Long story of pain

By babsmurdock

2 min read

My story begins with a late-night trip to the ER because I ended up on the floor in the worst pain I've ever had! When I finally got seen and all of the tests were done I was told that I had had a gallbladder attack. About 2 months later I had it removed. Little did I know that this surgery would lead me into the worst journey of pain and heartbreak I've ever known thanks to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Felt like a lab rat

I first started having problems about 2 or 3 months after surgery with vomiting and diarrhea. I was sick all the time! I used up all of my sick time and ended up having to stay at work while vomiting. It was no fun having to run to the bathroom, be very sick, and then go back to my desk. I had no idea what was wrong with me and neither did my doctor. He finally sent me to a gastroenterologist. Of course, none of his remedies worked either and so the litany of tests began with all of them coming back negative. I was miserable and so frustrated! My job was frustrated and I was in trouble because of absences which would be a common theme.

This was in 2003. Nothing was diagnosed and I basically just suffered. I went to another gastroenterologist and did different tests which once again came back negative. I literally felt like a pincushion or a lab rat at this point! I wanted to know what was wrong with me. I was really struggling with depression at this point as well but didn't know it. I also had really bad anxiety, hence the vomiting.

Those three little words

Then I finally got a diagnosis! Those three little words that would cause so much damage. Irritable Bowel Syndrome. In the beginning, I didn't find much in the way of treatment and I suffered a lot for years. I did get FMLA from my first job for a while while I tried to manage it on my own with my limited experience but it didn't last.

Then I decided to make the leap into what I loved which was teaching and my IBS went crazy! The higher the stress, the worse the attack. I lost jobs left and right. It literally broke my heart that I couldn't get a handle on my condition especially since I had found something that could finally help.

It's not over

I'm now seeing my 3rd gastroenterologist and this one is a keeper. He is knowledgeable and we get along very well. Unfortunately, I'm not able to work because of chronic migraines which doesn't help my IBS at all. Life has been a journey and it's not over. I have a new normal and I will make the most of it.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The IrritableBowelSyndrome.net team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Becky Oleson Moderator
Hi babsmurdock, Wow, it sounds like you've been through it all. I can't imagine being at work day after day and vomiting, then returning back to my desk. I'm impressed that you managed as long as you did! Unfortunately, depression and anxiety play a role in this condition, too (who wouldn't feel anxious never knowing when "the urge" to go hits at the worst possible times!). I'm thrilled you've finally found a great GI doctor. Hopefully this one will help you find some much-needed relief. I love your attitude, though! So glad you've decided to make the most of your situation. -Becky, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
1. babsmurdock Member
 Thank you. I'm doing ok right now. Having had this as long as I have i know the ups and downs. I've had to stop working about 3 years ago as I've got chronic migraines as well. Now its chronic pain 24/7. I'm working with different doctors trying to get that under control and I'm still learning. It's not easy and the stress can trigger other things but I'm trying to do my best.
2. Chris H. Community Admin
 Hey <inline-mention user-id="2272085" username="babsmurdock"/> - Since you mention you're also suffering from migraines, I thought I'd let you know that we have a sister community for migraine here: <a href='https://migraine.com/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://migraine.com/</a>. Take care! - Chris, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team
maureen1958 Member
Hi babsmurdock, I was just wondering if you have ever been tested for Bile Acid Malabsortion. It's something you can get especially if you have had your gallbladder removed. Because you have no gallbladder the bile cannot be reabsorbed into your body back to the gallbladder and hence it makes it way out of our body through your bowel but the bowel doesn't like bile so gets rid of it as quickly as it can in the form of diarrhoea. Just making sure you are aware of this.
1. babsmurdock Member
 I've never been tested for that. I honestly have never even heard of it. What are the signs that a person might have that? Ive always questioned the fact that I don't have my gallbladder and now I have IBS because every book and article I've read mentions that you can't have this condition without a gallbladder. I'll look into it. Thank you for your comment.
2. maureen1958 Member
 It's typical IBS(D) symptoms. Some studies say 30% of people with IBS actually have BAM or BAD as it is sometimes called. BAD standing for Bile Acid Diarrhoea. There is plenty out there on the internet about it. Good Luck.
loving1 Member
Wow! Really rough! I had ISB-D and migraine headaches both beginning at the age of twelve. I am almost 70 and my migraines are down to 3-4 a month and mild with Amiovig self monthly injections. A high fiber diet, fiber supplement, lactose-fee, and gluten-free diet has nearly eliminated the ISB-D. I also take omeprazole daily to keep from vomiting after a meal. Raw and greasy foods are more likely to upset my stomach. I do have a gas problem, but I am working on resolving it. Hope you soon find solutions to help your condition.
1. Kelly Dabel, RD Community Admin
 Thank you for sharing your experience Loving1. So glad you've found some relief by switching your diet. Wishing you continued relief ahead. Best, Kelly, <a href='https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net' target='_blank'>IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team Member
lordess Member
Well, you are utterly strong for having gone through all that. How have you been dealing with weight-have you lost weight, how does that work for you when IBS strikes?
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
You have been through so much yet you manage to keep an amazing attitude. So inspiring. How have you been feeling? I hope things have improved since you made this post. Let us know how you've been doing. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)