Are you living with both IBS AND endometriosis?
Many women living with endometriosis also suffer from GI issues. And a lot of these GI issues from endometriosis, are similar, if not identical, to those of IBS.
Please join in on this conversation! Our community would love to learn & hear more about your journey.
What has your experience been?
- Which symptoms do you experience?
- Did you have to push/advocate for yourself to explore having both?
- Were you diagnosed with endo or IBS first?
- At what age were you diagnosed?
- Have you found any treatments, therapies or lifestyle changes that have helped one and/or both conditions?
- How are you doing now?
- Do you live with any other health conditions or diseases?
Please share anything you would like about life with endo & IBS.
Thanks for reaching out @EngineeredOptimism (I love your username btw). All I can say is that I feel you. Your symptoms are very similar to mine, and I hope that the laparoscopy can provide you with the answers you so need. A colonoscopy is also a good step. I am sorry you’ve been living with these symptoms, they can be so disrupting, and exhausting. Like you, working from home suits my body just fine. I wish you good luck and tons of good health. Thanks so much for sharing those resources you mention with this community.
Remember we exist to help you, so reach out whenever you need 😀 – Jessie (team member)
Hi there @engineeredoptimism. Thank you so much for sharing and reaching out to us. I relate to your story, way too much. The diarrhea and constipation back and forth is exhausting. I am on the LOWFODMAP now and have cut out the crazy things like garlic, etc and not too sure if that is even helping. I have had two colonoscopies' in the past but both came out clear. Wondering if maybe it is time for another one. I just know there is something more going on right now. We know our bodies and know when something is just not right.
That certainly is a blessing that has come out of this virus. Being able to work from home and deal with everything in the comfort of your own privacy may not make it better, but it does make it a bit easier.
Thank you so much for sharing that app as well. I will definitely be checking it out. I am so sorry you have been living with with these symptoms though and no answers. I truly hope the laparoscopy provides you with answers and also much needed relief.
Please know we are here for you. So reach out to us anytime you may need. Hugs <3 -Kimberli (Team Member)
Draining (literally) for sure dear @Engineeredoptimism. Thank you so much for your kind words though. Hoping for some answers soon as well. I hear you on the LOWFODMAP. I just don't know what other diet approach to really try anymore.
The app is amazing! I downloaded it as soon as I responded to your comment! Grateful for this space and awesome warriors like yourself.
Thank you again for your kind words. Hope you are doing well and having a great week. Hugs <3 -Kimberli (Team Member)
Im 37 this year. Always had very heavy and painful periods but just thought it was normal. Always had regular periods and could manage the pain with over the counter pain killers. Although I did need to use codeine based medications during my 20's. In my late 20's IBS symptoms became more prominent for me. I eventually went to my GP at about 29. They told me to stay way from foods that caused irritation. At 33, I was having diarrhoea every time I ate so I stopped eating breakfast and lunch so I wouldn't have to use the toilet in work. I finally got referred to a gastro specialist and tested positive for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and IBS. After medication for the SIBO my symptoms became more manageable. At 34 we decided it was time to start trying for a baby. After a year of trying I went to my gp (male) who told me to have more intercourse and set me on my way. Nothing happened for about a 6 months. Covid kicked in and all fertility clinics closed in Ireland for about 6 months. So I self referred when they opened as my gp was no help. Went for some tests and scans. A chocolate cyst was detected which suggested endometriosis. I had a laparoscopy in Nov 2020. Results showed levels 5 endo and 9cm cyst on my left ovary. Tried a few rounds of IUI in 2021 with no success. I noticed changes in my monthly cycle during the latter endo of 2021. Went back to the fertility clinic to start ivf in Jan 2022. They scanned and found another cyst on my ovary and referred me back for another laparoscopy which I had yesterday. My left fallopian tube was removed as it was badly infected, scar tissue joining my womb and bowels together was removed and extensive endo spots removed again.
In regards to managing the IBS I find staying away from refined carbohydrates and anything with a strong flavour or thick texture such as onions, leeks, celery, the cabbage family, garlic, soya sauce and aubergine. Im sure there is plenty more that I can't think or right now 🤔
As for the endometriosis, they only thing i know to use to manage the pain, is over the counter pain killers which cause the IBS to flare up so its a catch 22 🙄🙄
Every step of my journey with IBS and endo, I have had to self educate myself before going to any appointments as I have felt like I was fobbed off a lot and given too little information or misinformation.
Its been an intense two years. Hoping the next few years will be easier!
