I’m a long term sufferer of IBS-A AMA

[AMAibsA]

I’ve been diagnosed with IBS for over 15 years and it has affected my life in many negative ways, I’d be happy to share any advice or tips I can for those going through the same.

You have my utter sympathy, I have the same.
First developed IBS in 1998. I have had so many tests and tried every diet, medication, alternative therapy etc available. Still have it and now at 50 it’s getting worse. Don’t think I’ll ever be free of it.

What do you take/do to manage your day to day life?

What do you eat? I find the only food that doesn't make me look 9 months pregnant is salad and even that's hot and miss.

Hit and miss that should say.

I too have suffered since my teens. The thing that has really made a difference for me is that a few years ago I saw a consultant allergist about some hives I experienced during and after my last pregnancy.

a side outcome of that session was that the allergist noticed a link between my IBS and my seasonal hayfever. The result was that through a fodmap elimination I gained understanding of what foods were crossing over with my hayfever and oral allergy, and now as long as I’m managing my hayfever my IBS is not so sensitive overall.

I've found a link between this and histamine. Taking 2 x low does antihistamines has help be keen to hear OP if this is something you've explored?

I would love to hear about anything you have found that helps. I don't have a formal diagnosis yet, but am going down that path and am utterly depressed by it at the moment...

Mine was cured when I had my gall bladder out. I had it out due to issues related to that not ibs. But was resolved after

Can I ask what your symptoms are? I often wonder if I have a histamine intolerance.

@Picklemeyellow sure my whole life has been the following:

Sporadic IBS
UTI, bladder issues
Endometriosis
Hay fever
Allergies to animals
Allergies to seasonal fruits
Intolerance to nightshades

And sensitive to hormones.

The intolerance came about due to taking HRT and I had a massive reaction, and was told it was due to a histamine intolerance, after lots of reaches turns out I've lived my entire life with high histamine and inflammation. With foods, environment and life either flaring or reducing this.

So my HRT reaction in a way was a godsend that has allowed me to manage the high levels and taking 2 a day makes huge difference to my life, I buy from Amazon and in the last 2 years I have followed a low histimine diet and anti inflammatory.

I was working with nutrition lady who added ferment foods and felt awful and that flared my IBS. So now knowing this allows me to avoid fermentation, and inflammation foods.

I'm by no means cured, but I now have an understanding of why and how food wine and life will impact me and my body.

Thank you for your sympathy and for sharing your story, it means a great deal. Unfortunately I don’t think we will be free of it given the nature of IBS however it’s also possible it just disappears one day for no reason, that’s what happened to my friend and she couldn’t explain it

As my IBS is random in terms of my symptoms it’s hard to manage what to take, I do tame additional vitamin supplements like D, Iron, C and Magnesium which helps. Also I take Psyllium husk and a suppository if I’m constipated

I follow a low FODMAP as best I can which has seen improvements however the problem still persists, sugar is a big trigger so I avoid as much added sugars as possible which honestly is a good thing anyway. I avoid foods that bloat me too like things with too much diary

It is and sadly didn’t appear to have any look with it on my end but I’m glad to hear it has helped you

I’m very sorry to hear that, it can be a huge hinderance to living day to day. Have you looked into Low FODMAP diets? Generally that’s the best place to start

Thanks - I really don't want to have to - am Coeliac so already restricted - but my diet is generally awful - very high in sugar and alcohol, so it's ridiculous that I know I should at least try to eat better to reduce the IBS symptoms ... I will look into FODMAP - my Mum has had IBS for years and I got very frustrated when she refused to look into it - and now I find myself in the same position, so really need to get my act together..!

What is IBS a? I'm IBS d and it affects my life hugely

which tablets do you take @whyamiawakestill ? I am also very intolerant to HRT and my IBS has got much worse during perimenopause.

I haven't found anything that works - I only know that I'm ok if I eat chicken and white rice (which is quite a limiting diet).

my IBS is very random too @AMAibsA

Can I ask what IBS-a is? Is that both C and D?

it is a mixture of both yes, both constipation and diarrhoea during random times

@MooBaggage
Long time sufferer of IBS and also coeliac. Size 10 with bloating. The FODMAP diet has helped but my diet is pretty restricted. Since several calamities, I now take Immodium instants an hour before motorway travel or going anywhere without quick access to a loo and that really helps. I've started consulting a dietician recommended by a Dr. She's recommended L Glutamine and a digestive enzyme - but I had indepth conversations with her first. I'll begin those after Christmas....

Hi OP,

Are you able to work? And if so, how have your workplace provided reasonable adjustments for you?

I buy allacan in bulk on Amazon, take 2 per day, and eat a low histimine diet, I take them all year round and if I miss them I get gastric flare ups within days.

They stop my flare ups, and have reduced my asthma, which I now suspect was allergies all along.

Do you suffer from a lot of bloating? Have you heard of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), it causes bloating and diarrhoea amongst other things.
I’ve had IBS for 25 years but only tested positive for SIBO this year.