Ibs-help

LegacyUser

I was diagnosed with IBS last October - and given a sheet on high fibre foods and that was it. My issue does not require more fibre!! It has totally changed my life - I cant go on a bus - have to get the train to work and have to be on a carriage with a working toliet. I stopped going out at the weekends altogether. Ive tried all sorts - I spent loads on colonic irragation but it didnt work for me.

So Im hoping that hypotherapy will work-I have researched it and I know theres lots of places in Dublin or near that do it but I really want someone to recommend a place. Please if you or someone you know suffers with IBS and they have found something that works for them let me know. Ive done the various diets and they work short term but I always end up back on imodium.

I really am pinning my hopes on hypotherapy - so if anyone can advise on a place and its cost - that would be brilliant.
Thanks

Bethany

Irritable bowel syndrome is known as a diagnosis of exclusion ie the patient has undergone lots of tests, no known disease has been found but the patient continues to experience symptoms, symptoms which are often very real and distressing. It is not in the mind , it is real but it is definately not cancer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or parasitic infection. That is the physical side of the disease and very often once diseases such as the above are excluded by doctors they(the doctors) don't progress any further .
Why? Because there is a huge underlying mental situation in the treatment of IBS. You at this stage understand that you don't have any of the above and I assume that you are very relieved. However. if you don't start to address the reasons that your bowel is behaving as it is. you will get nowhere. It is a psychosomatice disorder, again it is not in your head but what is in your head is affecting your bowel.
Look at everything. Look at your lifestyle, your smoking, drinking , diet, exercise and sleep habits. Ask yourself about your personality. Are you easy going or a worrier? Are you a bit of a worry wart? Do you like yourself, your job,your home life? Are you under a lot of stress? Do you need to change things in your life and if you can't change them can you learn ways in which to cope with them.Think about this and think seriously about stress management. I know that if you can take control of this, your bowel will improve, it will always give you trouble when you put yourself under too much pressure but you will learn to manage it. Take control.

l3LoWnA

It's sounds like it's very severe

My sister was told for about 8 years that she had IBS! in the end they dianosed Chrons disease. Every doc she went to time and time again kept on and kept on fobbing her off saying it was IBS though - so make sure they've tested for every other possibility!

My sis, although has been diagnosed with Chrons and had to have part of her bowel removed a number of years ago....has no major problems at the moment like pain, discomfort or having to be close to a toilet etc. Your symptoms sound much much worse than hers!

Bethany

In answering maybe I misunderstood you when you said that you had been diagnosed as having IBS. I took that to mean that you had hospital tests of your bowel such as gastroscopy, sigmoidscopy and colonoscopy, also blood tests and exam of stools. If you have had these and they are all clear then it is almost certain that the diagnosis is correct. If you haven't been properly investigated and just told that you have IBS you should return to your GP and demand that your symptoms be investigated.Keep a diary of your symptoms, your weight and your diet.
Reference your query on hypnotherapy, I don't have any specific information but some people do find it useful for anxiety related disorders. Best bet is to do a bit of research and also if possible find out by word of mouth. You might find that understanding IBS will go a long way towards treating it. Best of luck

Marksie

I have that and avoiding stress is one of the big things. However,
you may find mor useful information in the long term illness forum so I am moving it there.

biZrb

Theres another thread about IBS here:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055061377

Its a really terrible thing to deal with as, at least in my experience doctors and specialists don't give you great advice on how to deal with it.

My specialist told me that food doesn't effect but I do find that certain foods will make me worse.

I've found that avoiding stressful situations to be the best way at keeping it from flaring up. But when you have it bad, that initself can make you stressed, so its a vicious circle.

DrIndy

Its only IBS once crohns or another colitis has been excluded.

Bethany is hitting it right on the nail regarding symptom control. There is a strong neurogenic component to IBS - its not something what people have active mental control over but psychological intervention can not only help with symptoms but also coping with the symptoms. Increasing fibre prevents the constipation cycle which results in overstimulation and subsequent diaorrhea.

Talk to your doctor - there are effective treatment for IBS out there.....

TinaSparkle

Im the OP. Thanks Bethany and everyone for your reply. I have gone through all the tests you mentioned except one - sigmoidscopy - when I was diagnosed last Oct I really thought I was going in to be told I had bowel cancer so the stress of that made my IBS worse.
I can live with it now with major diet changes - its a version of the atkins diet - no carbs - so brekkie - is 2 sausages from centra - lunch is a packet od chicken/.turken/ham from centra and dinner is fish/chicken. I dont have juice, veg or fruit. So i know its not healthy but it constipates me.
I was living on 2/3 imodium plus a day for months and I did mention it to my consultant but he said it wasnt bad for you, but I obviously had severe pains weekly. I have mamnged to wean myself off these and now only take them maybe once a week if Im going out at night and i need them.
I have tried so many different diets cut out alcoholic but the only thing that works is the low carbs.
I really want to hear if anyone has tried hypotherapy or chinese methods - they seem to be popping up in all the shopping centres. I just dont want to waste anymore money - so it would be great to hear from someone who has tried either of these and they have been successful.
I really just want to be normal again!! Thanks

Pythia

Can anyone recommend a dietician in South Dublin who could recommend an eating plan for IBS?
I've been told to cut out wheat, dairy, processed foods and am finding it hard to know what to eat.

catho_monster

Pythia wrote: »

Can anyone recommend a dietician in South Dublin who could recommend an eating plan for IBS?
I've been told to cut out wheat, dairy, processed foods and am finding it hard to know what to eat.

Hi Pythia,

I know this doesn't answer your question but...

To be honest, as far as my research goes, everyone has different reactions to IBS, and everyone has different food that make the situation worse. So I'm no 100% convinced in my own experience that a dietician will be able to give you the answers your looking for. Every single health care professional that I have gone to about this has each given me a different set of foods to avoid, or not to avoid, or that food won't affect it etc.

What I have found is substitution is the key, not deprivation.

So if you've been told/you find yourself that these make you worse, to stay away from wheat (so breads and biscuits), try making your own bread/biscuits from the flour alternatives (rice flour, soya flour, potato flour, tapioca flour etc - acutally I've found dry breakfast cereals like crunchy nut cornflakes a blessing instead of a sweet biscuit snack, and spelt bread although its a type of wheat doesnt bother me is really like wheat bread).
dairy - soya milk or rice milk are easy alternatives there.
processed foods - well theres nothing you can do there, they're going to mess you up anyway in my experience.

Its all about planning ahead and cooking ahead (and freezing).

What meals is it you're missing the most?

Pythia

Well I don't really know what to cook for dinner without pasta or noodles, apart from curries. I'm not all that fond of meat, but do like vegetables. I cook for myself and the boyf and he loves carbs, pasta, dairy etc, so I'm finding it hard to think of things to cook that are good for both of us. He won't eat stir fries. I really don't want to be cooking two dinners a night.

I used to live on pastas with homemade sauces so I'm a bit stuck!

Then also, I want to have a breakfast that is filling, but the doctor said to stay away from cereals, which is what I've eaten all my life!

catho_monster

Pythia wrote: »

Well I don't really know what to cook for dinner without pasta or noodles, apart from curries. I'm not all that fond of meat, but do like vegetables. I cook for myself and the boyf and he loves carbs, pasta, dairy etc, so I'm finding it hard to think of things to cook that are good for both of us. He won't eat stir fries. I really don't want to be cooking two dinners a night.

I used to live on pastas with homemade sauces so I'm a bit stuck!

Then also, I want to have a breakfast that is filling, but the doctor said to stay away from cereals, which is what I've eaten all my life!

Ok, with the pasta dinner thing - there are non-wheat pastas available, both in the likes of tesco and in health food shops. With the dairy, subsitiute soya or rice milk (i prefer the taste of the latter) instead, you wont notice the difference with either. Noodles, eat rice noodles. They're yummy!! If you go to the asian market at the back of georges st. arcade, they have a load of different types of noodles (like, sweet potato noodles - YUM), all without wheat, and dead cheap too.
I'm not sure why the doc said to stay away from cereals unless it was the dairy element, in which case just eat it with the soya or the rice milk. Seriously, i even have fitz eating the rice milk just because its there and not really noticing the difference. Most cereals dont have wheat, like corn flakes, rice crispies etc, just make sure you read the ingredient list because the likes of special-k have dried milk in them. Anyhoo, if he said to stay away from cereals, maybe can you have porridge. perfect for this time of year.
If you can go with the wheat free pasta, and youre already making homemade pasta sauces, then i really think you can manage it!!
Play around with bread subsitutes - if your really missing carbs. Check with the doc if you can eat spelt flour (its an ancient variety of wheat, and much more easily digestible than the modern day type, and usually ok for people with wheat intolerences) because blazing salads, again at the back of georges street make a yummy loaf. Not cheap, but shure you'll have saved the money in the asian market!

Does that help?
If not, I can help modify specific recipies if you want, depending on what exactly you cant eat. Is it only wheat and dairy?
And seriously, I genuinely like my food, as does Fitz, and we wouldn't still be eating these foods if they weren't tasty in their own right. The boyf really shouldn't notice the difference if you don't tell him

TinaSparkle

I have found what works for me is a low carb diet - atkins. Now I dont stick rigidly to it but I know if I eat lots of bread/pasta/potatoes Im gonna be in bits so I dont eat them much.

I am doing hypnotherapy - I have been to 2 sessions and Im finding it brilliant. I was able to go to Off the rails Live on Sat - this was a major thing for me - I stopped going out on Saturdays months and months ago. Im taking it slow but I definately recommend giving it a go - I went to a hypnotherpist in Ongar and it cost 95 euro a session - expensive ..yes..but its working for me so its well worth it.

Pythia

catho_monster wrote: »

Ok, with the pasta dinner thing - there are non-wheat pastas available, both in the likes of tesco and in health food shops. With the dairy, subsitiute soya or rice milk (i prefer the taste of the latter) instead, you wont notice the difference with either. Noodles, eat rice noodles. They're yummy!! If you go to the asian market at the back of georges st. arcade, they have a load of different types of noodles (like, sweet potato noodles - YUM), all without wheat, and dead cheap too.
I'm not sure why the doc said to stay away from cereals unless it was the dairy element, in which case just eat it with the soya or the rice milk. Seriously, i even have fitz eating the rice milk just because its there and not really noticing the difference. Most cereals dont have wheat, like corn flakes, rice crispies etc, just make sure you read the ingredient list because the likes of special-k have dried milk in them. Anyhoo, if he said to stay away from cereals, maybe can you have porridge. perfect for this time of year.
If you can go with the wheat free pasta, and youre already making homemade pasta sauces, then i really think you can manage it!!
Play around with bread subsitutes - if your really missing carbs. Check with the doc if you can eat spelt flour (its an ancient variety of wheat, and much more easily digestible than the modern day type, and usually ok for people with wheat intolerences) because blazing salads, again at the back of georges street make a yummy loaf. Not cheap, but shure you'll have saved the money in the asian market!

Does that help?
If not, I can help modify specific recipies if you want, depending on what exactly you cant eat. Is it only wheat and dairy?
And seriously, I genuinely like my food, as does Fitz, and we wouldn't still be eating these foods if they weren't tasty in their own right. The boyf really shouldn't notice the difference if you don't tell him

Thanks so much for the post. I went out and bought some bread made with spelt flour, seems good so far.
Yes, so far it's just dairy and wheat, but I think the doctor wants me to watch what I eat and see what happens. I already know alcohol doesn't work well, chocolate doesn't seem to be great. It's a bit of trial and error really.
I'm a very awkward eater as I hate anything in the alium family (onions, garlic, etc) which is why each extra thing I have to cut out of my diet limits things even more as onions and garlic are in practically everything.

Life has calmed down and so the IBS symptoms are dying down a bit, but I really do notice when I eat something I'm not supposed to!

Nonoperational

Have a look at www.aligngi.com. Also I have seen some positive results using amitryptilline 10mgs.

timmyotoole

I have ibs or the symptons as such over 5 years now, its horrendous , and i struggle every day to lead some kind of normal life and hold down a job with it.

I have gotten the run around so to speak from a number of gp's on it. I would advise ,if you havent already, to go see a specialist. I had a complete break down a few months ago, lots of reasons, and took a break for a month. Went and got an appointment for a full check up, endoscopy, blood tests.... . And that checkup for me is on tommorow . Having to fast all day today + nasty drugs to clean me out as such.

The benefit really is to make sure its not something else that causing the problem then the generic "its not crohns/colitis so it must be ibs" that you get from your general gp. For example i could have celiac disease, or it could just be ibs but i will know for sure that is whats wrong with me and only then can you effectively treat your problem.

Pythia

Yep, been to a consultant in Mount Carmel.
Had all the scopings and tests you can get. In some ways it's good to know it's not something worse, but at the same you kinda want to know you have something solid which can just be fixed.

timmyotoole

ye im just back from it there, still messed up from an anesthetic but its a bit of acid reflux, and general ibs as the diagnosis. Still waiting on bloods results. But its a relief to have gotten it out of the way.

Pythia

I just got sedated when I had it. It's not too bad. I had GA for something else before and it messed me up for days.
Glad it's nothing serious anyway!

JuliusCaesar

Bethany wrote: »

.Why? Because there is a huge underlying mental situation in the treatment of IBS. You at this stage understand that you don't have any of the above and I assume that you are very relieved. However. if you don't start to address the reasons that your bowel is behaving as it is. you will get nowhere. It is a psychosomatice disorder, again it is not in your head but what is in your head is affecting your bowel.

Psychologist or CBT therapist might be useful to help reduce symptoms. See Irish Council of Psychotherapy, CBT section or www.psihq.ie or www.babcp.com

Sugar Drunk

Ive got IBS OP and I don't follow the fibre diet sheet as I certainly don't need MORE fibre either!. Instead I have learned over time which foods I can and cannot tolerate as I believe that everyones body is different. Are you on any medication? I have found spasmonal are brilliant.
I know now that I cannot touch orange juice, KFC, peppers, ryevita or spicy foods (anything even mildly spicy!), or I will have an attack. If I do have an attack it usually lasted a few days so I start taking the spasmonal with every meal which helps. There are some foods that the doctor was surprised I can eat and be fine - pizzas etc

I used to be in the same boat as you so I completely sympathise public transport was a nightmare for me I was afraid to go anywhere if there was not a tiolet. I had a particularily bad attack on Monday so I ended up staying home from work but these things happen. I have also found that often anxiety will trigger my stomach - it is very much a psycosmatic problem - worry about getting an attack, get an attack. I have found homeopathic remedies very helpful for this I use argent nit.
I think that the important thing to do is to recognise when you are getting tense and stressed and find a way to deal with that. myself I use homeopathic remedies and also keep myself busy as I find that once I am focussed on something my mind stops worrying about other things. It does get better. I can now work without problem 99% of thetime. When I do have an attack I recognise it for what it is and deal with it

kangaroo

People shouldn't forget that IBS is often co-morbid with other conditions.

I am still annoyed at a gastroenterologist I attended at a well-known private hospital in Dublin. He diagnosed me with IBS (after colonscopy, stool sample, etc) but I feel he should have been on the look out for ME/CFS which is a common comorbid. It took me a while longer to get finally diagnosed with the ME/CFS by which time my health had deteriorated further.

Studies suggest that in the region of 50% of people with ME/CFS have IBS.

There are other conditions that also can be comorbid - one I often see in the literature is Fibromyalgia. So be careful not to put all your symptoms down to the IBS.

Also if one finds out about one or more comorbid conditions one can have, dealing with them may help the IBS symptoms.

poconnor16

From reading the threads on here, it seems most are suffering from the type of IBS that causes diarrhea. I suffer from the opposite syptom - constipation. This can go on for days, and I often end up in pain, taking laxatives to get relief. The other down side (not that I know an up-side to this :rolleyes:) is I have weight gain. I think this stems from the fact that in desperation, I eat more food so as to, em move what's there out. I'm sick of the cramps, bloating, weight gain, binge eating, headaches and general depression that comes with this. I can't get to grips with what I should eat and it's really stressing me out.
One thing that does help me is exercise, anything that involves running around. I'm seeing a speciailst next month...in the meantime...is there anybody out there experiencing the same thing??

LegacyUser

poconnor16 wrote: »

From reading the threads on here, it seems most are suffering from the type of IBS that causes diarrhea. I suffer from the opposite syptom - constipation. This can go on for days, and I often end up in pain, taking laxatives to get relief. The other down side (not that I know an up-side to this :rolleyes:) is I have weight gain. I think this stems from the fact that in desperation, I eat more food so as to, em move what's there out. I'm sick of the cramps, bloating, weight gain, binge eating, headaches and general depression that comes with this. I can't get to grips with what I should eat and it's really stressing me out.
One thing that does help me is exercise, anything that involves running around. I'm seeing a speciailst next month...in the meantime...is there anybody out there experiencing the same thing??

I'm a 30yo male - I suffered similar to you, though this has since progressed on to the opposite end of the spectrum with constipation now rare and I get very occasional diarrhoea and stomach gurgling/gas. One thing you might find handy is upping your fibre intake, not necessarily by all that much. I did this and probably went OTT in becoming obsessed with eating fibre-rich foods but a very small simple thing you can do is buy some Tropicana Fibre juice. Most supermarkets sell it - it's just regular Tropicana fruit juice with added fibre. A good sized glass of 200ml of this contains 6.8g of fibre, just over a quarter of your daily fibre requirement of 24g. I find this helps somewhat.

Though I've moved to the other end of the spectrum, I find the symptoms are not as severe as they were before. I've done this by increasing fibre intake slightly, and cutting down on bread, pastas and lager. I can't quite give up the Guinness yet, though it's probably not helping, but I'm definitely not as bad as I was a year ago.

A couple of peppermint oil capsules can also help to calm the stomach in attacks too. All in all, it's a pain to deal with but it seems there's thousands of people doing so. The key seems to be to modify foods and behaviour. I know I stress a lot during the week at work and probably drink too much with friends at the weekends. If I know this is going to upset my system, then I know how to prevent an attack.

LegacyUser

Also, I meant to add - for those beer drinkers suffering from drinking lager/Guinness etc, cider is not brewed with wheat and is safe to drink for wheat intolerant IBS sufferers. Just don't go overboard

poconnor16

Since I last posted on here, I have been following a wheat free diet and although not in anyway easy, it works for me. I did break out last week due to working a lot of hours, eating pizza etc and oh did I suffer for it. Bloating, nausea and diarrhea.....

Here is what I am sticking to and what works (for me)
1. go wheat free!
2. as much exercise as you can fit in
3. lots and lots of water
4. skip the booze and if you must, choose something pure like vodka
5. less stress

You would be suprised by the amount of foods you can have when wheat free - remember, it is NOT gluten free so you have more of a selection. Does cost a bit more though to buy the pre made stuff.:rolleyes:

Hivemind187

IBS is still not well understood. As has been pointed out repeatedly here it is diagnosis by exclusion not by observation (something a lot of people distrust with some cause).

I have had IBS my whole life (started when I was 8 and was pretty horrific, I'm 26 now) and it has been an utter nightmare. Crohns and ulcerative colitis are specific conditions which can be treated and the symptoms of which can be alleviated. IBS is a chronic and often permanent condition for which there is no established treatement (at least not one that is universally standard).

Over the years I have been treated with various anti-anxiety medications, spasmonal, tranxine, codiene, ibuprofen, colpermin (peppermint oil), acidophilus, high-fibre diet (bad idea), low fibre diet (equally bad idea) and a range of other things. Not a single one of these has ever worked for me.

IBS for many people is isolated to either diarhoea dominant or constipative dominant. For others (like myself) it comes in cycles (not to be confused with the slight diarhoea experienced after a constipation attack brought on by the over production of chemicals resulting in build up of chime in the upper colon). For a while you can be iin the can 4-5 times a day. Other times you may be anable to have a bowel movement for 2-3 days at a time. The pain from either can be excruciating.

A doctor explained it to me once.

IBS is believed to be strongly related to the nervous system and the brains internal chemistry. For various reasons the brain secretes a particuilar hormone or chemical into the blood stream which causes the nerves connected to the bowel to fire off. The result is a temporary paralysis of the intestinal tract. Anything that was moving is now not moving beyond a certain point.

The intestine itself has no pain receptors on its external surface. It does not respond to heat, or penetration. However, it is unusually sensitive to internal pressure. Where there is blockage or constriction due to paralysis it causes extreme pain, similar to cramping a muscle in your calf (though to an entirely different mechanism).

IBS can be brought about by use of medications. This form is generally temporary and accute. For most people however it is believed to have a strong genetic component (in fact at least 6 close reletives of mine suffer with the affliction).

IBS has triggers. Most people find that their diet contains one or two things that cause them problems. Myself its nuts, high fibre and wheat products. Other people have found its fatty or spicy foods. Others still have trouble with dairy.

While there is no "cure" a systematic approach to treatment can be taken. I have spent years trying to find something that will work for me in the long run and have been unsucessful. This does not mean that others will have the same issue. Speak with your doctor about anti-anxiety medication and a psychologist about your personality type to determine which areas are likely to be causing you problems.

Edit: There is something a lot of people overlook.

IBS is debilitating in extreme cases. I have been into hospital a couple of times with what I thought was appendicitis or a bowel obstruction or a hernia. Nope! IBS. I have lost jobs due to absenteeism or being sick in the office. There is dismissiveness and "sure thats all in your head" attitudes to deal with from many people. It is a life altering condition which can be a serious challenge topeople who want to travel or play sports. Having to know where the nearest toilet is at all times incase you suddenly find yourself with the irrepressible urge to void your bowels can - and will - put people off taking part in things that otherwise they would.

jean13

Hey
Im 21 and got diagnosed earlier this year. Im so glad I found this site, I dont know anyone else who suffers from IBS. I got diagnosed by my GP but have been seeing a dietician who is great but the thing is you have to have so much self control. I hate having to monitor myself every minute of everyday. Im only 21 and I cant even drink.
Had my Christmas party last week, I hadnt drank for 6 weeks, was so good with my diet, was feeling great, stuck to gin and vodka and I had the most crippling pain and D for 8 hours straight the next day. I have a very supportive boyfriend but its not exactly the sexiest syndrome to have. And thats the other thing, the name. No wonder people think we are just hypo chondriachs, they might as well call it Jippy Tummy Syndrome. I experienced alot of bleeding recently which was really scary and had to get an anal exam (lovely) the doctor was nice but just told me to wait it out and if I was still bleeding in 2 weeks to let him know. Noone seems to know anything about this condition.
I find this mortifying and painful and hard to talk about and most of my famly just think Im being over dramatic.
I hate that there is no cure or easy answer, I hate how hard it is to plan things and travel and eat out. Im only 21 and feel like an old lady. I just want to be young and free.
Thanks for reading and for letting me get this off my chest

poconnor16

Hey Fed Up,

dont ever let people make you feel like this is all in your head! I know what that is like though. Everytime I ring into work sick, and they ask what is wrong...it seems like IBS does not qualify as sonething that you can call in sick for. Eventhough as you well know it can have you doubled on your bedroom floor in pain. I am struggling too to find an alcoholic drink....everything i have tried so far is a no go. Now I have just stopped drinking and some of my friends are not as keen to head out with me anymore. Of course explaining to people why you cannot drink is embarrasing and the look of scepticism on their faces makes you feel worse.
There are no easy answers, but it is one way of finding out who your real family/loved ones are. Sounds like you have one hell of a guy standing by you - hang on to that one.;)

Emerald Lass

Hi all, many people take IBS to stand for Irritable bowel syndrome, but many docs now call it Infamatory bowel syndrome. i was told after my colonsocopy which showed an inflamation in the bowel, the doctor in the hospital specifically pointed out the difference - that it is not irritable bowel which many people scoff at, but is inflamatory. Ask your doctor about this - it may be due to an inflamation, and this is easier to treat. I get flare ups when my CFS is flaring up, and certain foods cause an inflamation rather than just an 'irritation'. i know it may not seem like a big distinction, but as far as doctors are concerned it can make a difference in getting them to take you seriously and also get them to look for other causes.

watna

I've found out today that it is more than likely I have IBS. I have to go for some further tests later in the week to exclude anything else but the doctor is fairly sure that is what it is. I've been feeling rotten for a while now and I'm getting pretty fed up of it. I just feel constantly full and bloated with terrible abdomen and lower back pain. I've had what I had been calling "a funny tummy" for a few months now and it's finally gotten to the stage where it is interfering with my daily life. It was interesting reading other posters accounts of being bloated and constipated and having headaches and depression. That's how I've been feeling - with a bit of pain thrown in.

My mum suffers from Diverticulitis, which was initially diagnosed as IBS until it got worse and they could see what it was exactly. She said she kind of though I'd start feeling the same one day.

It's interesting reading this thread about other people's experience with diagnoses and doctors and what has helped relieve the pain and discomfort.

I'll have to go for the further tests and then once everything else is exluded I guess I'll have to think about my diet. Fibre supplements have been recommended but other than that it'll be trial and error. I gave up wheat for a bit a few months ago because I was bloated and it didn't make much of a difference at the time so I'm not sure if that will be a cause. Guess it'll all be experiments from here on in. I really don't think I can live without cheese but I have been told dairy might be a no no.

Any advice is of course appreciated!

tbh

watna wrote: »

snip

sorry to hear that, but the first step in getting better is getting diagnosed. Let us know how you get on

watna

Thanks

I actually do feel better today, more positive, just because I feel like I'm doing something about it!

cee_jay

watna wrote: »

I've found out today that it is more than likely I have IBS.

I was at the doctor today and I more than like have it also I am on some nausea and vomiting drugs, something for excess acid ( I haven't stopped burping in over 24 hours) and something for the cramps in my stomach, and have to eat more fibre (I already eat a lot ).
Have to go back in a week or so, and then will be sent for more tests, but he thinks its more than likely IBS. Was admitted to A&E in November with cramps (doubled over in pain, tears streaming down my face cramps), vomiting, diarrhoea, and constant burping. They thought it was my appendix, then gallstones - ultrasound a week later said everything was fine, so thats why he thinks its IBS.
I have found chocolate, crunchy nut corn flakes and shephards pie BIG contributors to the attacks.
Is a lot of IBS treatment just avoiding the foods you notice as being intolerant to?

BeatNikDub

cAr0l wrote: »

Was admitted to A&E in November with cramps (doubled over in pain, tears streaming down my face cramps), vomiting, diarrhoea, and constant burping. They thought it was my appendix, then gallstones - ultrasound a week later said everything was fine, so thats why he thinks its IBS.

SNAP!!
They checked my ovaries aswell for cysts too and nothing there either. How painful was that bloody ultrasound?

Hope it starts gettingbetter soon Carol - i know exactly hoe you feel

Plus i have come into work and forgottten ALL my pills. Oh dear! SHould be an interesting day indeed!

watna

BeatNikDub wrote: »

SNAP!!
They checked my ovaries aswell for cysts too and nothing there either. How painful was that bloody ultrasound?

Hope it starts gettingbetter soon Carol - i know exactly hoe you feel

Plus i have come into work and forgottten ALL my pills. Oh dear! SHould be an interesting day indeed!

What kind of ultrasound was it? I got the nasty one where, how shall I put this delicately, things were inserted into lady areas - just to make sure it wasn't cysts.

I ate really well for a while after my diagnosis and felt so much better in general. That gave me a sense of security so I started eating crap again. It hasn't caught up on me yet - think when I was diagnosed it was a bad attack and it hasn't been nearly that bad since but I need to get back on track. At the moment the crap eating has mainly affected my energy levels and my digestive system is a bit dodgy but luckily without much pain. I mainly suffer from back ache with it and that is more of a dull pain at the moment - which is give me less of an incentive to control my diet. OnceI start getting stronger pains I'll be kicking myself!

I've found taking soluble fibre a huge help and that is something I do every day without fail, although the success of this depends on what kind of IBS you suffer from (i.e. constipation or diarrhoea based or whether it is both) but otherwise it really is diet. I find things like crisps and chips have the worst affect on me - they agree with me the least. Which is a pity, because I love them!

watna

cAr0l wrote: »

constant burping. :

p.s. I wonder is this a common thing with IBS. It's definitely something I suffer from, especially after eating badly for a bit and feeling bloated.

cee_jay

watna wrote: »

p.s. I wonder is this a common thing with IBS. It's definitely something I suffer from, especially after eating badly for a bit and feeling bloated.

Its a help just to know that I am not the only one it happens to! I was at work last wednesday - thank god the people at the desks next to mine were out because I was so embarrassed!
At the moment the doctor has me taking Zoton to relieve the stomach acid that is causing the burping (they taste quite nice actually), motilium for my vomiting, and something else for stomach cramps - thank god I haven't had to take that yet - but its only been a week so far and have been very careful about what I have been eating.

bwally82

after many years of really suffering from ibs I found relief with a Dr fitzpatrick at Slievemore clinic in stillorgan allergy test to clarify allergy situation and then some medicine and diet and it has been the only thing which worked well and has given me lasting relief brian

beegirl

Hi all, hope it's ok to resurrect this thread! I just have been diagnosed with IBS, sort of anyway. My doctor didn't even come out and say that's what it is, but he just said it's not anything else "so that's what we're left with". I have had a load of tests done, endoscopies, CT scan, biopsies etc... He originally thought it was Crohn's because my brother has it, but can't find any evidence of it, not yet anyway :rolleyes:

Then, as doctors often do, he was trying to get me out of his office so he rattled off 5/6 things that I should/shouldn't do and showed me the door! I can't even remember most of what he said, peppermint tea was in there somewhere, so was porridge, but that's about all I can remember!!!

I have been trying this food combining diet which seemed to work for a few days, not today though cos I've been running to the loo again Don't know what set it off this time!!!

Anyway just having a moan really, if anyone has any tips that would be great. I have been reading in this thread what people said about drinking in particular, as I'm having my hen night this weekend! Haven't drank in months because it seems to be a trigger... but I think I will chance it this weekend! Maybe try to stick to clear drinks?? Does that actually work in people's experience? I am torn between wanting to have a few drinks and worried about ending up stuck in the loo for the night!!!

micheall

Hi

Every body please read how to stop constapation and the amazing liver and galbladder flush i have suffered from ibs c for about six years and am following these books with a lot of sucess. please read and inform yourself unfornatuly the doctors dont have a clue how to treat ibs

please let me know how you get on

LegacyUser

I've had to leave work today early because of this IBS. It was diagnosed 3 years ago. I'm sick and tired of all the wasted time with GPs and consultants. My head is spinning with all the contradictory advice. I'm fed up taking all the medicines. I've about had it trying to second guess what food might be causing this. I can't keep spending money that my family needs to go to GPs, Consultants, pay for medicines.

I get cramps and spasms, not diarrhoea or constipation. The constant flatulence is embarrassing.

I think, my body tells me, that my IBS flares up when I become stressed. My stress is self-induced and I worry (about money... who doesn't?)

My GP this morning prescribed some drugs to use when the flare up becomes too much. She is sympathetic and simply advised what I've been told before : small meals, often during the day, mostly bland food.

I was diagnosed around the same time with asthma and due to a highly allergic reaction to pollen I have no sense of smell or taste. Multiple polypectomys to remove polyps from my sinuses. It's only a matter of time until I have another operation.


I guess I just want to moan in safety :-( I'm a 44-year old man and since Friday I've been miserable. My wife is a nurse and she is as frustrated as I am.

This is a ****ty quality of life and I don't know where to turn.

Ciaran1978

Guys, try apple cider vinegar - by no means a cure but by God it can help.

It's cheap too - a tenner for 200 tablets, and one or two a day should do you.

Jumpy

Atkins cured mine completely. Well until I go back to normal eating anyway. Its bad again within a week if I stop.
With low carb though I get no symptoms whatsoever.

LegacyUser

I've had IBS C for the past few years and it's hellish to say the least. I basically can't eat at all when I'm out, bar a few limited foods, and it affects my attendance a lot, on several occassions I was actually accussed of lying which annoyed me so much. It seems no one takes it seriously, if they had to live with it they'd change their tune!

My main issues are wind and stomach gurgling, caused by the constipation, and does anyone have any advice on anything that works for it? I've exhausted the medical route at this stage, and I've had all the tests but to no avail. Does anyone have any idea how to stop the stomach gurgling and wind? I'm so incredibly envious of people who can eat and drink what they like with not a care in the world!

Jumpy

unreg1 wrote: »

I've had IBS C for the past few years and it's hellish to say the least. I basically can't eat at all when I'm out, bar a few limited foods, and it affects my attendance a lot, on several occassions I was actually accussed of lying which annoyed me so much. It seems no one takes it seriously, if they had to live with it they'd change their tune!

My main issues are wind and stomach gurgling, caused by the constipation, and does anyone have any advice on anything that works for it? I've exhausted the medical route at this stage, and I've had all the tests but to no avail. Does anyone have any idea how to stop the stomach gurgling and wind? I'm so incredibly envious of people who can eat and drink what they like with not a care in the world!

Charcoal tablets are good for wind. But dont take them if you are on medication, it absorbs that too. Ignore the black poo

Also a tablespoon of psyllium husk in a pint of water every morning is good for settling stuff down. The gurgling is the air moving around, which is what used to cause me the most pain.

Does anyone else suffer from terrible bloating? I only realised recently how truly bad mine is and how much the IBS affects my quality of life. I eat ANYTHING, anything at all, from half a sandwich to a pizza, and I look 6 months pregnant. It's really starting to get me down. I'm so careful about the clothes I buy, as anything tight makes me look pregnant, especially because I'm so small all over. I've been to the doctor about it several times and found her very unhelpful, she just did a few blood tests to rule out 'other things' and came up with nothing. I get this bloating and diarrhea after pretty much any food so it's not as easy as just cutting things out. I can barely even remember what it feels like to eat a meal and not 'suffer' all evening. I go to restaurants and pick the food I think will affect me least but I never quite know what's going to set it off. The only thing that kind of works is to eat tiny amounts all day and avoid full meals but that's so impractical - I won't be able to do this at work. Does anyone else have this issue?

porschespeedst

I have IBS, have had it for around nine months now. I was initially told I had an infection but they now think the test result was a false positive and it was just common-or-garden IBS the whole time. My GP feared I might have bowel cancer as I had most of the symptoms (including the 'red flag' symptom of blood when going to the toilet, not at all times, but on occasion), I thought I had ulcerative colitis but when the results came back showing I didn't have any signs of either cancer or colitis, I didn't even feel any better as I was so depressed around that time. Depression is very common among IBS sufferers, fortunately have been feeling a bit better recently.

The most distressing symptom for me is spasms. I take Spasmonal and Fybogel which improves things. My doctor said if Spasmonal works for you, Colofac will work even better, but I did not find the Colofac effective so went back to Spasmonal.

I find rice the worst thing for aggravating it. I have not really changed my diet so far. I have not cut out dairy or wheat products and I still drink beer. There is so much advice on diet for IBS sufferers and some of it seems confusing and contradictory. Fibre is good, but apparently fruit, which contains fibre, can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Well frankly I like fruit but find vegetables just boring. Guess I need more willpower, but I can't see myself subsisting on a diet of nuts, seeds and porridge.

Fortunately I have a good GP and work have been reasonably understanding too.

vincentdunne

Just sitting here reading this with am incredible stomach ache and sick and fed up with IBS which I had for 30 years. I have poured out my angst on another thread so won't do so here. I have had all the tests, all the 'cures' and I am just at my wit's end.
Pissed off, not looking forward to work (or missing it) tomorrow. Going to bed with a hot water bottle on my belly.
Peace.

ciagr297

I got IBS through long term medication...and I've figured out that my triggers are stress and fatty foods(amongst others) - I found this site and its just great.
Fantastic receipe forum as well, just cause you have IBS doesn't mean you can't be creative about food.
Peppermint oil is my cure all


http://www.helpforibs.com/

watna

vincentdunne wrote: »

Just sitting here reading this with am incredible stomach ache and sick and fed up with IBS which I had for 30 years. I have poured out my angst on another thread so won't do so here. I have had all the tests, all the 'cures' and I am just at my wit's end.
Pissed off, not looking forward to work (or missing it) tomorrow. Going to bed with a hot water bottle on my belly.
Peace.

Sorry to hear that. I hope you're feeling better today! All you can do is be good to yourself and take it easy.