IBS or Adhesions?

RodshunnyMember

Hi all. It's been a while since I've been here. Well, this year hasn't been exactly banner for my poor gut. It started about 5 years ago with constipation, cramping, etc. for about a week each month. That was tested and they couldn't find a cause. So, they blew it off as hormone related problems. Then, it progressed to that plus heartburn. So, I now take meds for that. Now, the constipation issues are worse. It's more frequent and yesterday I had a partial obstruction that was pretty bad. I still hurt today after only having a jello and 2 cookies with tea for breakfast. I can go for weeks with no problems, and then I have nothing but problems. I tried IBgard and that really seemed to help until the blockage yesterday. I had a salad and steak on Tuesday...I know a big no no. But, most of the time I can eat like that with no trouble and since I was having a really good day I thought it would work.

So, I'm not sure if I have adhesions or if this is just a bad case of IBS. I had my surgeries 8 years ago and haven't been really bad until recently. I have had a total of 4 bad obstructions, but otherwise pretty good. I know I'm under a ton of stress right now and have been all year and that might be the underlying factor. Plus, I think I'm entering menopause and that can cause a lot of trouble. All my gut issues started due to hormones...it all started with my second pregnancy. I'm really sensitive to hormone fluxuations.

Any ideas would be appreciated...I'm getting really anxious.

God bless you all!

Susan

9/22/1611:31 AM

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Scott FMember

Susan, you could easily have multiple things going on. IBS (and IPS) doesn't cause obstructions. Neither does diet, in general.

9/22/1612:09 PM

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skn69Member

Hi Susan,

So sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble...I was sort of hoping that 'silence was golden' and that you were happy and healthy and too busy living your life to log on...

I have a couple of thought...first, yes, adhesions could be the culprit especially if you feel the obstructions/blockages occurring in the same spot each time. (sometimes you can feel the exact site, sometimes not). The problem with adhesions is that they are very difficult to see on any sort of x-ray or imaging.

Next, it could be a twist or stricture or narrowing. That can be seen using imaging but not always.

Third, a twist. I had a loop of bowel that created an elbow that kind of got glued to the abdominal wall by adhesions...they didn't see it on imaging but my surgeon trusted me when I pointed out the exact spot. He went in through Laparoscopy and liberated the bowel, lysed the adhesions repaired a hernia.

Which was my last thought...a hernia can also cause problems...depending on where it is situated. Most of these problems end up getting fixed through surgery (hopefully laparoscopic).

The other thought is being that you are pre-menopause, you may be hormonal or growing cysts that could send your system into overdrive (or underdrive?)...some of us are just more sensitive than others and you appear to be very sensitive...can you try seeing your gyn and getting put on the pill for a 3 month trial to see if that helps? It could eliminate or confirm a problem.

No other thoughts for now.

Just hoping that you find a solution to this problem soon.

Sharon

ps. I have never forgotten the kindness that you showed me when I was so sick.

Thank you

9/22/161:46 PM

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