IBS or not IBS: that is the question (for you!)

By mirkymirk

1 min read

My daily, chronic abdominal pain started in December 2018 after 3 rounds of antibiotics prescribed for a cough that would not clear. Turns out the cough was caused by my blood pressure medication, so that changed.... but then the chronic pain, constipation, sometimes diarrhea, oily stools, then daily nausea (no vomiting) added to the mix. I have had blood tests, CT scans, liver scans, a colonoscopy and... all clear.

I was tested and treated for SIBO - methane and hydrogen, but didn’t feel any better after those antibiotics.

Questioning IBS diagnosis

My gastro says IBS but I am not convinced because I can’t seem to find info that this is each and every day, sometimes all day and all night. Not much makes it better, but it often comes and goes after eating and digestion.

I am currently trying pancrease MT enzymes to see if those help, but after a week there is no change. I am on a host of drugs for motility and gut spasms and nausea, and they add side effects to the mix. I have been off work on LTD for over a year.

Trying a new naturopathic clinic now and a new doctor wants me tested for CDiff.

So, what are your thoughts? I am done.

Share your story

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.

Join the conversation

Please read our rules before commenting.

Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention user-id="2321319" username="mirkymirk"/> , I am not a doctor so I can't diagnose you, but it sounds like since your issues came after taking antibiotics, I would maybe try to focus on replenishing the good bacteria in your gut. Antibiotics completely destroy all the good bacteria we have therefore disrupting good digestion. Maybe something to consider? Also try and eat foods that are rich and pre and probiotics. I hope this helps some. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
1. mirkymirk Member
 Hi Elizabeth Thanks for your reply. I was tested and tried a treatment regime for SIBO with methane and hydrogen, and that didn't seem to affect it. Then, tried a low FODMAP diet with high potency probiotics...same thing. My latest naturopath has suggested that it is SIBO with hydrogen sulfide and has suggested the SCD diet with supplements. I haven't started it yet, as I am going to be tested for CDIFF too thanks to another doctor. Who knew poop could be this much fun?!
2. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 Ugh, sorry you are going through all of this. Hopefully you get some answers with the C Diff test and then you can move forward with what works best in terms of treatment. I hope you feel better soon! Hugs, Elizabeth (team member)
sbbeau Member
Just to cover all bases, get an alpha-gal allergy test. What they thought was IBS for me turned out to be an allergy to alpha-gal which is in anything derived from a mammal.
Glutenketo4me Member
Have you tried a gluten free or keto diet? I did gluten free for a few months and it helped 60% for diarrhea symptoms. Then 2 months ago i started keto and i only have diarrhea, nausea, bloating once a week if that. Its been a life changer for me. I hope you feel better soon.