IBS suspected (me!)

[Bunsyduff]

Would anyone be able to recommend someone who deals with diagnosing/ treating IBS through diet in central / Nw London? Am beginning to suspect I may have it- and need some help/ guidance!
Thanks all x

[Spam88]

Hi Bunsyduff, you'll need to see your GP for a diagnosis as they'll need to do blood tests to rule out any other conditions.

[HisNameWasPrinceAndHeWasFunky]

I'm in the same place as you bunsy.


And I've absolutely had enough. I have docs appt in 10 days but my online research, including NHS indicates it is mainly sorted by diet. Taking probiotics also helps a bit.

I'm now looking at starting the FODMAP elimination diet. 75% of the foods I eat are on the NO list so it will be a challenge especially as I would need to eat more meat. (I eat very little meat).

But I did do a similar veggie version of FODMAP in my 20's and can honestly say it is the best I have ever physically felt.

But I have to do something. I'm now feeling rubbish on a good day and it's really degrading my life.

[Absinthe9]

Agree with seeing the doctor to rule out other things. I think that is an important step as there are a number of other things which can give IBS type symptoms including coeliac and early stage stomach ulcer.

As a lifelong sufferer of IBS (I can remember having it when I was three) I think it is partly triggered by stress, so is better when I take time to meditate or exercise, and partly due to gut sensitivity.

I can eat sugar and wheat but too much of either triggers it ( and I am an old gimmer so I spotted this at least 40 years ago before it became fashionable to demonise those things) so I wouldn't eat bread and pasta in the same day. I don't seem to be triggered by dairy or citrus which apparently some people are.

Probiotics do seem to help a bit if I remember to take them. If you have developed IBS as an adult after something like gastroenteritis then I'd say they were essential for at least a few months. You can buy some high dose ones from health food shops aimed at e.g. people travelling to third world countries and anecdotally these work well.

I have spent periods of my life for a few months at a time eating only protein and veg. If I do that I have no problems at all. However life is too short to eat like that all the time.

I'd suggest you keep a food diary noting how your gut feels before each meal and 30 then 60 minutes after it. I always know within half an hour if I've overdone it. I suspect you will see some patterns fairly quickly.

Personally I think Fodmap is a pretty depressing diet, but you could try moving to light protein and veg only for a week or so (no grains) and see if that helps then gradually introduce other things. The "good" thing about IBS is that if diet is a component you see it quite quickly.

The other thing I'd say is to get yourself some imodium or better still the cheaper generic alternative. I find it works well and quickly and carrying it in my bag gives me the confidence to know I can manage it if I need to which reduces the stress element. Also oil of peppermint capsules are effective to soothe gut cramping.

[chickenowner]

I'm in the same position! I have a GP appointment for tomorrow morning. I've had a lot of stomach cramping and diarrhoea over the past 2 to 3 months. I'm trying to cut out wheat to see if that helps but it's too early to tell at the moment.

It's all a bit upsetting really, I've had to cancel social events which I hate doing! I'm going to try Absinthe's advice of a food diary, imodium and peppermint oil. I have a lunch out with friends planned for Friday and am determined to go!

[HisNameWasPrinceAndHeWasFunky]

Been on low FODMAP food for 2 days now and I am actually starting to feel less dreadful, for the first time in what feels like forever.

Doctors appt is next Tuesday - but I can't wait until then. The IBS is now really impacting my life. So I did a lot of low-FODMAP research over the weekend, got some lacto free milk in and have been making sure I am avoiding FODMAPS.

Early days but I am optimistic this will help.