Diet and Health FAQ

Tagged As: Mucus Bowel

Question:
I thought that mucus meant that the intestines were irritated for whatever reason. I too, have the mucus; not all the time, some of the time. Also, I was diagnosed with IBS a few years ago- before I knew about my Stage III endo. I gave birth to IVF boy/girls twins 4 wks ago by C-section. The Dr told me that I had a lot of adhesions behind the uterus. I asked about my intestines, and he said that he stays away from those during section surgery-well of course...he's an OB!!! I did have an upper GI and scope done at the time IBS was dx'ed-which is why the IBS dx. Is there any other way to know if you have endo on the bowels without surgery? I tend to think not, unless it has eaten it's way thru a part than a lower GI would show something. Funny, how all my problems cleared up during my pg...well, not so funny- endo was in remission during it. Has anyone had an onslaught of symptoms right after delivery and than get better? Not looking forward to my first period soon-that's for sure!

Answer:
Firstly, I also had twins five months ago (girls) & during the pregnancy was ok really (except for about a fortnight - due to things *stretching* my doctor told me). Anyway soon after me periods started it was back with a vengeance although its not been too bad the last week or so. I'm just hoping it's settling down again. If you can breast feed for as long as possible this will stall your period. Unfortunately its quite hard with 2 babies. I also have endo primarily in the bowel region - constant backache, hip pain etc although I have pain free periods. I think the backache is made worse by looking after the twins - bending, lifting etc. I would also like to know about the mucus bit as it also applies (although I think it might have something to do with hemmerhoids). Good luck with the babies - I know how hard it can be. Feel free to e-mail me any time. I would assume they ask about the mucous in the stools because that's a common thing if you have IBS. Certainly would apply to having the bowel irritated from endo or adhesions too I would think. It's probably a good sign that your symptoms cleared up during pregnancy, a good sign that your IBS symptoms are being caused by the endo/adhesions. I had the IBS diagnosis before we found out about the endo too. You're right, the only way to see the endo on your bowels is through surgery, it will only show up on an internal bowel exam if it's invading through the bowel walls. Yep, I have had some extensive surgery which involved my bowels. At the age of 25, the endo had adhered my uterus to the floor of my pelvic cavity, and thus into the bowels. To this day I still have trouble with my bowels. I also have been told I have IBS. Frankly this is a term for nervous bowels, not a very scientific explanation. Since I do have my endo watched Regularly, I decided not to undergo all the extensive testing for my bowels. I knew what was causing them, and I was able to get an anti-spasmodic from my family doctor. My mother had problems with a lot of mucous in her stool and went to the doctor, and without any other symptoms, he told her that something had probably irritated the stomach and it was her body's way of cleaning out the affected areas. If it would continue, he would probably have run more tests, but as long as it doesn't, he recommended she wait until she turns 65 in July and medicare would cover the tests if needed since my parents only have hospitalization, not any regular insurance. I had a sigmoidoscopy done about 6yrs ago to rule out endo/bowel before having my 2nd lap. My dr did figure out that I was lactose intolerant (thank goodness, not IBS). My dr now, thinks I may have it on the bowel because of all the pain, which didn't start until my son was 10months old and 4 mo before my cycle returned. Yes. My symptoms seemed worse during my daughter's first year of life. then they gradually subsided. I too had medical help to conceive. I think the worsening symptoms have to do with the hormones that are still galloping through your body and will continue to do so for several months. If you are nursing your twins your first period could be delayed for quite a long time. My period returned at four months, but 18 months is not unheard of for a nursing mother. This is the first time I have visited this site. It is good to read that I am not alone in this endo experience. In reference to nhalby's note, I don't know about mucus in the stools, but I can share my experience after having an IVF baby. I experienced no pain during my pregnancy (hurray!). However, about nine months after giving birth, the pain has returned. Unfortunately, my old doctor doesn't believe that I am having pain again so I need to find a new doctor.