AboutMiranda Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis) as well as the medications, surgeries and tests associated with it. I am not a doctor so please don't ask questions that aren't related to this specific area or close to it because it is not my area of expertise.
Experience I have been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for over five years and have dealt with the disease since I was twelve years old. I have been through every medication, numerous exams as well as surgery. I have also worked at a camp for chronically ill children the past three summers and two of our sessions are Crohn's and Colitis so I am very familiar with both conditions.
Organizations Crohn's Colitis Foundation of America, IBD Campus Connection
Education/Credentials I will be finishing up my Bachelor of Arts in Health and Human Biology this spring and I am currently applying to nursing schools to become a nurse practitioner.
Expert: Miranda Date: 5/9/2008 Subject: Abdominal Discomfort
Question Hi Doc,
I am suffering from abdominal cramp (usually a little below navel)and urge for stool specially in the evening or sometimes after lunch. The stool is usually slippery or comes with a little mucus. Also, the stool is brownish, but normal, not loose type.I have to go 2-3 times a day to the bathroom. The difficult part is to control my bowel and I am embarassed to go out. This thing is happening for the last two months.
My Gastro specialist asked for stool test with occult blood, Liver function test, Creatinine and RBC, WBC, Sed Rate and differential blood count. Everything came negative except the fact that pathologist found Mucus in my stool. Ultimately, i have to go for coloscopy soon.
I had similar type of problem 10 yrs back in NY. Dr performed everything from sonography to colonoscopy. But didnt find anything and told me that it is an IBS.
In the last 10 years, I had similar type bowel problem 2-3 times a year , but, it is not as severe as what is now and duration was only 2-3 days.
Additionally, I have too much anxiety problem and negative by nature. Also, I practice sedentary lifestyle because my job is mostly confined indoor in front of computer. I am 5'10" tall, weighs 145 lb (Smoke 6 cig stick a day) and no genetic problem.
I heard there is no cure for IBS. Should I consult with a neuro also. Further, I was taking Homeo medicine for the last 5 yrs. Any suggestion will be appreciated.
rgds
dip
Answer Well your symptoms are consistent with IBS so especially since all of your tests have been negative so far that could be pointing towards an IBS bout that you are experiencing. Not to down play what you are going through at all, but the good news about IBS is that unlike IBD or Inflammatory Bowel Disease it doesnt cause any damage or permanent damage to your intestine, and is mainly just a nuisance. The cramping and urge to use the restroom after you eat is generally because your intestines are a bit spastic or have difficulty properly digesting things so the food moves out pretty quick. There is a medication called Levsin that is used for IBS patients to decrease the cramping and urge. I included the link so you can read about it. It is available only by prescription so you will have to talk to your doc. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a684010.html
Although it seems odd anxiety and stress can exacerbate IBS or cause diarriah. Therefore if you know you are anxious by nature it doesnt hurt to try and lessen the anxiety in your life or talk to your doctor if it is interrupting your daily life and see what he/she suggests, whether it be exercise, diet or medication. Not that negativity causes disease or ailments by any means, but as a patient with Crohn's Disease I have found that a positive attitude and outlook does nothing but HELP me, and make me feel not so uptight about the situation. I think that in general having a positive attitude and outlook is beneficial in every health situation because our body and mind are connected. In terms of smoking I would STOP immediatly. Not only does it cause numerous other serious health problems, but the tabacco irritates the lining of your intestines, which can worsen IBS symptoms. I attached a link about smoking and IBS just to give you some info about it. http://ezinearticles.com/?Smoking-And-IBS---What-Are-Smoking-Effects-On-Irritabl...
There is no cure for IBS, but you can do dietary changes, lifestyle changes, and learn different coping mechanisms that can help if you are having more diarriah etc. Keep a food log of everything you eat and then write down how each food makes you feel, and after a few weeks or even days you can pinpoint foods that trigger discomfort and try to eliminate them. I don't know if seeing a neurologist would help your IBS, but I am not too familiar with that question so my best suggestion is to talk with your doc. I can't think of any natural cures or treatments for IBS, but basically if you google "natural cures for IBS" you should get some information. I am not sure if they work or not, but I am sure that it is worth a try. I hope this helps, and good luck with the upcoming colonoscopy!
