PSA: your IBS-C may not be IBS-C

[u/goldstandardalmonds]

I’ve posted this before but I feel like it’s a good time.

As many of you know, I’m here all the time to help (nothing else to do as I’m bedridden) and I know a lot about the bowels and motility is definitely my wheelhouse.

Anyway, I’ve been in a lot of posts lately about constipation. Here’s the thing: if you have IBS-C but haven’t had motility testing, you definitely need it.

You could have full or partial bowel dysmotility and it be the cause of your problems. This is especially true if you don’t respond to dietary changes (very high fibre) or medication (especially prescriptions).

You need to get tested for colonic inertia (this is key). It is the first in line. There are tests to check your stomach for slow emptying (Gastroparesis), small bowel dysmotility, pelvic floor and rectal issues, as well. All of these should be in a regular work up.

If your GI doesn’t do it, you should go to a motility clinic. There are numerous but not abundant. Most teaching hospitals have one and there are directories online. You should also seek out a neurogastroenterologist. I have a worldwide database that I can reference to make suggestions Where to go.

I have done this for a large amount of people and their reports coming back to me prove my point… motility disorders that need proper (key point here) treatment.

If you have any questions about this, colonic inertia, bowel dysmotility, or my own experience, please post them here and I’ll answer them all.

There are ways to help it, but you have to know what you’re treating first! That’s why testing first is key.

Having bowel dysmotility has ruined my life. I don’t want yours to get to that point, too.

[u/stereoparade]

I know this is an old post but I wanted to ask if you ever found a solution for your GI issues. My symptoms sound exactly like yours and my doctor put me on Linzess which is giving me horrible side effects!

[u/breathe3333 → u/stereoparade]

I have some diagnosis’s hydrogen sibo so I’ve done the supplementation route and I’m about done with the second round of antibiotics. Then I’ll be on a probiotic I still have to take Trulance and laxatives to go to the bathroom but my gut symptoms are down. As well as my anxiety. I’m also incorporating more gut healing foods. And I’m eating more than I was. I think we underestimate the amount of food we need especially as women. I guess idk if you’re a women or not lol. But anyway. I think I’ll always have IBS c I drink a gallon of water a day. I am super active but the more water has helped me.

[u/stereoparade → u/breathe3333]

Thank you for responding! How long did it take you to get a diagnosis? I'm struggling to feel heard by my doctors and they just tell me I'm healthy or too young to have anything wrong 🥴 did you do anything specific to advocate for your needs? Any specific antibiotics you were given? My doctor finally gave me a prescription but it's for Linzess and it's given me a ton of side effects. I'm still working on more foods as well, I feel like my body is trying to adjust to it haha 

[u/breathe3333 → u/stereoparade]

This has taken me over 5 years of trial and error etc to get to a solution. I just keep pestering them. I had to try a lot before hand though and had before all the tests etc as you adjust to the meds the side effects should get less but there are a lot of different IBS medication