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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

In asking abouT IBS?

24 replies

Reallywanttomovenow · 18/08/2019 10:42

This is going to be a TMI thread and I am sorry, but I would rather ask the internet than embarrass myself at the doctor.

I think I have IBS- I usually have about 30 seconds of warning before I need to 'go'. it effects me in my daily life and I have to be careful about having a coffee out and about because I need to 'go' within minutes!

Thankfully I am a stay at home mum at the moment so I don't need to be anywhere for extended periods of time, but I am dreading going back to work because of it.

any tips? I don't want my colleagues moaning that I take too many toilet breaks!

So sorry to ask but I need tips only mumsnet can give! Google is full of... well crap so I wanted some first hand experience! TIA

OP posts:
Kvothe · 18/08/2019 11:02

You need to see your GP. If it is IBS, they can prescribe anti spasmodics so you won’t have that immediate need. You should also keep a food diary to see what your triggers are.

Original poster
Reallywanttomovenow · 18/08/2019 11:18

A food diary is a good idea.
I thought it was down to stress but never thought about food. except coffee.

How long do the anti spasmodics give you ? although anything longer than a minute would be nice! thank you

OP posts:
WombatStewForTea · 18/08/2019 12:00

Go to your GP.
Do lots of research online. Lots of thinks like peppermint can have a positive effect on people same with the likes of fibogel. It's about finding what works for you.
Is your only symptom the urgency to go?

Asgoodasarest · 18/08/2019 12:34

Have a look at the low fodmap diet too. Go to the GP first to get a proper diagnosis, IBS can mimic other conditions that may need different treatment.
Your Dr will have seen it all before, please don’t be embarrassed. Hope you feel better soon.

IceAndASlice123 · 18/08/2019 12:41

Ask for a calprotectin test. It's a stool sample which measures inflammation.
A level of above 50 might indicate something that needs further investigating.
Dont panic if it comes back high, once treated, many people go on to lead very normal lives

Neron · 18/08/2019 12:44

I recommend colpamin. I have it and this is what I take. I buy It from Amazon though as much cheaper than boots etc

SootySueandSweeptoo · 18/08/2019 12:45

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

Whatelsecouldibecalled · 18/08/2019 12:45

You can download an app to help you track food and when you have reactions eg urgent need to go or wind or bloat to try and figure out trigger foods

Original poster
Reallywanttomovenow · 18/08/2019 19:52

I will go when I work myself up to it... I didn't realize there was anything wrong because its so normal but I go several times a day and its almost always like diarrhea, and I get under a minute to prepare :-S And always have like really strong period type pains- very uncomfortable 70% of the time.
But It's been like this for years, my whole adult life so I do feel a little silly going to the doctor this late in the game!

Thank you for the the advice, I will try this before wasting the doctors time first though! Very Much appreciated and so sorry for the

OP posts:
Spam88 · 18/08/2019 20:01

You wouldn't be wasting the doctor's time! There are more serious conditions that have very similar symptoms to IBS, so IBS should only ever be diagnosed after those have been ruled out. And if it is IBS, there are things you can try to control your symptoms (whether that be diet or medication).

Cryalot2 · 18/08/2019 20:14

I have this for decades and it took ages to get sorted back then. The good news is they have came a long way.
Keep a diary. 1 column time, 2 any food or drink taken , 3 symptoms and 4 anything else that could relevant, like stress or period.
Go see your dr and get referred to dietician who will work along side your dr.
You may need to give stool samples and blood tests ( routine)
I would advise steer away from dr Google and nutritionists. They do not work along with gp and don't have the same training.
No two people are the same.
I know only to well not being able to hold. Its hateful.

Quail15 · 18/08/2019 20:25

Definitely speak to your GP - and I hope your GP is more helpful than mine. My GP just shrugged and said I could self diagnose Confused

Like you I get awful period like cramps (but a lot more intense than my normal period). My triggers are lactose (dairy), eggs and really fatty foods. It is worse around the days I ovulate and the day before my period so stress and hormones definitely play a part.

Keep a food diary as others have suggested. I did the Fodmap diet to work out exactly what I am sensitive to. I also keep a packet of buscopan tablets in my purse for emergencies when I'm out.

IceAndASlice123 · 18/08/2019 20:26

I don't want to scare you but urgency to get to a toilet, diarrhoea and stomach pain may all point to an inflammatory bowel disease. You definitely wouldn't be wasting the doctors time, those symptoms sound very delibitating. Go to put your mind at ease if nothing else x

minibroncs · 18/08/2019 20:44

I don't want to scare you but urgency to get to a toilet, diarrhoea and stomach pain may all point to an inflammatory bowel disease.

Hmm, I was thinking that too. Scar tissue could be a factor.

When you're ready to go to the GP, don't start by suggesting it's IBS but by presenting a diary of symptoms and requesting investigation.

minibroncs · 18/08/2019 20:48

And don't tell them about it being stress related either or you'll end up without anybody bothering to investigate or find out what's wrong. And if it is IBD that could have really serious consequences - whereas if it was identified and treated your quality of life could be transformed.

Don't make it easy for them to dismiss you as a stressed, anxious woman with IBS without proper investigation. IBS is only supposed to be diagnosed if all other causes have been eliminated, not because medics can't be bothered to investigate.

Biancadelrioisback · 18/08/2019 20:56

Tbh I cut out caffeine (on weeks days) and I drink a shit tone of water. Well...I drink the recommended amount but to me that's a lot as I also have a very weak bladder.
It's actually helping me stay awake and energised although I'm still a bit snappy during the day.

I have IBS but I dont have the sudden urge to use the toilet, I have intense pain in my lower abdomen.
I'm talking crippled over on the floor unable to move (at worst). Ended up in the hospital as I passed out which is how I was 'diagnosed'.

I always carry buscopan with me too and if I take it as soon as I feel the pain coming on then I'm usually okay.

SRK16 · 18/08/2019 20:56

I had your symptoms (extreme urgency, diarrhea multiple times a day) and thought it was ‘just’ IBS.
After it got worse and multiple investigations it turned out I had bile acid malabsorption - took medicine for a month or so and had a HUGE improvement. I do still have stomach issues from what is actually IBS, but I don’t have that horrific fear multiple times daily that I’m about to shit myself. Push for it to be investigated properly.

ShawshanksRedemption · 18/08/2019 21:17

it effects me in my daily life and I have to be careful about having a coffee out and about because I need to 'go' within minutes!

Caffeine is a known stimulant that makes you need to go so you might want to avoid hot drinks when out.

TalbotAMan · 18/08/2019 21:28

As others have said, you need to go to your doctor. And then you need to keep vigilant.

The 'S' in IBS is for 'syndrome', which is medical speak for 'don't know what it is' -- if they did know it would be called 'disease'. Properly, IBS should only be diagnosed after you have been properly investigated for everything else that could be causing your symptoms. Frequently, this doesn't happen, so that once they have decided you don't have bowel cancer or Crohn's Disease or something else that might kill you in the near future, they just label you as IBS to get rid of you.

I may sound a little bitter, but I had an IBS diagnosis for around 40 years, which was investigated from time to time when I made a fuss, but not one doctor in that time thought to do the right test, which would have shown that I have, and always did have, coeliac disease. An earlier diagnosis could have averted some permanent damage and a lot of pain and discomfort.

So whatever you do, don't self-diagnose IBS. With the symptoms you report, request a gastroenterology referral and make sure they do their job properly.

Iris27 · 18/08/2019 21:40

My mum had your symptoms and was told by the doctor it was IBS for years.

Got progressively worse and turned out she is actually coeliac (allergic to gluten). It took a really bad escalation for them to properly diagnose and treat her so like others have said, go to the docs and insist they rule everything else out before diagnosing you with IBS.

Iris27 · 18/08/2019 21:43

@TalbotAMan totally agree. Was horrific what my mum went through for years thinking she had IBS. I'll never completely trust a GP again.

TalbotAMan · 18/08/2019 21:59

@Iris27

In my experience it wasn't just GPs. There were two hospital investigations along the way.

stitchwitch84 · 18/08/2019 22:30

Low FODMAP - ask your GP. It has changed my life!

Bambamber · 18/08/2019 22:36

I echo what others have said that you need to see your GP to rule out anything else rather than just assuming it's IBS

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