Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Ibs Diagnosis

Question:
Have any of you been diagnosed with IBS before finding out you actually have endometriosis?  I was diagnosed with IBS but don't necessarily believe the diagnosis.  I went to see different doctors for the IBS, and returned to my former doctor today for an unrelated condition, sinus, and he questioned me about how I had been since I had been in there.  I told him of my increased abdominal pain and my IBS diagnosis.  Because of my infertility (10 yrs trying) and painful periods in addition to the abdominal pain, he questioned whether I might have endometriosis.  I do have some classic IBS symptoms (gas, food intolerances, fatigue, diarrhea/constipation, abdominal pain, etc.), I also have the extreme period cramps, infertility, referred pain to my back, hips and legs which makes it difficult to walk great distances and do any exercise but no-impact.   Well, all of these symptoms could be a number of things.  Should I keep on trying?  I'm just looking for some guidance.  I'm tired of just trying to put up with all of this, and don't want to just give up and accept the IBS diagnosis.

Answer:
I have the good old IBS dx also, but I got it long after I was dx'd w/endo. I must say, I am impressed that your other doc picked up on the connection between the two!!!  I wish all docs were that informed, many just like to say its in your head.  My IBS turned out to be the result of endo involvement in my GI tract, so there could definitely be a connection.  The other symptoms you mentioned (infertility, painful periods, etc.) certainly sound familiar of endo, so a closer look might be warranted. Keep looking for the diagnosis. It sounds to me like endo is a possibility. Many endo women are dx w/ IBS. There can be many causes. Depression is known to upset the digestive system and cause IBS, but endo on or near the bowels also has the same affect. Bowel problems, such as IBS like symptoms are symptoms of endo. Many of us experience it. The worst part is, to know for sure if you have endo, you have to have a laparoscopy. Although, I have heard the possibility of dx by color ultrasound, but don't know for sure how affective that is just yet   I had my endo diagnosis for about 13 years before it began bothering my bowels.  And it was my GP that figured it out, not the GI that she sent me to.  He did diagnose me with IBS, but after modifying my diet and doing all he said to do, I was still alternating between diarrhea and constipation and bleeding rectally with blood in my stools.  So, after another three months, I went back to my GP and she is the one who worked with me to find out.      Keep at your doc or get one that will listen and try to figure out if it is endo.  You need to know so it doesn't progress and possibly lead to a blockage or major problem. I was diagnosed with IBS for 12 years, before they finally figured out that it was endo and I had surgery.   I went through hell during those years because the IBS was so bad.  Now that I am being treated for endo, it is better but not gone.  From what I've read here, most women with endo typically have IBS.