Daily Abdominal Pain: IBS and Other Gastrointestinal Issues - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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It sounds like you are experiencing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms that can be quite distressing. Based on your description, it seems that you have already undergone a colonoscopy, which showed inflammation but was deemed normal upon biopsy, and you have been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and possibly autonomic nervous system involvement. Your symptoms of daily abdominal pain, bloating, occasional loose stools, and mucus in your stool can indeed be indicative of IBS, which is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by a combination of symptoms including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.

IBS is often triggered by various factors, including stress, dietary choices, and changes in gut motility. The fact that your symptoms fluctuate suggests that they may be influenced by these factors. It’s important to note that IBS does not cause structural changes in the intestines, which is why your colonoscopy results were normal despite the presence of inflammation. The inflammation you mentioned could be due to a variety of reasons, including dietary intolerances or infections, but it is not uncommon for IBS patients to have some degree of inflammation without a specific underlying disease.

Regarding your concerns about ulcerative colitis or leaky gut syndrome, it’s understandable to worry, especially when experiencing persistent symptoms. However, the absence of blood in your stool and the normal findings from your colonoscopy make these conditions less likely. Ulcerative colitis typically presents with bloody diarrhea and more severe symptoms, while leaky gut syndrome is a controversial diagnosis that is not universally accepted in the medical community.

If your symptoms are significantly impacting your quality of life, it may be worthwhile to consider further evaluation. Here are some steps you could take:
1. Dietary Assessment: Keeping a food diary can help identify any potential food triggers. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, high-fat foods, and certain fermentable carbohydrates (FODMAPs). A low-FODMAP diet has been shown to be effective for many IBS patients.

2. Stress Management: Since stress can exacerbate IBS symptoms, incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or cognitive-behavioral therapy may be beneficial.

3. Medication Review: Discuss with your healthcare provider whether your current medications, including the new one you mentioned (新表飛鳴), are appropriate for your symptoms. Sometimes, medications that target gut motility or address specific symptoms can provide relief.

4. Further Testing: If your symptoms persist or worsen, you might consider discussing additional tests with your doctor. This could include tests for food intolerances, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), or even a repeat colonoscopy if there are new concerns.

5. Referral to a Specialist: If you haven’t already, consider seeing a gastroenterologist who specializes in functional gastrointestinal disorders. They can provide tailored management strategies and may suggest treatments that have not yet been explored.

In summary, while your symptoms are consistent with IBS, it’s important to continue working with your healthcare provider to manage your condition effectively. Keeping track of your symptoms, dietary habits, and stress levels can provide valuable information that may help in tailoring a treatment plan that works for you. Remember, you are not alone in this, and many people experience similar challenges with IBS.