FAO - sqad re IBS

[Ann]

Hiya need your brilliant help please! I have had bouts of IBS in the past (my doctor was unsure but said possibly was) and for two weeks now I have colicky pains combined with nerve spasms in my lower back like lumbago. I already take one Colofac (Mebeverine) tablet before breakfast but I'm concerned about the backache not going away and also the tummy ache. I take paracetemol which does help a bit. I don't have diarrhoea or constipation just a lot of wind (sorry!) Is it typical of IBS to get this kind of backache?

[Sqad]

Ann......yes, backache is certainly a fairly common symptom of IBS HOWEVER, I would ask your doctor if you can be referred to a gastro-enterologist, as in my opinion, a diagnosis of IBS is made by exclusion.
It may need a colonoscopy, but to arrive at the correct diagnosis, then it is well worth while.

Yes, backache is not unusual in IBS.

[gingejbee]

I was diagnosed with IBS several years ago but only after lots of investigation, including colonoscopy. GPs wouldn't normally "guess" at this diagnosis, however.
I do have pain in back sometimes, but this is due to disc problems!

[LoftyLottie]

Ann, I suffer from IBS, have done since I was a child when I was diagnosed as having 'Tummy Migraine'. I believe you and I are much the same age. I do get a lot of lower back pain and tummy discomfort (rather than tummy pain) and I believe in my case its a mix of arthritis and IBS, and quite honestly it's quite difficult to work out what is the actual cause. I take Buscapan, which eases the discomfort (and the wind!!!).

I don't worry about my IBS because of the length of time I have had it with no deterioraton to my general health. But it does cause lots of weird pains, especially on the lower left hand side of the tum.

To be on the sure side, I would go back to your Doc and discuss things. Your back ache might not be due to IBS so it's worth ruling out other things.

I have not had a colonscopy, just barium enemas and Xrays some 45 years ago which found nothing untoward. I think these days colonscopies are done more routinely.

[Ann]

Thanks Lottie, Sqad and ging for your advice, I have felt a little better today after taking a Colofac tablet before every meal instead of just the one at the start of the day. I have looked back in diaries which I have kept daily for nearly 30 years and there does seem to be a pattern of episodes of IBS every year to 18 months, some worse and longer than others, so I'm sure it is that. I know bread upsets me, and have just returned from holiday abroad with friends, eating lots of lovely crusty bread most days so would assume that may have started it off again! But thanks, i will keep aware of it and go to the doc if I feel worried or it gets worse. I too had a barium meal xray 25 years ago and 2 endoscopies since then as I have been found to have a sliding hiatus hernia which causes excess acid build up. Many thanks for your help!