Hi all! Rescheduling because ding bat Maggie didn't realize I scheduled this during the Super Bowl!

@MattC0621

3 жыл бұрын

Nobody watches the Superbowl anymore anyway.

@Sabouma28

3 жыл бұрын

@@MattC0621 plenty of people do

@laurag5583

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, Maggie! That was very thoughtful. Some of us do love you and the Super Bowl too!

@yesterdaydream

3 жыл бұрын

I'd rather watch your super bowel content, anyway!

@tiffprendergast

3 жыл бұрын

@@MattC0621 yeah

This woman is the BEST bowel educator ever, and especially her inclusion of women-only issues. Best wishes.

@twilightsprite1

Жыл бұрын

She really is!!!!!

Yes ibs is used as a scapegoat. Alot of times the doctors wont even bother checking to make sure there is no imflamation if the blood is normal before shoving in off as ibs.

ahhh thank you for not downplaying ibs. thank you, thank you, thank you. i've struggled with awful gi issues for nearly my whole life and spent years trying to get a diagnosis and years of tests and diets and medicines and therapies and it was such a grueling, traumatizing time of my life. after all of it, i ended up diagnosed with ibs. i still struggle a lot with my diagnosis. it feels so...small. i think because it's a functional disorder, it has quite a stigma. i also suffer with a panic disorder and all of my doctors have pretty much said that the only reason i feel ill is because im a teenage girl with anxiety (hence the generic ibs diagnosis). it's something that i feel so much shame for. there's nothing physically wrong with my gi tract and i have a lot of internalized anger with myself for "letting" myself create this illness and "make up" these symptoms. i'm embarrassed by how debilitating my ibs is, especially when theres so many terrible, dangerous gi diseases out there. ibs is often thought of as a "less bad ibd" and it's a super invalidating feeling to be treated like that by my doctors. i went two years without having a single complete bowel movement. my colon was so backed up, it was entirely full in my xrays. i couldnt eat because i couldnt pass anything that i was putting in my body and i just physically didnt have room for food or liquids. i had a lot of bleeding and such severe nausea that i couldnt eat, even if i wouldve been able to go to the bathroom. i lost nearly 60 pounds in the first few months; i was so, so sick and yet i still was treated like nothing was wrong and it was my fault for not taking care of my mental health, and told that i should meditate and drink water. i have a lot of guilt about my symptoms and my diagnosis, but seeing someone with a more credible(for lack of a better word..? respectable?) diagnosis validating my silly little ibs diagnosis was really relieving. i appreciate the comparing and contrasting without diminishing either issue- very informative and eloquent. this was a lovely watch. thank you!

I think IBS is sort of the ‘I don’t know why I’m getting these symptoms’ go-to for both patients and doctors.

So true. I've had gi issues for about 15 years. I've had every test- endoscopy, colonoscopy, barium tests, swallowed a camera, gluten test blood work, everything. No answers, just "you have ibs". So frustrating, some days my stomach pain is so bad from cramps I have to leave work, but all I ever hear is "it's just Ibs" Great video!

@wendycayless

3 жыл бұрын

have you tried a low FODMAP diet?

@FlyingWonderGirl

3 жыл бұрын

Ask for buscopan!

I have IBS and while I would never claim it's worse than IBD, it's been incredibly debilitating for me. My diet is so limited and miserable, if I eat the wrong thing or have anxiety or just completely out of the blue I will be down for 3-4 hours the next day having an IBS attack. I can't predict them, I need to be in bed when they happen and I need a bucket in case I vomit and the bed in case I faint. People assume it's IBD though and I have to explain that it's not the same thing and IBD is damaging and requires surgery.

@snuffypop

3 жыл бұрын

On the subject of IBS as a scapegoat or a catch-all, I completely agree. I'm going through exploration right now to look into whether or not it's related to endometriosis, which... I don't think it IS, but like you said, getting a definite yes or no answer is a relief.

@helengarrett6378

3 жыл бұрын

This sounds so much like what I have lived with for a lifetime. Actually, it is a relief now that I am old to live alone so I can be sick without inconveniencing others. It isn't pretty. But it is worse as I have gotten older. I don't have flare ups. I have chronic daily problems. I wish you well. I found a book IBS FOR DUMMIES that was more helpful than anything doctors have done for me. It about management rather than hope for cure.

@anneitsanne

3 жыл бұрын

Same. I have IBS and it is a bummer. My anxiety goes off the charts when I have a flare-up because I am anticipating the pain and cramping. And the brain fog is so strange. I have almost fainted on the toilet from the pain! I have to add that it bothers me that people think it isn't real or think it is a stand-in diagnosis until they figure out what is "really" wrong with you. It is a condition and it causes a lot of pain and suffering, that should be enough for people to not undermine our diagnoses.

@teijaflink2226

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry that you have to go through that, I can imagine that it must be so hard and stressing to not be sure or have proof what is actually wrong, so your feelings and struggles are valid too as no one can actually know how bad it's for you.

@miegravgaardxoxo

3 жыл бұрын

You don’t necessarily need surgery for IBD like what 😅

A lot of people with IBS actually have SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) from what I researched. I was diagnosed for years with IBS C and SIBO C. Then I was finally given motility tests and was correctly diagnosed with colonic inertia (a motility disorder) and I had a colectomy. I also have endometriosis and was told that could’ve contributed to my GI issues and that a lot of women are told they have IBS when they actually have endometriosis.

@jessiefogarty8119

3 жыл бұрын

YES! A huge majority of my gut issues are in actuality caused by my endo. It took years of having multiple diagnoses and constant symptom tracking to find the rhythms and correlations!

@paigedude6488

3 жыл бұрын

You sound very similar to me, I had ibs-c and SIBO. SIBO is very very common. I now have IBD but believe I have colonic inertia - no diagnosis yet.

@floweriehearts

3 жыл бұрын

@@paigedude6488 I’m sorry you’re going through this too! I would definitely ask for a sitz marker test or smart pill study to check your transit time- if you haven’t already had those tests. I went for ten years being told I had “ibs c” and my colonoscopies were “normal.” A gyn I saw finally was like, why haven’t you had transit studies 😳 and called my GI dr to schedule them. I swallowed a bunch of sitz markers and after 5 days they x rayed my stomach and they were all still in the beginning part of my large intestine! It was then when drs finally believed me.

@vixroberts759

3 жыл бұрын

Just been diagnosed with Endometriosis and I've had supposed IBS for years crazy isn't it! Hope you're doing well xx

@LecheVitrineUK

3 жыл бұрын

I've been tested for everything: Crohn's numerous times, ceoliac, H-pylori, SIBO which was positive and treated, cancer because of bleeding and ulcers, bile disorder, but they keep saying it's IBS. I have not had motility tests which I think is an issue for me.

Thank you! I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, IBS and IBD. Your video explains the differences between IBS and IBD better than any doctor has ever done.

@twilightsprite1

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!!!!!

Yes 🙌 I tell people I have IBD & they think it’s IBS I am talking about. And I have to explain, it’s two different things. It’s just lack of knowledge, so it’s good you are doing this. 👍👍👍

@LetsTalkIBD

3 жыл бұрын

Exactly! Many get them confused... I get a lot of people on my videos saying "Oh, I have IBS too!" after I talk about my IBD. Hopefully this helps clarify for some!

@doesntreply

3 жыл бұрын

I have the same thing happened to me, hopefully more people learn the difference because it can get frustrating to always explain.

@miegravgaardxoxo

3 жыл бұрын

Same, but I said I had IBS up until seeing this video. I thought it was the same thing.

Your def right about the doctors over diagnosing people with ibs. This happened to me about 3 years ago. Turns out I had cdiff which sent me into a crohns flare. I refused to leave the office until he did some testing. Thank you for making your videos, that is what pushed me to go to the gi for that issue.

@ThanatosMist

3 жыл бұрын

Oh gods I've had C. Diff. and its horrid, I've struggled with GI issues ever since I had it 2 years ago which I mostly manage with probiotics. I hope you're doing better now at least

I've been diagnosed with a number of different GI things over the past 15ish years; different types of colitis, gastritis, IBS, to name a few. Depending on the doc and test, they say it's something else and not what the previous test and doc said, even when sending over the previous test scans. IBS is a def umbrella term or a doc's way of telling you your crazy, go away. Thank you for your candidness in your videos.

I was diagnosed with ibs-c as a child. I managed my symptoms and even had it under control until I believe a bout of food poisoning. Back to GI doctor, all my tests were coming back normal and he pretty much assumed it was ibs then came my colonoscopy. Oh just kidding- you have ulcerative colits. I agree, ibs is thrown around Willy nilly - and it’s frustrating.

The scape goat thing I think is very accurate for IBS. I have been struggling for year and have had a very hard time keeping weight with the inability to keep food down. All the intermittent GI symptoms do make pinning a diagnosis very difficult and I fear dampers the reliability of testing, but the symptoms are far more serious than what I know IBS to be. In addition my blood inflammatory markers are high and particular nutrients are malnourished. But tests are not consistent enough to identify any solid problem. So I am just labeled with “IBS” and told to go home buck up and deal with it 🤷🏼. Struggling going on about 6 years now with no luck. (Great video btw! Thank you for making these! )

@donnaallison7462

3 жыл бұрын

You need to go to gi and get them to do a sitz mark study and a motility study done you may have gastroparesis

My daughter has been out of work for 3 months before getting tested - scoped from both ends - and was diagnosed with several stomach ulcers. Her bowels were clear. I began watching your channel for information and you have answered many of my questions. Thank you!

@marygilson3490

Жыл бұрын

Maybe Research Manuka honey for the ulcers and aloe vera juice if she has no allergy to it. There are Aloe vera juices that have Manuka honey added. H.Pylori does not like Manuka honey . This type of leaky gut can sometimes lead to autoimmune conditions such as Sjogren's or so research seems to show.

I definitely agree with your thoughts on how quickly an IBS diagnosis is given. I think all the tests currently available, look for IBD-type changes. I was diagnosed with IBS last year, basically because I don’t have IBD 🤔

Thank you, thank you,THANK YOU!!!! I’m about to get testing done to figure out what’s going on with my GI system😭😭😭I’m really scared but grateful to have your videos❤️❤️❤️

I've been in the process of searching for a diagnosis for 2 years now, and I think I'm getting close... But I'm TERRIFIED of a misdiagnosis. I have so many of the flags for IBD; all the typical symptoms, plus weird sores around my mouth, horrible reflux, I'm iron deficient anemic, a few vitamin deficiencies, and a small spike in my inflammation levels in my labs. I don't want another chronic illness, but I don't want to put a bandaid on something if it's truly a bigger problem.

Thanks . Good explanation. I struggle with friends/colleagues misunderstanding my Crohns disease and I get a lot of unhelpful and misguided input from people, for example, saying the disease expression as a result of previous unresolved trauma and its the brain affecting the gut. Firstly I find don't have any unresolved trauma, but Ok, and secondly these types of responses are unhelpful and eye roll worthy. Great that you have this channel and are committed to educating people. Well done.

One of my many GI doctors straight up told me IBS is what is given when we don’t know what’s going on ( in his office). Another dr, who is in a new practice I’m going to, specializes in IBS and the brain and GI symptom connection. I think the term need to have a definition to make everyone on the same page. This is one of the many reasons we have so much trouble getting diagnosed with things. I’m hopeful for my new doctor! 🤞🏻. Hope you two + the dogs and chickens are doing well!! ❤️

Thank you for putting out these videos. I have found them more informative than my many Dr's have been. I was diagnosed first with IBS-M. And the next Dr I saw diagnosed me with IBD and couldnt tell me why. I am still in limbo with no real reasons for the issues I have and I have been searching for another specialist. I have had these problems for 8 years now, every day. You give me hope.

Great video, Maggie! I definitely understand that doctors can be too trigger happy with saying "Probably IBS" and then shooing you out the door, because I had that happen to me with a GP I went to see (not my normal one, thank God - she is much more thorough). One year, worsening symptoms, one colonoscopy, one surgery, and several pathology tests later - diagnosed with UC (and endo and adeno - yay)! The takeaway: If you've been told you have IBS but something still doesn't seem right, etc., don't be afraid to ask for it to be further investigated!

When I was nineteen I was diagnosed with IBS based on symptoms and a Sigmoidoscopy. Over the years I continued to have issues but no one cared to reconsider the diagnosis. When my Aunt was told she had Ulcerative Colitis I asked if my problem could be UC but this was dismissed as I had never needed hospitalisation. Fast forward many years and after an acute episode I was given a colonoscopy and diagnosed with UC. Fortunately I have been in remission for a long time and only take a low dose anti inflammatory medication. It is very difficult to get doctors to challenge a previous diagnosis which can be very frustrating for patients.

Thank you for this video! I was diagnosed with IBS a long time ago after a doctor only asked me one or two questions about my symptoms. I often do feel like doctors didn't want to run tests because of this diagnosis... It's been almost unbearable for the last few months and my bloodwork looked strange so I'm getting a colonoscopy soon (and this video came at the right time). Thank you for validating that IBS is a real thing, though, since it's so frustrating that my whole life, my symptoms have just been brushed off.

@kimc555

3 жыл бұрын

Ya it’s the easy way out. Unless the person is passing blood or losing weight... oh it’s IBS.

I was diagnosed with IBS-D and it has really been difficult. There were days I took 48 anti diarrhea in a day. I can eat something one day and it doesn't effect me the next time I eat it I am in the bathroom minutes after I'm through eating; if I make it through the whole meal. I also have fibromyalgia and one of the drugs they tried me on for the IBS-D caused me to have gastroparesis. Finally I was put on Xifaxin for roughly a year straight and I must say now it is better. I still have diarrhea daily but I don't have it all day long. What kills me is people who don't have fibromyalgia or IBS-D don't understand and think there should be some miracle drug or diet that will make them go away. Thanks Maggie for sharing your story and providing those of us with these uncomfortable conversation issues to have a place with people that do understand. Stay safe and God bless.

I had IBS-D symptoms for years and finally went to a GI doctor. I was basically brushed off and told to change my diet. After a few visits I gave up and stopped going to the gi doctor because I wasn't getting any answers or help. 2 years ago I began getting regular chiropractic Care for and unrelated issue. I have noticed my IBS-D symptoms are nearly gone. It makes sense if ibs is a disconnect between the brain and gi tract. Chiropractic helps the nervous system so I must have helped whatever disconnect was going on.

Wow. Spectacular explanation!!! My diagnosis is diverticulitis and ibs. Recovering from surgery and 2 weeks out. Still in pain but recovering. This is all so difficult to understand and how refreshing it is 2 finally have someone explain this!!!!

Hi Maggie! Thank you for this video (and all you videos). DISCLAIMER: This is not (medical) advice. Just my experience! When I got my first period I had symptoms like diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of weight which could last for weeks and then get more intense with my next cycle. The doctors didn't really know what is going on, they tested for Crohns disease and Colitis Ulcerosa. Both were negative. So they told me I have some sort of IBS D which is probably linked to my hormones and stress. Back then I had a lot going on in my private life and I struggled with mental health (the symptoms didn't help). So their treatment was to tell me not to choose a "stressful" job. I didn't listen (I am bad at listening to people telling me what I can't do 😉). I studied chemistry (very stressful) and got my PhD. After that I went to a supposedly "easy" and not "stressful" job and had the worst flare up in more than ten years (I had little ones in between but very well manageable) because I hated this job. I wanted to go back to academia. Which is not a healthy work environment and not great for people that suffer any form of disease. But I quit my industry job, got a position as a postdoc and moved. And so far I feel great. I am back to tracking symptoms so I can take actions if I feel something coming which for me works very well. Most of the time I can handle it very well. Maybe sharing this will help someone and I hope it encourages someone to go their own way, while taking care of their physical and mental health. Hope everyone who made it to end has a great day and is doing well. 😊

Maggie, I listened to this the night you put it out and knew I wanted answer it but wasn't sure how much to share. I am ready now. Several years ago I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's and things went down hill from there. A few months went by and I started having some pretty debilitating neurologic issues.The neurologist put me through the gamut of tests; you know, the ones where they use these probes and shock you all over your arms and legs, if that wasn't enough he then used these needles and put them deep into your muscles and have you flex them with the needle in them. Then there were all of the physical exams and blood work. I swear they took nearly a pint that day. Oh, and then the MRI of my brain and neck. Then came the sleep study. All in all, I was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in bilaterally inter legs and both bilaterally in the arms, sleep apnea, bilateral carpal tunnel, and chronic sinusitis. I think that was it for the neurological side. I started taking Cimbalta, which helped for a while with the peripheral neuropathy. Fast forward about 6 or seven months and I was having some GI issues, minor compared to Chrons and Colitis. It got to the point that I couldn't go anywhere due to the diarrhea (really just liquid and some blood) and the frequency of it. Yeh, what fun which I think you can relate to. I finally went to the Emergency room because my primary physician wanted to try all these other things and one afternoon I just couldn't take it anymore. Initially being quarantined because of the possibility of CDiff. Then a slew of tests including more blood and imaging. My white blood count was high, O2 low, low iron, and I really don't remember the other tests or results. They sent me home with some meds and said that I needed to be scheduled for a colonoscopy as soon as possible. That was fun because it appeared that the soonest I could get in was three months down the road and that was just for an initial consult. I was trying to schedule anywhere up to 100 miles away. My wife was more frustrated than me and called my primary physician and said the ER doctor said it needed to be done as soon as possible. He personally made some calls and got me an appointment for 3 days later. As you know, the prep is always fun. I'm not sure I really understood it since for the previous 2 months, all I had was liquid coming out, but I did it anyway. I had the colonoscopy and the Doctor said that he didn't see anything, but did take a bunch of biopsies. He said we would talk after the biopsies came back. There was no sign of Chrons or UC, but several of the biopsies were confirmed to be Microscopic Colitis. He started treating me for that, then it felt like after a few appointments that he was no longer interested in my case and pawned my off to a PA, who was nice enough but kept contradicting herself and I was not comfortable with her. Don't get me wrong, I usually see a lot of PA's and NP's; intact at my Neurologist's office I prefer seeing the NP over the doctor. In my book, Nurses, NP's, and DO's treat the person as a whole instead of the MD and PA mentality of just treating the disease. I'm not saying they are wrong, but I prefer the former. Long story short, I switched to a DO GI Doctor up in Maryland and still go to him now. When I switched to him, he said he couldn't treat the microscopic colitis because the previous doctor never sent him the records after several requests. He also said that it sounds more like IBS and has treated me that way for a year. He even had me see a diatician and do the Low FODMAP diet. No, it didn't work or help. I have given it a year with no change for the better. At my next appointment, I am planning to readdress the microscopic colitis. During this year he has also done the scope from the top down and determined that I have issues with GERD, Acid Reflux, and has been confirmed that I have Barrett's Esophagus. The short answer to you question is that yes, I believe that IBS is used as a catchall when they can't find anything concrete. I am sorry for the long post, but I wanted to give it perspective and my 3 year journey so far has been quite eventful. I have probably inadvertently left out a few of the diagnoses.

I was diagnosed with IBS years ago. I've been on lexapro for the past 45 days and it has helped so much with the IBS...among other things.

was misdiagnosed with IBS for years until they found my pancreas issues.

I was diagnosed with IBS with constipation but now it turning out to be both. I also have MS which changes my entire immune system so I don’t doubt that it will effect my gut eventually. Had to have my surgery rescheduled for next Friday so your videos have helped me to be prepared for surgery with your is you’re having ostomy surgery playlist. It is hard when you have to take medication for illnesses but in the long run we always have to outweigh the pros and cons from medication. Thank you, Maggie for giving us insight, really appreciate it

I was given an IBS-D diagnosis 6 years ago because my doctors couldn't find any explanation for my symptoms. Thank you for clarifying the difference between IBS and IBD!

Thank you so much for this video! I started having GI symptoms around the time my cousin was diagnosed with IBD. My inflammatory markers were up as well, which led my doctor to refer me to GI. I was evaluated for IBD, but all came back negative. Fast forward to last month, I was finally properly diagnosed and placed on Humira for my psoriatic arthritis. I’ve noticed that the Humira is not only already helping with my psoriatic arthritis, but almost all of my IBS symptoms have resolved since I started on it. Makes me wonder a little bit. PS - Thank you for all of your Humira videos! You really helped me through all of my anxieties!

Thank you so much for this video! I have both IBD (Crohns) and IBS and forever have people saying "but I thought you said you had IBD!" My IBS presents as very forceful spasms that were visible during some of my tests. I have terrible dysphagia from it and have to "hard swallow" frequently. I've not met anyone with IBS as a sole diagnosis who has those symptoms.

I had so many of those symptoms and I am SO grateful my doctor didn’t use the IBS scapegoat. It turned out to be Stage 3b Colon Cancer. These symptoms have to be thoroughly examined.

Thank you for helping us understand that we are not alone.

Currently I am diagnosed with ibs, and I definitely feel like doctors use it a lot of the time to dismiss patients. It is supposed to be a diagnosis of exclusion, and I 'supposed to be' because a lot of doctors won't do more than one test, if any at all. They refuse to go through the process of ruling out all other causes. I've had to fight for over a year to get even a few tests done, even with a family history if crohn's and other ibd's along with symptoms that match crohn's and not ibs. It's infuriating! And once a doctor says those three letters "IBS" they won't do much to help you

@pennysue8849

3 жыл бұрын

Yes I also have IBS (D) I got no information the pain is excruciating, I will go for weeks where everything even water just goes right threw me so I'm dehydrated, I can lose as much as 15 lbs or more in a few weeks and my diet is so restricted there is hardly anything thst dosn't upset it ,go to the doctor they give me some pills that help for a while then its cyce after cycle its exhausting and I'm not given any answers or advice it's like its nothing, it can get scary

Definitely right about your comment of some doctors over using the diagnosis of IBS because they don’t want to take the time in investigating further and like you say they have seen it all before. A gastroenterologist diagnosed me with IBS 3 years ago and told me it was all in my head. My general practitioner was fuming about his attitude so requested a second opinion. Turns out I had Gastroparesis and if I had continued without the right treatment I would have ended up with a permanent feeding tube.

I have IBS! I’m so glad you’re covering this !

I was diagnosed with IBS several years ago and I totally agree that it is just an easy diagnosis to throw around. I'm deciding to reach out to a new GI doctor to investigate further because there has to be something going on that they haven't discovered yet. My last doctor did so many tests and imaging but we fell short in finding answers to why I was so miserable. I started having issues after getting a bad stomach bug in my freshman year of high school and nothing has been the same sense.

I have IBS, gosh I hoped for a diagnosis of Crohn's or colitis when i had my colonoscopy. I was at the point where I couldn't work because I was in so much pain, nauseated, having to go to the bathroom, bleeding regularly but not a freakin thing was found. No even taken 30mg of codine twice a day would stop me pooping, So frustrating.

@kalexis6484

3 жыл бұрын

This! And I don’t ever want to seem like I wish I was diagnosed with such heavy things - but it sucks so much to not have actual proof of pain to help target it. I have such horrible headaches/ migraines and chronic dizziness so many things that become really hard to navigate daily life and - I was expecting answers in an mri. And nothing - nothing :/

I have IBS and have since I was 5 year old or younger. I do not remember not having problems of one sort or another.. In grammar school I spent many hours curled up on the nurse's cot having stomach cramps. I gave had three intestinal bleeds, one landed me in the hospital for three days. I have had flare ups that lasted months and I lost a lot of weight. At times I had all three forms of IBS but now in old age it is mostly IBS-C. But a couple of times a month it reverts a to another form. Nausea and vomiting are periodic occurrences. My mother had very bad Chrones. My daughter has IBS but milder. My sister's baby was born with bloody stools. I don't know what her situation is as an adult. Whatever is going on in my family it seems to be genetic. I've lived my life with this and it recurrs frequently and unexpectedly. One minute I feel great and an hour later I am bloated, gassy, nauseated, frequently vomit and then have multiple, bouts of diarrhea. IBS is no joke and it can be aggravated by emotions but not caused by them. Over my lifetime I have never had a time when I could count on a normal life for a solid month without one symptom or another.

I was diagnosed with ibs about 15 years ago, from that I went on to develop symptoms of ms and epilepsy to find out a year ago I have a functional neurology disorder which affects all parts of my body, so I would say your correct, it’s a disconnect and can happen with any process/parts of the body. So in theory, it can mimic all conditions and symptoms of ibd, without having any of the primary diseases. It’s very scary at the time, not having a reason and it has to be investigated as though it is caused by disease to determine that it isn’t. However when you look at it overall, from someone that suffers from it, it’s fascinating that our bodies can react and give the impression parts of it are suffering/diseased, without any obvious reason as to why.

As always, a very informative and clear presentation! Thanks. Mentioning fibromyalgia and IBS both as functional disorders is of further help. Actually, there is more and more thought that these and many other functional disorders are more neurological than auto-immune. Signals/triggers cause very intense reactions which in turn release very potent chemicals and neurotransmitters/modulators to many of the systems in the body. Hives/rashes, IBS, OAB and fibromyalgia are just some examples of the results of this process. I've been learning more about Mast Cell Activation Syndrome which may explain this cascade effect and explains my having so many chronic yet seemingly unrelated issues. Intuitively it makes so much sense to me.

@kimc555

3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. I think because something doesn’t overtly present on a scan or visible to the naked eye, it’s sort of brushed off. Fibromyalgia was unrecognized by segments of the medical field for decades.

Love you and your videos. You explain everything so well.. Thank you Maggie for your amazing videos. It gives me a much better understanding of Crohn's which my son has.

My observation in friends that have been diagnosed with a functional disorder is that what the doctor means is it’s all in their head. In other words they have a mental health issue. They start calling it functional when it happens to enough people they can’t just keep referring them to a counselor. The people I know realize this and aren’t happy about it.

Yes you summed up ibs correctly. They have no idea what and why..

Since you mentioned off-label uses of anti-depressants... My hepatologist recently prescribed one for itching! I never would have expected that! In addition to IBD, I have a rare autoimmune bile duct/liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis or PSC that causes my bile ducts to narrow and scar. (Related aside: for whatever the reason, most PSC patients, including me, also have IBD!) As I understand it, back up in bile flow can lead to itching, which I stared experiencing more in the past year. Apparently some PSCers who took this med for its traditional use also noticed an improvement in itching and subsequent studies confirmed their observations. I really don't know why that works, but I think it's kind of cool!

It took doctors 8 years to find out I am fructose intolerant... and even then, it was rather my diagnose. Until then they considered it was psychological related and that I should simply eat what I can... There were some fun 8 years....

I think this video was more informative than my GI has ever been! I saw one gastro for 10 years who ran a few tests and just gave me the blanket IBS answer with a shrug. I was in the ER with horrible pain 3 times and was sent home with hydrocodone or oxycodone and he still just said he didn’t know the cause. The fourth time it happened, I wound up in the ER three times in a week, with them finally admitting me because morphine wasn’t even touching the pain. I got a new GI and a ton more tests and found out I had terminal ileitis. They’re still not 100% sure if it’s Crohns or not, but I have vitamin deficiencies, my blood work consistently shows inflammation, but my symptoms do tend to be food-related so they just don’t know for sure. I also have a history of stomach cancer, Crohns, and diverticulitis in my family so odds are I’m going to end up with one of those. My new GI is awesome and is trying meds and treatments that the previous GI wouldn’t bother with because he just told me to eat better, so I’m doing much better since I dumped that guy! Like you said, it can be so hard to diagnose and figure out IBS/IBD, so I think just finding a doctor who understands and supports you, and will do whatever they can to help is so important. They might still have trouble figuring out how to label me, but I’m confident that they’re doing everything they can to help me feel the best I can. Love your content, thank you for being so open and vulnerable about what can be a very personal and uncomfortable topic!!

IBS does seem like an “I dont know why you are experiencing these symptoms” diagnosis. I was “diagnosed” more that 20 years ago. I know some of the causes of episodes, so i can avoid foods and actions that trigger attacks. I dont take medication except during attacks, and those are otc. Thank goodness. Im sure other people suffer significantly from the condition. IBD sounds very painful and life altering. You are so brave to share your experience to help others! Thank you for sharing your story and knowledge. 🥰

Good day! I have And been officially diagnosed with IBS m. Mostly C but if I have to resort to laxative It usually causes D. I have recently found that if I drink a little whiskey instead of laxative I have better BM and not so watery. The whiskey doesn't hurt or cause pain. So I will continue. GBY. Thank you. Jim

Yes! I was lactose intolerant, then I got this cocktail of needs for my depression and anxiety and now I can have dairy to my heart's content! It did make me a bit on the constipated side, but I'll take that over the abdominal pain and extremely loose stools.

I was actually diagnosed in the ER with IBS-D. I had been in pain with these crippling (laying on my left side, tears rolling down my face, gritting my teeth) spasms throughout my colon for literally months. They put me in the gynecological room and had me do an x-ray. On that my entire colon was spasming all at once. They gave me a week of dicyclomine and instructed me to go to my PCP who gave me a prescription. It was just a relief to have something that worked with the pain. In flare ups, I have actually lost weight. I dropped more than 5lbs in 2 weeks. Nothing would stay in. I was malnourished. I got dehydrated. I lived off protein shakes and pedialyte. Everything made me sick. Now I can prevent that with kaopectate. I might as well buy stock in it. 😑

After suffering for the last year with what I believe is IBS, only to have my doctors just shrug because all my test results are “perfect”, this video makes me feel validated. I’ve been trying to manage my symptoms on my own and am making progress, but no matter what I eat or what I do, I’m still at least pain level 2 or 3 every day. Running out of ideas and have already changed doctors twice.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. By the way, you look gorgeous!

Cool cool Maggie about IBD and about IBS)

Maggie you have got it bang on about IBS... it should be looked into more

I was just diagnosed with IBS-m but because I have Crohn's they are too scared to give me any medications to help regulate it so its basically diet regulated no pain medication helps

YOU ARE 💯 RIGHT ABOUT THE SCAPEGOAT WITH IBS.

Yes! I have IBS-D symptoms and have been handling it with amitriptyline for 8 years. But, I don't actually have the diagnosis because my doctor and I know it's mostly anixiety for me. It's awful, but IBS can be caused by so many things and the label doesn't help nail those down.

They told me my symptoms are of colitis/crohns but since I was in the ER and was diagnosed by my doctor or specialist they sent me home with medicine for IBS to handle the symptoms.

you look so beautiful love the blu shirt thank you for sharing yes there is a big difference i have colitis and ibs no fun another great video

You’re 100000% correct about the scapegoat thing. My GI doctor just threw that at me at 10 years ago and wrote me a prescription for Zoloft. I’ve been dealing with the symptoms of IBDC for over 13 years. I was recently was diagnosed with inflammation in my stomach and esophagus and erosion in the lining of my throat due to chronic back up. It’s seems super insignificant to most people but it’s INCREDIBLY cumbersome. 😤 Also, as supposed to IBD doctors tend to think IBS is more physiological/psychological than genetic. Where IBD is diagnosed as an autoimmune disease IBS can be linked to stress that is carried in the gastrointestinal tract.

Can you please make a video about perianal abscesses, not a whole lot of info on them and doctor's dont really have any advice either. Thank you so much

I was diagnosed with a severe variant of IBS in my early 20's (I'm 43 now) I have symptoms more in line with IBD (weight loss, bleeding, mucus and diarrohea) along with a lot of abdominal pain and some inflammation in the colon. However, biopsies all came back negative for everything they tested for and although I was really struggling, (I was 2 1/2 stone underweight) I was sent home and told to just not worry about it! IBS isn't always taken seriously sadly.

I was diagnosed last year, SLOW TRANSIT COLON. I don't know what group it belongs more to.

Hello I have a stoma where a bit of my appendix is taken out and stitched on the out side of my skin but for some reason I love watching IBD it’s kinda weird

@sunflowerrosem.8651

3 жыл бұрын

A bit of your appendix is taken out and stitched to your skin on the outside? What??? 🤔

I just got diagnosis with IBS but not Crohn's at this time thank u for all these videos

@aleesharenea8565

3 жыл бұрын

Crohns is IBD which cause more problems than Ibs. I have Ulcerative colitis so I'm considered having IBD

IBS is absolutely a scapegoat or generalized diagnosis when they can't figure out what's wrong with people and it's so frustrating. People suffer for years and years with a generalized diagnosis of IBS. That diagnosis doesn't help someone find quality of life and relief and it's frustrating and really takes a toll on one's life.

I'm an IBS patient, but during my endoscopy they found inflammation in my stomach and my esophagus. They found high levels of calprotectin, and I had an extremely low iron count. I lost 30 pounds unintentionally. That all happened here in Cambodia where there are not as many tests available, and there's often not much education here on diseases that don't affect many Asian countries. Even a lot of US doctors are still learning more and more about IBS and IBD, so I think that's why a lot of patients are misdiagnosed or have no real answers. Sometimes it's also because a lot of doctors don't look at the body as a whole. Many times they look at it as individual parts, so they didn't associate my skin issues with my GI issues even though my skin issues only appeared during GI flares. That being said, I do think there is somewhat of a brain/gut connection in that we don't always react properly when we're stressed. We eat too much, eat too little, eat mostly sweets and comfort foods, do nothing, exercise too much, sleep too much, or don't sleep, and those things can have an affect on our GI tracts and immune systems.

I keep getting small bowel blockages. I’ve had a foot of bowel removed and no one can tell me why. I’m now starting to feel the symptoms again. I’m headed back to my surgeon to take the next step.

This is very insightful Maggie

I was diagnosed with IBS about 4 years ago I was very very sick for a long time & I do agree that IBS can be thrown around. I too also had endometriosis that I got in my teens very bad I was very lucky to have my son & right after they gave me a hysterectomy & I remember my doctor coming in after the surgery an said omg that was the worst I have ever seen. I get very sick a lot sometimes for days have had 6 endoscopies. So yeah sometimes I do feel the doctor will say ok IBS know go home ?!?!

I was diagnosed with IBS because my doctor was too lazy to do tests etc. I have never had a colonoscopy, scan or a stool test so how the heck do they know what it is? Only an xray which showed constipation at the time. I have a family history of Chron's disease. I also have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia because no one can be bothered investigating what the hell is wrong with me.

My weight loss well u say that I’m not gaining weight or loosing weight sometimes it goes up a little and sometimes it goes down a little just like what my appetite does it’s the same thing it fluctuates sometimes I’m very hungry sometimes I’m not

Gastrointestinal tract or GIT haha normally referred to as GI tract, and yes I do get heart burn sometimes and just down milk straight away and CALM IT THE FREAK DOWN

Ok second....hello...oh this is a good one!!! Can't wait maggie!!!!

Hi Maggie❤ great information 👍

I think it’s just appendicitis cause I get the pain in the exact same place every time and it’s like on my right side low down if that makes sense and it’s like sometimes just one pulse then that’s it, sometimes it’s several times but it always goes away and doesn’t come back for a few days at a time

I agree IBS is used when doctors can’t find evidence of anything else. Doctors often don’t take you seriously and basically just blow you off because they are busy and don’t “see” anything wrong. I have I Have such a severe case of IBS-C that a standard colonoscopy prep had no effect other than bloating me and making me sick. My normal routine was to go to the bathroom for an entire day once every two weeks, followed by a day of just pooping blood. The doctors were still not very concerned until all of the years of my colon stretching out caused it to twist into a knot. A trauma team had to piece together what was left, which still doesn’t work without high doses of medication. I don’t have an ostomy,, but I have a lot of issues and probably will need one someday. iBS is not as dangerous or debilitating as IBD, but it can be if it is ignored for a long period of time. That is why I find you so inspiring, even though I don’t have what you have or go through the things that you have gone through, I still experience a lot of bad days. Thank you for all you do to help and inspire other people.

I was having bleeding 20x daily and vomiting for 5 months before first colonoscopy and only 1 month of treatment, bowel perforated 10 days later the biopsy were sent back a few times came back all diffrent bacterial infection, microscopic colitis ,crohns , drug induced , and I am now labelled ulcerative colitis with no evidence 😫😒😔

After years of pain I've been told I have ibs and was sent home, but medications made me worse, so after another year and changing doctors, I finally got diagnosed with Crohn's, though after two years turns out I have ibs too( not fun ) but honestly it hurts when you don't get answers and feel like am I crazy or something?!

Was diagnosed with IBS decades ago. But then everything went nuclear about ten years ago, all the INS stuff but crazy nausea/vomiting, could barely eat. Test after test. A couple of years ago I felt like I was dying, I'd lost 100 lbs and I went to my 4th GI. He did an EGD and I pointed to my lesser curvature of the stomach. He biopsied the area and BAM the result was neuroendocrine cancer. It's super rare, but getting less because more people are getting EGDs. People can have asymptomatic NETs and it's found accidentally because of gall bladder disease. But people like me have crazy symptoms and it takes forever to get the diagnosis. I'm pretty sure that I've had IBS too. Oh and RA just for extra fun. Long post but I wanted to share my GI journey with you.

Many Crohn's patient's stories begin with being told they had IBS. In my case, my small bowel perforated, after years of suffering. Diagnosis: Crohn's! Since there isn't one specific test to check for IBD, especially when it's in the small bowel and not visible via colonoscopy, diagnosis involves assessing many factors. To complicate matters, since the nature of the disease is to wax and wane, test results done months after drs' appts, may not reflect inflammation that was present months earlier. Complicating things even further, is that in some areas, it's hard to find a GI knowledgeable about IBD. Best thing I ever did was travel to see a specialist.

I have wight loss, I don't have ibs but I do have musus in my stole had blood as well but my colonacapy come out fine I was deficient my white blood count was high to each time too don't no what is Wong I'm literally in pain all the time but don't know what to do

Sometimes my stool is normal sometimes diarrhoea and sometimes constipation although squatting on the toilet sorts that out instantly

I agree that IBS is a scape goat term. IBS symptoms and Ovarian cancer symptoms can be overlapping. My wife was told she had IBS for several years. In 2017 she was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer stage IIIc. She battled this cancer for 30 months before passing away. If you are a woman diagnosed with IBS please ask for a CA120 test. CA120 is a protein marker which can indicate Ovarian cancer if it is above normal. Please learn about Ovarian cancer, the earlier the stage the better your chance. Thank you

@donnaallison7462

3 жыл бұрын

If you don't mind me asking. What was your wife's symptoms?

@johnparry2918

3 жыл бұрын

@@donnaallison7462 She had the classic symptoms of bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel movements. If her internal med doc had done a CA125 test maybe it would have been found at an earlier stage. Her other observations is that OB/GYN docs are probably much more aware of ovarian cancer

It makes sense my tract is having issues because I have cerebral palsy so my muscles don’t work as well, as efficiently, as consistently as they should so every thing is slightly effected

I was told I had ibs for years I had the motility test with them 50 white ring things to swallow 3 days later I went for X-ray and there still at the start of my large intestine and he said no motility or something but now picolax doesn’t work and I’m suffering so bad with spasms I haven’t got a diagnosis yet but I think she said something about a dysmotility or something they said my GI is lazy too and if the small bowel is effected them she can’t do the same bag thing you have it doesn’t help that I don’t understand any of what he’s on about lol

Can someone (especially a young child) have IBD and not have any inflammatory markers in their blood test? My 5yo has had GI issues since birth and while he no longer has blood in his stool he is still having issues with acidic diarrhea and lots of mucus in his stools. His GI pretty much said well he doesn’t have inflammatory markers (his white blood count is always elevated and his has nutrient deficiencies even on gtube feeds of formula) so we aren’t going to run anymore tests. We tried anti diarrhea meds but then he became severely impacted because his body had never pushed out a solid stool before. It’s so frustrating not knowing how to help him and his GI not trying to help at all.

@LetsTalkIBD

3 жыл бұрын

Yes - mine have always been normal even when my colon/rectum had terrible inflammation

@miegravgaardxoxo

3 жыл бұрын

For me personally I have never had any signs of inflammation in my blood tests, even when I was at my worst.

Can any medical person tell me if dust mites can live in your scalp from a concerned Australian

Must be so difficult for those who have the same symptoms but have no reasons for really why. At the same time must be a relieef that you don't have inflamation and physical damage but just the feeling maybe something is seriously wrong, no one will believe me or am I just imagining thibgs must be really hard. I didn't actually know that there was a difference and that not everyone have any evidence of inflammation.

I use my sense of human and lack of decency to make light of my IBS. Although not always the case... My most common trigger is fried/oily foods. Like clockwork, within 30-45 minutes my gut will start tensing and I'll get shooting pains which goes on for 5-10 minutes until I'm stuck on the toilet for an hour of convulsive diarrhea. But again it's often triggered by other foods as well and fried foods don't always trigger it either. It's so freaking weird. It also can happen when I haven't eaten... I'll just randomly get severe diarrhea. There have been multiple occasions when I've been driving somewhere and had to stop upwards of 5 times to use the bathroom.

It makes me SO mad when doctors and nurses think IBD/IBS are the same thing!

I have both Crohn’s and Ibs. I have discerned both of these to a tea. Even when crp and esr is normal I DEMAND faecal calprotecin test. And bingo Crohn’s flare. I don’t take the nonsense from drs but thoroughly enjoy Sauk g I told u so then tell gi or gp ibs does not make me lose 1kg in 1 week with severe nausea and severe pain. Seriously. Just because bloods look great does not mean not Crohn’s flare. I told my gp need to people at WHOLE clinical picture not just one pet of it such as bloods. Gosh it’s soooo frustrating at times. For me low FODMAP, low fat, low sugar and low caffeine helps immensely for both conditions. And low residue during flare and een aswell. For me the diets help to stop diet and the symptoms of Crohn’s also. Specialists not use to it but it’s normal for me. I know doesn’t tattoo the inflammation as only meds do but it’s great to do own tests at times and joy wait for blood results. Eg if I take a couple of bites of cake or fat and then I wait a few hours I can tell ASAP if Crohn’s or ibs. It’s wonderful to have that self knowledge. Also when I’m in remission from Crohn’s I get severe post infectious ibs due to Crohn’s flare. Just no winning. Also had sibo and mild endometriosis also. But am so proud of myself for acquiring self knowledge

It is interesting that you said IBS is often diagnosed after a long medical journey. My husband was diagnosed during a his first visit with a new PCP. He explained his symptoms, she pushed on his stomach, and proscribed him medication. Should I push to have this further explored?

@LetsTalkIBD

3 жыл бұрын

If he is not improving, then definitely explore further!

I just had a colonoscopy a few days ago because I have constipation/diarrhoea, some stomach aches and 1 or 2 times a year terrible painful cramps where I get hot and cold flashes and start shaking while sitting on the toilet moaning into a towel in pain. Then I get awful diarrhoea. The first few times I thought I ate something wrong/bad but the last time I didn't eat that much and nothing unusual. During the colonoscopy the doctor didn't find anything but he took samples and said when there is something he'll call me. He also gave me a prescription for ibs meds to try out and see if they help. If yes, good and if no I have to see which foods cause it and reduce those (because that's easily done)

How or what can be done to stop the intestinal cramps? I feel like I have a charlie horse in my intestines and have found no relief.