Pre-diagnosis and looking for advice
Hi, I have been suffering for over five months with symptoms, still with no diagnosis, and I was wondering if the community could help me with a few questions I have about IBS? I have been suffering with relentless abdomen pain in the lower left side for five months. The doctors are still trying to work out what is going on, but in the meantime, they have put me on codeine, which is such heavy medication to be taking every day, it is affecting my daily life in so many ways. Other symptoms include regular diarrhoea and significant weight loss (with no change to my diet). Can IBS cause such persistent and intense pain in your lower left side? I don’t appear to have found any triggers for the pain, but I have noticed when I try to exercise, the pain becomes much worse. Is this a possibility for IBS? I haven’t been able to find any correlation through my own research of exercise triggering IBS symptoms, but I know my research and knowledge has its limitations. I am a little apprehensive about being diagnosed with IBS, as, from what I’ve read, it seems that a diagnosis of IBS is reached through a process of elimination. Is this correct, or would it be possible to identify and specifically diagnose IBS? I have had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy which came back clear, and I am currently waiting for results of a CT scan. If the CT scan doesn’t find anything obvious, are there other tests that should be considered before my doctor diagnoses me with IBS? Although I am very grateful that all the examinations that I have had so far have been able to eliminate sinister conditions such as bowel cancer and IBDs, I can’t help but wonder if there is something that my doctor is overlooking. If anyone can point me in another direction to talk to my doctor about before we can be satisfied that everything else has been eliminated, I would be very grateful. I am becoming so tired of the pain I am in every day, and I am feeling lost at the moment, and don’t know where to turn, so any advice would be amazing. Thank you for your time, Gianni
Hi
, finding the cause of IBS symptoms can be so challenging! As you've experienced, it can often be a process of elimination.
We have some information on other tests that may be arranged by health professionals in the search for the cause of IBS symptoms - including stool analysis, lactose intolerance test, blood tests, breath test for SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and lower GI Series to name a few. Take a look at the drop-down options under "Diagnosis" in the main menu to find all the articles.
I hope you find some answers soon! - Hannah (IrritableBowelSyndrome.net Team)When I read your symtoms of lower left quad pain I have to tell you that is my major complain. I’ve been thru every test that you would think would rule out what’s happening and why I’m getting that pain. My pain does come on when my bowels habits change. When I get constipation and a bowel movement passes by it it flares up the pain. Not sure if that happens to you. However once that happens that pain is consent. I’ve had the colonoscopy, scans, blood test, stool test, etc. because everything turns out fine the IBS is what they say I have. I hope you know that you’re not alone. It’s very frustrating and at times causes anxcity thinking it’s something else. However I always think if I’ve had this for years if it was something really bad I’d be gone by now. So just tell yourself yeah it’s very tiring and painful but I’m still here. I always have a hot water bag on lower left side. Cause it does help a little with the pain. Plus no matter what I still go for walks every day. I tell myself if I was really sick I wouldn’t be able to take these walks. Hope this helps. Stay positive.
