“Lower abdominal pain”
I have been having lower abdominal pain on the left side. I have been diagnosed with ibs 5 years ago that flares up when im stressed or anxious. this all started after i was sick with a cold and found a inflamed lymph node that has since gone away. But do to me getting fixated and anxious about the lymph node my ibs has flared up. It started with spasming and loose stool, now im currently having constipation and sharp to dull aches in my stomach on the left side, mainly when i sit down or lay down. I was wondering what i can do to help calm this flare up. I have also started to lose a little bit of weight (Three pounds over three weeks) but im not sure if this is due to my stomach issue or my increase in exercise, i have been walking anywhere from 25-30 miles a week. Just wondering if this is something i should go to a ER or Urgent care for, or if theres something i can do to try to calm down this flare up.
I had a colonoscopy a year ago that came back clean.
I had a colonoscopy a year ago that came back clean.
Male | 29 years old
Complaint duration: about 1 month
Medications: Dicyclomine
Conditions: IBS
2 Answers
It sounds like you have fairly good insight into your symptoms. You are certainly doing a good job in terms of the exercise. Exercise has been shown to help symptoms of IBS. I also see that you have been prescribed dicyclomine (Bentyl). Dicyclomine usually works quite well for lower abdominal cramping. You can take 1 tablet every 6 hours as needed. You could also take 2 at a time if needed. Just be aware that this can potentially make your constipation worse.I would also add a fiber supplement of your choice, whether it be a fiber powder like Metamucil, or a fiber bar, high-fiber cereal, fiber capsules, or gummies. Choose one that you can commit to taking every day. If constipation is a problem, I would suggest Miralax 1 capful in a full glass of water daily, if adding the fiber is not enough. Miralax is a laxative and not a fiber supplement, as my patients often think. Adding a probiotic can also be quite helpful. Culturelle, Florastor, Align, Phillips Digestive Health, and EnVive, are all good options. Lastly, avoiding dairy can be helpful for abdominal cramping, as many people have lactose intolerance.
If you continue to have problems, follow up with your doctor.
If you continue to have problems, follow up with your doctor.
You should avoid going to the ER for IBS. You are taking dicyclomine so you either need to take it more often, TID, or switch to another antispasmodic like Levsin or Levbid. Also, take a laxative like Dulcolax or Miralax during periods of constipation.
