is this IBS / IBD or something else..
Hi all,
Around October last years, I started to get horrible
(abdominal pain / bloating /heart burn / etc that lasted for many weeks. On and off throughout this year, I had these flare ups from time to time - manually lower right abdominal pain.
In July this year, I went to see a consultant who did a number of blood testes, stool (fit) and these came back clear - no horrible issues.
One thing the stool test did find was calprotectin level was around 550. Since then I’ve had an upper GI endoscopy done (all fine) and another calprotecin test done - which resulted in a count of about 170. I’ve now had a small bowl MRI done and now I am waiting my results. In regards to the pain / discomfort and at the moment, it’s not to painful but just uncomfortable feeling like small tears .. which at times, is in my right hand side and sometimes left had side of the belly button.
I’ve been taking mebeverine (which the doctors gave me in 2022) and drinking probiotics which seem to be helping ..
Does this sound like IBS / IBD?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
James
Forgot to add, no weight lose, no blood in stools / etc
Hi
, I'm so sorry that you're dealing with these symptoms. While we can't diagnose you, it does sound like you've had lots of tests done, so I would imagine that if it was IBD, they would have found something already. The pain you're describing and the higher calprotectin level might indicate some sort of inflammation though from what I understand (I'm not a doctor or expert). You could always request a colonoscopy or a capsule endoscopy to be sure?
As for the symptoms, the bloating, heartburn, and abdominal pain can absolutely be symptoms of IBS, but also of many other illnesses. People are usually diagnosed with IBS after ruling out everything else. I was personally diagnosed after just blood and stool tests, since both case back normal. What does your doctor say?
Have you tried adjusting your diet yet, maybe trying the Low FODMAP diet (https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/ibs-diet) or a food diary? This helps a lot of people. Maybe it could be beneficial in addition to the mebeverine and probiotics?
I hope you'll get some more definitive answers soon. Please keep us updated!
Karina (team member)
