Continuous discomfort/cramps for two months
Hi there. I am in the process of being diagnosed with IBS. Have had continuous discomfort for 8 weeks. Have had blood and stool test, all clear so no ‘red markers’ Will be having CT Scan shortly. No diarrhoea but often constipated. Totally changed my diet. Following Low FODMAP diet and gluten free bread/milk etc. Is the length of this discomfort usual? I am very stressed at this moment due to family issues and worrying about my condition. Often find myself holding my breath due to discomfort.
Hi
and welcome to our community!
I'm sorry that you've been dealing with discomfort for so long. Symptoms are different for everyone, but I personally find that stress and anxiety can cause my IBS to act up until I'm able to calm down, and then they can still take a couple of weeks to go away. Stress can be such a powerful trigger for many people. A friend of mine once developed IBS symptoms that lasted for months, did all the tests, etc., and once the stressful period was over she was back to normal. The same thing happened to my sister-in-law, and both were diagnosed with IBS in the meantime.
Do you have any ways to manage the stress right now?
It could also be due to a trigger food that you still haven't identified. Have you tried keeping a food diary yet? (More info about that here: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/the-food-diary) Since we all have different trigger foods, keeping a food diary can be beneficial even if you're already following the Low FODMAP diet.
I hope this helps. If you like, please keep us updated on your test results and how you're feeling. Sending hugs, Karina (team member)Thank you for replying so promptly. It is comforting to hear that there are others going through this and that there is help out there. The stress situation seems to be a viscous circle. Worrying about every day matters is exacerbated by worrying about the condition.
Trying to find out if there is a food trigger will be difficult. I have cut so many things from my diet and nothing seems to have changed. I guess my Consultant will guide me in the right direction.
So sorry you have been in discomfort. I think it's a great start to change your diet. Have you had improvement with the discomfort? Perhaps you may need to keep a food journal to eliminate other foods? I found for me personally, when I was in the most abdominal pain it ended up being due to SIBO. Perhaps have your doctor test for this? Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
