Hello all.

I have a question. Can anyone tell me if this sounds like IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome)??

I've had severe stomach pain and nausea 4 to 6 days before my period every month for a while now.

This time was the worse time ever. I have had very bad bloating (so bad that I don't want my pants to touch my stomach because of the pressure), gas, stomach pain (so bad that I actually thought about calling 911) and nausea. My stomach will literally roll, turn, make noises and gurgle.

These painful episodes will only happen at night when I'm trying to sleep and usually only before my period, although I have noticed it happens when ever I eat a fatty meal (fast food, cheese etc.)

I'm also almost always constipated. I've been going days between BM's. (side note: The other day I felt like I needed to go and almost passed out trying to pass the stool. Once I finally did (after trying for 20 minutes plus [it felt like it was stuck] and taking a hot shower) it was HUGE and it hurt so bad that I felt sick. My thighs have been aching.)

I never have diarrhea, even though it feels like I'm going to. I also have a feeling like I'm going to vomit from the nausea.

I thought it might be from my ovarian fibroids but after talking to my friend (who is a IBS sufferer) I'm starting to think it's IBS.

So....does anyone have IBS? Does this sound like IBS? Does IBS get worse before menstruation? Is there anything I can do to help it at home? (We don't have any insurance right now so I can't go in to the Dr.)


P.S. I've started myself on Benefiber and it's helped with the constipation almost instantly.