and have been off work now for 2 weeks with a range of symptoms in the abdomen. I know I also suffer from anxiety which seems to make everything worse. Most recently i'm getting a burning in the lower abdomen which changes in intensity through the full spectrum of pain.
I didn't sleep tuesday night because of the pain and at about 5.30am it was so bad I had to go to the hospital. The pain is centered just around the belly button and the whole area feels like a burning sensation and very tender. Accompanying that is a general light headed feeling which never seems to go away. I've taken some Movicol which seemed to help me go to the toilet and I guess relieve the symptoms a little. I've been to the doctors 4 times and to the emergency room 3 times when the symptoms got too unbearable, had numerous blood tests, ultrasounds, urine samples, ecg etc...
They have not found anything and keep saying it's probably constipation although the doctor has mention IBS. I have decreased appetite and have lost some weight. In the past I have suffered with undiagnosed IBS-D brought on usually by anxiety. Can anyone reassure me that what i'm experiencing is not unusual for IBS? It's starting to make me really depressed as I cannot do anything that I enjoy or even go to work.
Hi,
- Thanks for submitting your question. It sounds like you're going through a really tough time! I don't want you to leave here with the suggestion to talk to your doctor, but it's important for us to note that we cannot provide any medical advice for your safety. Have you consulted a gastroenterologist? They may be able to provide additional assistance. In the meantime, I thought I'd share some pain management articles with you: My Best Strategies for Dealing with Abdominal Pain & My Strategies for Dealing with Pain. I also thought you might resonate with this article talking about one's experience with managing anxiety here. I hope this helps! Wishing you a lot of relief. - Chris, IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team
So sorry to hear you’re going thru this. Have you by any chance been tested for SIBO (small intestinal bacteria overgrowth)?
I suffered the same symptoms and went thru all the same tests, trips to ER, etc. It was pure agony.
Come to find out it was SIBO, and simply cutting back on breads, flour & sugar keeps it tamed for me. But when found initially it was BAD so was on heavy antibiotics. But they were lifesavers.Also, drinking LOTS of water.
I agree with previous post, see a gastroenterologist and get that breath test.
Take care.Hi I know you posted this awhile ago but my daughter has SIBO and is experiencing the burning around her belly button vicinity. She is currently on antibiotics. Do you recall how long after taking them did u have improvement? The dr put her on Pepcid thinking the burning was gastritis but it doesn't seem to help and I know lowering her stomach acid definitely wont help the sibo.
Sorry for the delayed reply on my part. appreciate you reaching out. How is your daughter feeling lately? Please be sure to reach out to her doctor about any new, changing or concerning symptoms, if you haven't already. In addition to speaking with your doctor, this article may help: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/sibo. Wishing your daughter some real relief ahead very soon. Best, Kelly, Irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member
