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IBS but strange symptoms

Hi all.

I have suffered with IBS for the best part of 30 years, on and off at first, nowadays it's a lot more prevalent.

I have had both C and D and mixed as many of us do.

I also have recently been diagnosed with diverticulitis since having a colonoscopy last year after a bowel infection.

( Now that was another level of pain) Since then I've still had a few IBS issues to deal with.

However, just yesterday I had an attack which I've never had anything like before, and was wondered if this is something any of you have experienced.

It started off with some cramping about 30 mins after waking. So I took a couple of buscopan and went to work. (I'm a long distance driver, which makes things even more difficult)

These cramps turned into what I can only describe as well timed contractions. Five minutes on, then five minutes off. This went on for five hours. By which time I was in a really bad way. I left work sick and made the journey home which seemed like it took forever.

I did stop several times to use toilets but was absolutely blocked, couldn't even pass any wind.

Once home I eventually went after some very bad bouts of nausea. And after maybe 10 successful visits to the loo everything calmed down.

Because of my diverticulitis I went into A&E to get bloods done. 'No infection, must be your IBS' I was told.

Things have thankfully calmed down again somewhat, but the whole contractions thing is something I have never experienced before with IBS and hope I never have again.

Have any of you had these. They were almost as if they were timed. Very weird.

Any thoughts please.

  1. Thanks for sharing and reaching out. I hope others here share their personal experiences with you. Glad you got checked out. Be sure to speak with your doctor again regarding any new, changing or concerning symptoms. In addition to speaking with your doctor, this article may be helpful: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/symptoms/stomach-pain-common-sign-symptom-of-ibs. Best, Kelly, Irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member

    1. I've experienced similar symptoms a couple of times. It usually happens when I consume something that causes trapped wind as well as an IBS-D flare, like carbonated sodas for example. I tend to get terrible cramps that come and go, but get better with every bathroom trip. It's a horrible type of flare and the reason why I avoid carbonated sodas like the plague.
      I'm not sure if this helps you, but you're not alone!
      Wishing you all the best, Karina (team member)

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