IBS, crohns, hemorrhoids???
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| Tue, 01-18-2005 - 10:21pm |
Hi, My first time posting on this particular board. I am confused and worried and wondering if anyone on this board has been in my shoes. Too embarrassing to talk to friends about. A little uptight when it comes to bowel functions, frankly. I found such great help and hope on these boards during a complicated pregnancy, I know this is the best place to find support.
First of all, my BMs have always been unusual - 1-2 times a week (usually both on weekend), always more constipated than not, even as little kid. For a few months, my BMs have been more frequent than my usual and a little looser. Last few weeks, change has been mucus, mucus, mucus!!! Little balls of mucus, mucus mixed in with stools, you name it. I thought IBS but ... Occasional bright red blood. No fever or pain (a little abdominal discomfort and bloating), "creaking" in my nether regions, definitely NO weight loss or diminished appetite, lots of gas... Dr says b/c of blood -- NO IBS, probably more likely IBD (crohns) ... have a consultation with a GI in 3 weeks. I have been looking online about IBS, IBD, similar disorders (based on keywords). I was thinking that perhaps it might be IBS with hemorrhoids but have seen NO mention of both together. Other info that may be important - previous smoker (15 years, quit in August after lung surgery) and had stomach flu 6 weeks ago.
Just wondering if anyone out there can offer advice, voice of reason and experience. I am 36 and want to avoid a colonoscopy or similarly invasive if possible.
Thank you so much!

Hi and Welcome to iVillage or to this board
Hi,
I just wanted to let you know that I had a colonoscopy just yesterday. Believe me, it's NOTHING! The prep was messy, yes, no way around that. Arm yourself with a positive attitude, lots of things to read, and stay close the bathroom. The test was a breeze. Even though they told me I would have a sedative and would probably be awake, I slept through the whole thing. Really, it's not that big of a deal. And this is from someone who left a posting just last week trying to chicken out of it. Lynn and Wren were kind enough to encourage me to go through it and I was glad I did. Please, you need to find out what the problem is. And if the colonoscopy is the first place to start, then just do it. I was shaking in my boots about it, and now I feel silly. It was NOTHING!!!
Good luck,
Regina
Regina,
Hi and Welcome aboard!
I love your name too.