Any IBS suffers out there?

[cookingmama02]

Hi, does anyone suffer from IBS and can tell me what it's like for them? as doctors have diagnosed me with it but I'm scared it's something else,Thanks.

Cramping that is almost instantly relieved by going to the loo, bloating (to the point that I can look pregnant!), v sudden upset stomachs for me. Certain foods I know are triggers, stress is a huge trigger, but sometimes flares out of the blue for no apparent reason. I can have a bad day or two and then be fine for months, or a really bad run of it where it doesn't properly settle for weeks.

It took a long time for me to get diagnosed as I was always told to conclude IBS they should really run blood tests, stool samples etc to rule out most other possibilities first.

I've had it all my life. Mainly stress related, and always gets worse when I'm worrying or have a lot on. Diet is also a massive factor for me, and certain foods effect me. I've realised what is normal for me, and if that varies much then I speak to the doctor. Keeping a diary is a good idea..

I get stress related ibs but now my mum has just been diagnosed with late stage almost symptomless bowel cancer with metastatic cancer I would beg everyone to have tests to be sure it IS just ibs.

I'm so sorry to hear that, wishing your mum a speedy recovery x