Possible IBS sufferer
I have been going through a pretty awful time as of late. I have been suffering from excruciatingly abdominal pains, which are wearing me down.
It may be best if I give you a little background on myself. I've been confined to a wheelchair for 35 years after breaking my neck in 1986. As far back as the late 1980s, I can remember developing spasms in the abdominal area. Over the years, the pain has got worse. A couple of months ago, I was in such pain that I called 999. The hospital then checked on my heart and took x-rays of my abdomen. The conclusion was constipation and trapped gas. This happened again several weeks later, and the diagnosis was the same. I've been taking Laxido up to 4 times a day, and that has helped considerably. However, the pain is getting worse. Last night was probably the worst night I have had so far. The pain was off the scale, and without wanting to sound melodramatic, I was doubtful whether I would still be alive in the morning.
The pain I get is extraordinary. Sometimes I can feel it moving around my abdomen. I can have a sharp stabbing pain on the left-hand side of the lower abdomen, and then 20 minutes later, that same pain has moved to the right-hand side. That's what happens. It's very odd. Wake up
I haven't been diagnosed with IBS but all the symptoms I'm guessing seem to point towards me having this disorder. I am down to see a Gastroenterologist through the NHS. However, we all know how long the waiting this are at the moment. Therefore, I have contacted a private hospital locally in the hope that I can pay for consultation so I can get some advice sooner rather than later.
If there's anybody that is in a similar position then I would love to hear from you.
Thank you for sharing your story and reaching out. Glad you are pursuing a visit to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. I hope others in our community share their personal experiences with you. In addition to speaking with your doctor, this article gives a great overview of symptoms that may be helpful: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/symptoms. Also, this article talks about IBS Diagnosis: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/testing-and-diagnosis. Please reach out anytime with questions. Wishing you some answers and relief very soon. Best, Kelly, Irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team member The pain you are going through is awful. I am in UK too, and know it's not easy to get help quickly via NHS (pandemic and all), but I wish you the very best and hope some solution will be found to help you.
All I can add is that trapped gas pain really is excruciating. Sometimes belly massage helps (right to left, following the direction of the colon. I find lying flat out on the floor helps, but that might not be suitable for you if you are a wheelchair user. Still, I'd try the belly massage.
I wish you the very best and hope you find some help and relief. God bless.
The belly massage is a great tip! That has definitely relieved me on multiple occasions. Thank you for sharing and being a great part of our community. All the best, Michaela (irritablebowelsyndrome.net Team Member)
