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Q: 

Could I have IBS?

By Anonymous November 17, 2015 - 1:33pm
 
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For a long time now (probably about 2-3 years) I have been having frequent stomach cramps, both constipation and diarrhea, I have been very gassy and sometimes get the urge to go to the bathroom so badly I can't wait longer than a minute because it hurts so much.

I know bowel problems can be a sign of pregnancy, but I have been on birth control for about 3 years, and I have sex with a condom. I have not had an irregular period, they have been perfectly on time and completely normal. So I'm pretty sure that's not the case (although I still worry about it)

I visited the doctor's office with other symptoms, feeling dizzy, hungry and tired during my periods, and we found out I have a very low blood pressure.

Could I have IBS, or is it more likely something else?

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roos97

Thank you for the reply, I am experiencing the following
My bowel movement changes from day to day, or hour to hour sometimes. I am very bloated and gassy, and my lower belly hurts on both the left and right side. The only thing I have not notices is mucus in my stool.

The pain is relieved by having a bowel movement.
Yes, after my bowel movement the pain is (temporarily) gone
The pain is linked to a change in how often you have a bowel movement.
Yes, the pain gets worse the longer I don't have a bowel movement
The pain is linked to a change in the appearance or consistency of your stool.
Yes, the pain is the worst when I have diarrhea or constipation

November 17, 2015 - 3:59pm

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S Gillette Palmer
Guide

Hi Anon,

Thank you for sharing your question with the EmpowHER community.

IBS is an intestinal disorder causing pain in the belly, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. Symptoms include:

  • Changes in bowel movementpatterns.
  • Bloating and excess gas.
  • Pain the lower belly.
  • Mucus in stools.

Also, are you experiencing any of the following?

  • The pain is relieved by having a bowel movement.
  • The pain is linked to a change in how often you have a bowel movement.
  • The pain is linked to a change in the appearance or consistency of your stool.

Symptoms often occur after a meal, during stressful times, or during menstruation.

If you can answer yes to most of the above, it is possible you could have it.    The process of determining whether or not you have it will be a process of ruling it out other gastrointestinal disorders/conditions. 

I hope this helps.

Be well, 

~Gillette

November 17, 2015 - 2:31pm

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