IBS and dryness

[vtmommy]

I'm currently undiagnosed and one diagnosis that's coming to the surface among my doctors is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).  They're saying it pretty much makes everything dry and this would explain most of my issues.  I've had IBS since I was 16 and was able to keep it under control by avoiding my "trigger" foods.  In December of 2010 after a Strep Throat infection, I started getting my lymph node swelling and then some bowel issues that led up to getting my gallbladder removed.  My bowel issues have gotten better since then (ie. going from 3 straight weeks of D to only 1 or 2 times per week), so I'm having a hard time believing IBS is the root cause of my issues.

Some incidental findings from my last appointment were low iron/iron saturation and low vitamin D.  I read up on those and they could explain the dryness, fatigue and joint pain as well.  So, is it possible all of my health issues are caused by low iron and a vitamin D deficiency?  Could it be that simple and "curable?"  Is it just a coincidence that I've developed Raynaud's phenomenon?  Should I just ignore my periodic lymph node swelling and pain underneath my jaw?  My flares are getting farther and farther apart, so I'm feeling less inclined to continue my "fight" for another diagnosis.  Thoughts?

[cargillwitch]

you seem to have similar symptoms that I have- the IBS diagnosis came prior to my sjogrens. It also seems to stay under control as long as I keep strictly to my diet.
I also wonder at times if my fatigue would be lifted if i could only get out from under my constant iron  / magnesium deficiencies.
But I have to accept that the swollen glands, crazy dry eyes and mouth are growing worse  and really don't fit  with anything save sjogrens.
The Raynuads I have had since my teens.
How are your eyes and mouth? if they aren't suffering perhaps you may indeed not have sjogrens but another AI process simmering.

[jazzlover]

Yes, how are your eyes?

My "IBS" is really candida/yeast... and it's all OK as long as I stay away from starches and sugars. I'm also gluten intolerant. Your IBS could be related to gluten. IF you are a celiac, you can become anemic from that.

Have you tried B12 shots? I would definitely supplement with D-3.

[WildThing]

I got 'IBS' and  a weak/irritable bladder around the time I got Sjogrens also. 

[Scottietottie]

Hi vtmommy 

Low iron and low vitD could certainly make you feel extremely exhausted and cause aching. Even if it didn't sort everything out you would probably feel better than you do right now if you get the levels up to what they should be!!

Take care - scottie 

[prunella]

Is IBS really  a meaningful Dx, or a description of symptoms, cause unknown?  I have been Dx'd with IBS by my rheumy, who does not think he can treat it.

I have chosen dietary modifications with pretty good results, although occasional inexplicable indigestion.
I still want to know the cause(s.)   

I agree with vitamin D3. I take 4,000 gm/day.

And fish oil definitely helps with dryness, which may contribute to weird bowel stuff--although I have only my own experience to support that.  Find a kind with no after taste. Read reviews on-line before ordering.

beth

[jazzlover]

I think there can be many causes... I would suspect Candida first and Gluten Intolerance second.

[gurs]

Yes, trying to figure out IBS is a zillion dollar question. Everyone I know has pretty much some form of IBS. My mother has it and she is super healthy, but hers is stress related. Ive had Sjogrens all my life and my stomach issues are horrid, like most of us. I used to think when I was young that I was just constipated all the time, but actually, it was the gastroparesis already kicking in.

Its amazing how foods and medications can also contribute. I just started cutting down on my bread, and my stomach seems a bit better already. Im guessing the gluten thing, even though I dont test positive for celiac. I also noticed I cant handle diary anymore either. Things change overnight. You might not think you have issues with certain foods, when you really do.

Yes, the yeast thing is a big thing. I take so many supplements for this..its crazy! Have you had all your hormones checked? thyroid?
Sounds like SS to me though.

good luck..its sooo hard to figure out.

[Winnie]

I have done searches that indicate that good immunity occurs mainly in the "gut" and if your gut is off then you are vulnerable of getting autoimmune problems.  My naturopath says that healing the gut is vital to good health, unfortunately, the medical community that treats me does not agree. I have had IBS since 13 and I wish someone would have taken me seriously then.  My parents were going through a divorce and stress was always the blame for all my problems.  I look back at the rashes that I had and the stomach problems and think "How could they miss it?"

Check into getting food allergy testing done.  It may show you more than you think.  I don't believe it is a cure for dryness, but I can only hope that it could slow down disease in general. 

Winnie

[vtmommy]

Thanks for all of your replies! 

I was officially diagnosed with dry eyes earlier this year which was bad enough to be put on Restasis.  My dry mouth is getting worse and today I have my weekly discomfort/swelling underneath my jaw.  I've been tested for celiac and was negative.  I had tried to go gluten-free, but it's extremely difficult for me (didn't even last a day), so I've told myself I'm only going to go that route if a doctor suggests it.  I eat bread all of the time and my flares and bowel issues don't coincide with my gluten intake.  I will however talk to my doctor about getting some food allergy testing. 

How do they check for candida/yeast? 

My B12 level was fine, so I think I'm okay there. 

I have a follow-up appointment with my local gastro doc next month, so I'll discuss the food allergy testing with her as well as maybe having her check some of my other vitamins and magnesium.  My last appointment with her, she just told me "I think it's IBS, so just avoid those foods that cause your symptoms."  So helpful. 

[jazzlover]

Winnie... Celiacs get rashes as part of the gluten intolerance.

vt... There are tests for candida.. but the best way to find out is to modify your diet and see if you feel better!!