Pregnant and recently diagnosed w/ IBS
#316690 - 10/15/07 01:11 PM
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Hi-
I'm new here and have read the pregnancy and IBS info but wanted to see what more information I could get from posting.
Here's a short background:
After my son's birth 21 months ago I started experiencing bowel urgency, some bowel incontinence, and loose stools. I figured it had to do with the antibiotics I received during delivery, stool softeners I received after, and the stress of the birth (which was a wonderful, unmedicated, birth although I did receive an episiotomy). Over a year later the problem had only gotten worse...I was completely embarrassed by it which is why I let it go on for so long. The doctor I saw this past spring diagnosed pelvic floor dysfunction and a small defect in my external anal sphincter. She referred me to a GI doctor for the loose stools.
In July I found out I am pregnant again (I'm now 15 weeks). Around 8 weeks my stools returned to normal and I'm no longer having the problems I was having before. I saw the GI doc about 2 weeks ago and she diagnosed IBS and told me that it's common after pregnancy and may or may not return once I've given birth again.
I'm terrified of having the issues I had after my son. The doctors are recommending a c-section to help avoid more pelvic floor dysfunction (I want to avoid a c-section but that's a whole other issue!) but I think that if the IBS symptoms don't return the pelvic floor won't even be an issue.
I guess what I'm looking for is experiences, thoughts, ideas from other people who have experienced an onset of IBS following a pregnancy and delivery. Any input would be greatly appreciated!
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Congratulations to you! I can sort of relate - I have suffered w/IBS-D since I was 18 (I'm now 30). With me it comes and goes every few years. For the past 3 or 4 years I've been fine, but since the birth of my baby (she just turned 1 in Sept) the IBS is back. You can't stop it from returning, so try not to get too worried b/c that can aggravate it. Try & get adequate sleep and I cannot stress exercise enough. If in fact it does come back for lack of better words - you'll have to get through it. I have only been on this diet for about 3 weeks or so but it really does help tremendously. There are ways to deal with it if it comes back! Good luck to you!
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