Could I have IBS?

[parrynoid]

I have had a crampy stomach for the last 4 -5 days, diarrhea for the last 3 days, I thought I may have a little mucus in my stool as well.  I am not familiar with IBS, but do know that my symptoms are heightened when my anxiety gets worse.  Problem is that these are the symptoms that are making me nervous, so it just feels like an uphill battle.  I am worried it is ovarian cancer or something and I am dismissing it as IBS.  How long do IBS bouts last and is there anything I can do to soothe my stomach?

Does anxiety actually cause IBS?  I have always had tummy issues, but it seems a bit more pronounced now that my anxiety is worse.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Rocket90]

Anxiety can be a major factor in IBS.  IBS and anxiety go hand-in-hand.  I think that based on what you have stated, I would go with IBS as a cause.  If the symptoms persist, I would schedule an appt with your PCP to dig deeper into the issue with your stomach.  A few simple tests could excluse major disease as the culprit.  This may put your mind at ease.

[Kathie]

I've had IBS for years.  It can be quite troublesome and painful but it will pass.  Try to eliminate foods that make it worse (the usual suspects: alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine even things like broccoli).  Especially while going through a bout of IBS.  Drink lots of water and increase fiber.  What that will do is get "things" moving along.  Bouts can last a long time but knowing that it's IBS can help get you through a bout.  And yes, anxiety definitely increases the times you will suffer from IBS.  The good news:  it's not life threatening.  A pain the the rear, no pun intended, but it will pass in time.  When you are going through a bout just be kind to your tummy and it will respond.

Hope this helps.

Kathie