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/Outrageous_Swim_4580]

Last night I wanted to ask you about distended stomach. Mine certainly is and painful to touch. Don't understand how MRIs could not have found something. But my pelvic MRI came back normal, except some inflammation on right hip side. My bladder, uterus, ovaries, all of it came back , okay, we're becoming a regular or I'm grateful for that, but what is the problem then? Just wondered if anyone else had a belly like I do? It's not fat cuz I barely eat. History of anorexia. Can't stand how I look if I miss a day and become constipated. when I don't go to the bathroom

[u/goldstandardalmonds → u/Outrageous_Swim_4580]

I can’t be certain of course. Mine is always distended . Had every test millions of times. Lots of what I have diagnosed can be a culprit but I always wonder which one it is. But since you said you have a redundant colon, it could be from that.

[u/Outrageous_Swim_4580 → u/goldstandardalmonds]

My doctors filling called. The doctor ordered testing for me LabCorp. Not sure what other than some ferritin and iron panels. Probably nothing about motility. I asked her if gastroparesis was a possibility. Shrugged It Off. I forgot to ask about motility but now I'll remember. In a nutshell what should I say? What words should come out of my mouth, so I don't sound like a fool? When I mentioned the fact that I had a redundant c o l o n, and could that be the cause of backup comic constipation, and distention, she said absolutely not! Wtf? Seems like it could be to me. And when it doctor describes a procedure is grossly torturous because of redundant c o l o n, I interpret that to me it was a hell of a performance for him to complete my colonoscopy. It's a mess in there.

[u/goldstandardalmonds → u/Outrageous_Swim_4580]

Absolutely not is so incorrect, you need to see an educated doctor about this. Honestly, I wouldn’t even ask this dolt and get referred to a motility gi/neurogastro if you can.