I'll try to keep this short, I've had ibs for over 25 years. Previously took mebeverine then only had mild flare ups over the years, mostly stress related.
Recently I've been under alot of stress (have posted in panic attack forum) and have been feeling horrible. Consequently, I've had more than usual phone consultations with various doctors at our surgery.
I've had almost constant pain in my upper right quadrant since having my gallbladder removed in 2003. It seems that I may have something called post cholecystectomy syndrome.
In November last year I started to get mild pains on my upper left side ribs too. I had a barrage of blood tests, which all came back normal, and again in February this year. However, the pains are getting worse. Sometimes it feels like it's all the way along underneath my ribs, other times just one side. Usually lying down or standing eases it, so I've been sleeping mostly OK.
Because of the stress I've lost about 8lbs in two weeks, which isn't really alot I suppose, but I have zero appetite. I can't even think about eating without feeling really anxious.
Last night I managed a small amount of dinner, but forgot to check ingredients and ended up eating something with onion in ( an ibs trigger for me). Around 4am I woke with awful upper tummy pains, a bit like being pregnant and baby kicking under your ribs. Lots of really loud gurgling too. I took a couple Rennie and dozed. I had diarrhoea afterwards, so assume it was the onion triggering the ibs, but felt awful, so rang surgery and asked if a doctor could call me back today.
Well, a doctor did ring, but he made me feel so uncomfortable, like I was being a nuisance. He basically said I'd made alot of unnecessary calls to them and what did I want them to do. I said I really wanted reassurance that there was nothing to worry about other than ibs. He said something like it's a good job all patients don't ring for that reason. I felt like crying. I KNOW I've made alot of calls recently, but that's because I'm in pain and worried. He also said I need to take responsibility for my health anxiety, which I am doing - I start cbt tomorrow.
This is just a rant really, but I feel better for having got it off my chest.
If you read to the end - thank you!
Dee