Stomach cramps - is this a new and horrible symptom of my IBS or am I ill?

[IlanaK]

The last three days I have been getting terrible stomach cramps. The first night it started I also had bad upset stomach. I often get this anyway due to IBS. But two days on and the cramps are still with me.

Is this part of IBS even though I have never had them before? Or is it an illness sign?

Is there anything I can do to ease them as its horrible?

[UndertheBoredwalk]

I get bad cramps with my IBS so it could well be a symptom. I just use painkillers etc. Treat it pretty much the same as period pains really.
Have my sympathy though, tis horrible

[IlanaK]

Does it feel like periods pains to you? Mine feels higher up than period pains. Really quite different.

[Niecie]

Could be both - you had a bug but it has exacerated the IBS which is why you still have cramps.

Do you take anything for it? Are you eating properly or, more importantly, drinking fluids. I used to IBS a lot but it has eased a great deal since having children. However, I really feel it if I don't drink enough over a couple of days. Could the upset stomach made you dehydrated and you haven't managed to drink enough since?

I used to hug a hot water bottle which is quite soothing.

[IlanaK]

Thanks for the reply. I do drink a lot, but have found that over the last couple of months my IBS is generally getting worse so maybe this is just a part of it. I can never tell if I have a bug or not as the symptoms seem to be the same as the IBS. I don't take anything for the IBS, but I recently started putting ground flaxseed into my food and I found this was really helping "firm" things up. But I ran out and haven't had it for about a week. Just got some more in the post today so will start having it again.

Also will start some acidopholus powder and peppermint capsules this week.

[Niecie]

I was just going to suggest peppermint capsules. I used to take them - never knew if they helped but I have recently read something about peppermint being very soothing for the stomach.

Maybe it is a lack of flaxseed then - perhaps you are used to having it and your body is a bit shocked to have gone without this week.

Hope you feel better soon - I know how grim it can be.

[thirtypence]

Gastritis should be eliminated, as should having an ulcer or starting with an ulcer. I take stuff to heal and prevent ulcers when I get symptoms. Have you taken any nurofen or aspirin recently?