I’ve decided to start a new series of frequently asked questions for 2010, looking at some of the things that newbies to the IBS world need to know. This post, and all subsequent posts, comes with my disclaimer which basically says that anyone who relies on internet information without seeking help from a doctor is a bit of a pillock.
So, our first topic of 2010 is an easy one – does IBS cause blood in the stool? Answer: nope. IBS is a functional disorder, which means that something has gone wrong with the actual function of the intestines, but not their physical structure (or, at least, nothing is wrong with the physical structure that is obvious to the eye or colonoscopies etc).
Some gastrointestinal disorders do cause bleeding, so it’s very important that any bleeding is checked out by a doctor. It’s also possible to have bleeding with hemorrhoids that may be the result of IBS, but you won’t know either way unless you get yourself to a doctor.
There’s no way that IBS alone can result in bleeding though, it’s just not that type of condition. Bloodless, if you like.
Mel // Jan 20, 2010 at 12:57 pm
This is very interesting. My new doctor has just told me the same so I got my hopes up that maybe after 5 awful IBS years it wasn’t even IBS (as there’s often blood). But I’ve been disappointed again as all my bloods have just come back clear. I know that that’s good but I was hoping it was something other than IBS, something fixable. But I’ve no hemorrhoids either, and nothing showed up on a colonoscopy I had a few years ago .. so I’m feeling hopeless again, and don’t know what to do.
Joe // Jan 24, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Hi – I posted on the site some time ago sharing my positive experience with fiber supplements to treat my IBS-D. For the past month I have moved off of the fiber and begun taking Align. It is AMAZING. I have not felt this good in years. After the first 10 days or so, I have not had a single episode of urgency. I can go to dinner and not worry about hitting the restroom before going out for after-dinner drinks. No worries going to work in the morning or coming home in the evening. I still have to be cautious about what I eat. Excessively spicy, fatty, rich foods will still occasionally bother my stomach but the urgency is gone, even in those cases. I’ll be a little uncomfortable but no need for panic. My stools are solid! It seems to be about $7 cheaper when bought online than at my local drug store but even at the store price of $35 for a 28 day supply it is worth every cent. If you haven’t given it a shot, please do. They even have a $ back guarantee. The online reviews are overwhelmingly position. I can attest to that personally as well.
Good luck!
Joe
Diana A // Jan 25, 2010 at 1:55 am
It doesnt cause blood in the stool but the hemmorhoids I have from so many years of Diahrea definately bleed. I now have them internally & externally. The pain from them, coupled with the massive diahrea almost got the best of me. Im so glad that things have gotten better from the Questran and now things dont hurt anymore!!!!!! No more blood either. YAY! Life has definately imporved in many ways.
maria // Jan 25, 2010 at 12:06 pm
I have been diagnosed with IBS. I sometimes think have been mis diagnosed. I don’t really get diahrea even though alot of times my stools are soft. I have alot of pain and bloating and many other symptoms but it seems almost everyone I read about has diahrea. I’m confused!
Nicole // Jan 26, 2010 at 1:05 am
Maria – I would strongly advise you get checked for endometriosis. Even though my doctor was positive I had IBS, I insisted I be checked to rule anything out. IBS and endometriosis can mimic each other perfectly in women.
I have only become satisfied with my diagnosis after learning what my trigger foods are and being able to end my IBS almost entirely if I avoid them. I went from having daily episodes to not having a single occurance in several months after cutting out all fast food/greasy food.
Thank you for this blog. It is 2am and I recently returned from Cuba which is causing one of the worst flareups I’ve ever experienced. I just took some Imodium for the first time, it’s frustrating and angering to me that nobody has ever bothered trying to help me find solutions. I have been suffering since I was 14 years old (I am now 24 years old) and I have never used any form of medication to help my extreme pain. I hope this works and I plan on having a lengthy chat with my so-called doctor.
Anyway, I’ll definately be following your blog, thanks again!