I know it's more than IBS...

by Ashley Ann
(Cincinnati, Ohio)

Two years ago I started having symptoms of bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation, all after eating food.

I lost a considerable amount of weight because I wasn't able to eat food without feeling terrible. At that exact time, I also found out I had infectious mononucleosis and had also become lactose intolerant.

All of this happened within a matter of months, even though before I had been perfectly healthy and strong. Since then, I have been diagnosed twice with IBS, but I'm not convinced that is what is causing all of my symptoms. I still have all of the same symptoms, but now I am constantly fatigued, have no stamina, was told by my dentist that the enamel on my teeth is eroding and my gum line receding, I feel depressed and moody (all the time), seem to catch every cold/flu/sinus infection, recently started having a strange tingling sensation in my arms and legs, etc., etc.


The symptoms could go on forever, but my doctor keeps saying it's IBS. My mother also has IBS (or she thinks she does) but I don't know of anyone in my family who is gluten intolerant or who has Celiacs. Multiple people have told me to get tested for it, but my doctor won't even entertain the idea. He tested me for anemia (which I don't have) and my thyroid is normal. I was thinking about starting a gluten free diet just to see how I feel, but I'm a bit hesitant. Any words of advice would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Ashley Ann