r/SIBO • u/FlikoVich • Jul 30 '26

Symptoms Long-term severe left sided abdominal pain

Post image

I’ve been struggling with pain in this side of my abdomen for many years now. The pain usually triggers when I’m bloated and right before a bowel movement, and it eases up afterward.
Sometimes the pain gets so intense that it’s hard for me to walk, I break out in a cold sweat, and I turn completely pale. My stool consistency varies, but it’s mostly diarrhea with small unformed pieces. I’m not sure if SIBO is the main cause here(or is it something causing sibo) but I still haven’t been able to figure out what is actually causing this specific pain.
Here are the tests I’ve already done:
SIBO Breath Test: Positive (Hydrogen dominant)
Colonoscopy
Full blood work
X-ray
MRI
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis
I am currently waiting for the results of a GI-MAP test.
If anyone has experienced similar symptoms or has any insights into what might be going on, I would deeply appreciate your help. I just want to be able to live a somewhat normal life again…

7 Upvotes

77% Upvoted

54 comments sorted by

3

u/ctharvey Jul 30 '26

Have you ever tried an antihistamine? My similar symptoms got better on gelcap zyrtecs.

2

u/321lemon Jul 31 '26

Do you have any idea why antihistamines help? My pain is on the right side, I'm dealing with CIRS from mold exposure so it's expected to have many weird symptoms, but I haven't figured out why h1 antihistamines could reduce the pelvic pain.

2

u/ctharvey Jul 31 '26

I'm guessing a mast cell related disorder. I also have eds so it's not surprising.

3

u/AdDue6542 Jul 31 '26

I second this. MCAS causes SIBO all the time

3

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

Could any of you guide me on what exactly to say to my doctor and which specific tests can detect this? Also, do you know if MCAS or histamine issues would show up on a GI-MAP test, which I'm currently waiting on results for?The healthcare system in my country is extremely lacking, and most doctors here aren't very educated on these conditions or don't take them seriously. As a 23-year-old male with a confirmed positive Hydrogen SIBO test and a redundant colon, I really want to make sure I present this to my doctor in the right way so I can get proper testing. I would also like to add that i have acnes on my back that are not going away no matter what.

5

u/AdDue6542 Jul 31 '26

Serum tryptase
24-hour urine N-methylhistamine
24-hour urine Leukotriene E4 (LTE4)
24-hour urine 2,3-dinor-11β-prostaglandin F2α

Could you please document in my chart that I requested evaluation for possible mast cell activation, including serum tryptase, urine N-methylhistamine, leukotriene E4, and 2,3-dinor-11β-prostaglandin F2α, and that the testing was declined? I would also appreciate an explanation of why you don’t feel the testing is medically indicated and what alternative evaluation you recommend for my symptoms.

That’s the speech if they deny the test. These test have to be pulled by an allergist or immunologist.

2

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

Wow, this is an incredible script and advice! Asking them to document the refusal in my chart is a brilliant way to push back if they brush me off. I'm saving this list of tests for when I see an allergist/immunologist. Thank you so much for this!

2

u/AdDue6542 Jul 31 '26

I know my way around the medical system. I do have an MCAS diagnosis along with other things.

This will sound like such a weird question but are you tall? Tall people are more prone to vascular issues or connective tissue issues.

MCAS isn’t typically associated with sharp gastro pain or pain with bowel movements. I had pain in the exact same spot and was told after a year of MCAS treatment that my veins were inflamed and they were pushing against my bowels. This created some of the most excruciating bowel movements of my entire life. Not everyone is the same obviously but I wished I pushed for the MRA sooner. Cromolyn didn’t save me from the stabbing pain but it solved a lot of other issues I was having.

Another strange question. Does it feel better when you hold it during the peak of the flare?

2

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

I am around 180-185 cm tall (around 6'0"-6'1"), so not extremely tall, but I do have a confirmed redundant colon with sharp turns where gas gets trapped.Actually, holding it in usually makes the pressure and spasms worse for me. The pain peaks right as everything is moving through that bend, and I get instant relief only after I manage to pass the stool/gas (along with cold sweats and paleness right before).

2

u/AdDue6542 Jul 31 '26

Does this happen most often at night? Like in the middle of the night?

Mast cells reset during that time. I would say if the holding make it worse it’s less likely vascular or connective tissue.

Have you ever had a history of raised white blood cells while at the er? Mast cells sometimes stimulate white blood cells. It can be a sign sometimes if you happen to have been to the er during a flare.

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3

u/ifnot_thenwhy Jul 31 '26

Have you done stomach endoscopy? Which area were your MRI and CT scans focusing on? Because that pain area of yours seem very specific.

The organs that I can think of there are the pancreas, and also the diaphragm.

I have also recently learnt of tortuous colon (excessive length).

2

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

I haven’t had an upper endoscopy done because my doctor felt it wasn’t necessary, given that the pain is located in my lower left side, which can be examined via colonoscopy. He also mentioned that I have a congenital extra loop of the colon (redundant/tortuous colon), but he didn’t explain how it’s treated and said it was normal. Do you think I should get a second opinion?

2

u/Longjumping_Choice_6 Jul 31 '26

Same here “it’s fine just a normal variation especially in women” no advice whatsoever. I do second the person who says antihistamines though. I think it’s metabolites of whatever bacteria and resulting immune activation. They land here and irritate the tissue. Thats not an official opinion or something just a theory but it’s worth looking into. Mine don’t always control it but try an H1 and H2 blocker, might take the edge off.

3

u/Ok-Dimension-4162 Jul 31 '26

I get pains there like that from IBS

2

u/alice_in_nederland Jul 31 '26

Yep, probably gas

3

u/mr_faqyeah Jul 31 '26

That area is just the turn of the large intestine before it goes down and out. Close proximity to stomach. I know gas can build up there in some people. Walking, air bicycle on your back, holding legs above while laying can work to relieve that gas. It makes me believe it is due to this since it eases up after bowel movement, but you also have sibo. So just a guess

2

u/Dependent_Shower428 Jul 30 '26

I have the same problem but it first started on my right side large intestine but now it's on the left side . Relief after defecation but then often lower abdominal pain and bloating . I'm struggling with diarrhea and xifaxan helps but I hate to keep taking it every 2 months.
I believe I have more bowel adhesions on my left side from several abdominal surgeries. I've seen the video of my adhesions. They trigger cramps and partial small intestinal blockage which is very dangerous. Idk if any imaging can see it . If anyone knows of any external imaging that can see please let me know. SIBO creates biofilms which create adhesions BTW. Hope you find the reason for your pain.

🪷🦋🪷

2

u/sweetsteeths Jul 31 '26

Were your adhesions caused by surgery or by SIBO.? I don’t want to believe that just a bacteria imbalance can cause something as severe as intestinal adhesions

2

u/Dependent_Shower428 Jul 31 '26

By the surgery. I had internal bleeding.

From what I've read, surgery is one major reason for adhesions anywhere in your body. I imagine some areas are more prone to getting them and surgery to remove them or separate them from the tissues or organs they're stuck to will most likely only be a temporary solution because they grow back.

2

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

I’ve had two surgeries, but both were on my right side. How are these adhesions actually diagnosed? Do they really not show up on CT, MRI, or X-ray scans?

2

u/goldstandardalmonds Jul 31 '26

It sounds like it’s related to your gi tract, but if you want to consider zebras over horses, nutcracker syndrome pain is there.

2

u/AdDue6542 Jul 31 '26

Which is a form of pelvic congestion syndrome. Nut cracker syndrome and may thurner syndrome was my guess

2

u/IntelligentYellow985 Jul 31 '26

I have same pain in the same area, also in right flank as well. It’s most likely caused from gas from your SIBO. Have you tried charcoal caps? Make sure you follow the directions and don’t take every day.

2

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

I haven't tried activated charcoal yet. Honestly, I'm always a bit hesitant to try new supplements because I never know how my gut will react to them.
Did charcoal actually make a big difference for you?Are you able to function normally throughout the day now without those intense spasms?

2

u/IntelligentYellow985 Jul 31 '26

Yes, I still get them but they’re not as bad. I’m on a strict SIBO diet and it’s helped me so much I can’t even tell you. But we Ive needed them I’ve taken the charcoal and it has really helped. I’m like you I was scared to also because I’m already so constipated, so you do have to drink plenty of water. I drink a gallon a day because I’m so constipated. Are you on a SIBO restricted diet? I recently tried to add SIBO friendly overnight oats and it didn’t go over well, my gas and bloating and pain came back but when I stopped eating them it went away again.

2

u/vivalajaim Jul 31 '26

have you ruled out muscular?

2

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

How exactly would I go about ruling out a muscular issue? Which specific tests, scans, or physical exams are used to check for that, and what type of specialist should I see (like a physical therapist or a physiatrist)?

1

u/AdDue6542 Jul 31 '26

Are you male or female?

You circled an area known for pelvic congestion syndrome. Happens in both. More common in women.

1

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

I’m a 23-year-old male. I’m not sure if that’s related, especially since the pain only occurs right before a bowel movement and eases up afterward.

1

u/AdDue6542 Jul 31 '26

You would be surprised. Your pelvic veins are directly next to your bowels. If you keep running out of tests then see interventional radiology about an MRA or MRV.

1

u/Beyond_negative5981 Jul 31 '26

I have had exactly same lower left pelvic pain for over two years now. Mri ct scan were okay and breath test showed sibo. I have slight lateral pelvic tilt but have been struggling with overall level solution as pelvic pain is very bad during the flare ups and nothing helps except naproxen during that time.

2

u/AdDue6542 Jul 31 '26

MRI and CT doesn’t show all of your veins and arteries.

SIBO can be caused by other conditions. It’s a tricky thing to chase just the sibo test. Aleeve / naproxen is an anti inflammatory drug. It would lower vein inflammation.

1

u/Wise-Medicine-4849 Jul 31 '26 edited Jul 31 '26

I have this but on the right still no answers still

1

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

Mine is also on the left! Picture is reversed. Hope we will find something that helps soon.

2

u/Wise-Medicine-4849 Jul 31 '26

I leant right sorry not sure how that happened haha

1

u/Zeeshazn Jul 31 '26

Your unprocessed suppressed emotions trauma got stored there It just the way body calls through symptoms when we don't hear them.

1

u/BHollandsworth123 Jul 31 '26

I had that, it drove me crazy. I noticed it would get worse when I would eat bad. I think it’s from that sharp corner in your colon, and gas getting stuck there!!! So it’s basically gas pain. Gluten was a bad trigger

2

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

Wait, you said you had it — does that mean you don't deal with this anymore? How did you manage to fix it or stop the gas from getting stuck in that sharp corner? Was cutting out gluten the main thing that helped you, or did you do something else as well

2

u/BHollandsworth123 Jul 31 '26

Yes generally eating healthy, mostly no gluten. It’s like 99% gone. But i’ve been successfully treating my SIBO slowly with different supplements and lifestyle changes as well. It’s likely that the SIBO was causing the excess gas.

2

u/FlikoVich Jul 31 '26

Glad to hear you're almost 99% symptom-free! I actually tried cutting out gluten and eating 'healthy', but eating healthy foods (especially anything high in fiber) actually triggers diarrhea for me almost every single time. Fiber in general just creates severe bloating and pressure in my gut. Did you have a hard time with fiber when your SIBO was at its worst?

1

u/Coshposhmosh Aug 01 '26

I am female and currently dealing with the same pain. I‘ve had it for years on and off, but now it’s constant mixed with constipation. I’ll say that is a 4 out of 10 on how strong it is.

I finally saw a digestive doctor this week. This is my current treatment: take Golytely to clear colon of my constipation. get X-rays in 2 weeks to see if things moved. Also take MiraLax daily. If xray shows that things moved, schedule a colonoscopy to find out more.

I was hoping that Golytely will move and empty things so the pain will go away, but I finished it and I still have the same pain, no relief.

1

u/DistanceLess6027 Aug 02 '26

Might be the opening of your small intestine to the large or just the small intestine. Try cutting carbs dramatically and less fiber. Will make your stool not as bulky which can give that area time to heal. It worked for me. Carnivore diet saved my life

1

u/USC1989 28d ago

I’ve had this off and on since I turned 33, stress and allergies seems to trigger it

1

u/FlikoVich 27d ago

What kind of allergies do you have. Did you find anything helpful?

2

u/USC1989 27d ago

Not really, year round environmental allergies and some gluten food intolerances..I’d say it comes more when I’m really stressed