I asked a question a few minutes ago about lactose intolerance - is IBS another possibility? (see details)?

Question

I'm reading about possible disorders that involve diarrhea as one of the main symptoms. IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) apparently occurs in many people under stress. When I went to the doctor's office, she assumed that my problem was stress induced. Also, I learned that half of the women with IBS experienced sexual abuse which also happened to me. However, I don't see how there could be anything I'm under stress about... it's summer vacation and I don't have anything to worry about yet my problems seem to be happening more and more frequently. Are there any other symptoms of IBS that might help me see if this is what I'm suffering from?

Answer 1

The differential diagnosis of diarrhea is very broad. IBS can certainly be one of the causes (as can lactose intolerance). However, your question is a difficult, if not impossible one to answer correctly in such a public forum and with limited specific information. One person's diarrhea can even be another person's normal bowel habit.

The dynamics between abuse history and IBS are quite complex. Irrespective of any abuse history, one should not expect that during stress-free periods, IBS symptoms would necessarily subside. Individuals differ and some may for example even feel worse when they have more time for introversion and introspection during their stress-free time.

I think you might benefit from continued follow-up with your doctor and possibly referrals to a gastroenterologist for the diarrhea, as well as a psychotherapist to address the abuse history.

All the best.

Answer 2

IBS is more than just diarrhea. It's cramps from hell, hours of stomach cramps so bad to make you cry out. It doesn't stop until your system is completely empty. It's during times of extreme stress--My IBS was worst when my husband went out of town or when I was under stress at work.

I found my IBS was much better controlled when I started taking fiber tabs--4 a day and when my husband stopped going out of town without me.

This was 20 years ago, and I was extremely stressed by mental illness, but there were no sexual symptoms.

If you're having trouble with D, lactose intolerance is a good bet, as is food allergies (my niece couldn't eat grapes. I didn't believe it and she begged, so I gave her a small cluster. 20 minutes later.....).

Hormones flopping about, such as right before during after your period can cause that, too.

If you've recently had antibiotics, that could throw off your system--activa is a good solution.

So now you've got all the wisdom of Mama Deb. Keep in mind that I am not a dr. Just an experienced mom.

Take care,
TX Mom

Answer 3

I'll assume you had blood work and a stool sample to rule out parasites or any other disorder? So your doc is tossing out Stress Induced IBS as a guess? While it is definitely possible make sure you rule out all other gastrointestinal disorders before chalking it up to stress. Make sure they test for Crohns. Also, you didn't mention, but do you have any stiffness in your back or neck? Look into Ankylosing Spondylitis associated with Crohns. Females, onset about age 17 is average for A/S and Crohns. Not real common, but good to rule out.

Above all else - see a specialist - gastroenterologist

Then, if it is stress.. That too can be dealt with - without drugs. Look into biofeedback techniques. Find a good therapist in the area that deals with stress reduction - it really works miracles.