To ask how to stop being so ill

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this happens virtually every winter - I get virus after virus after virus. I’m asthmatic and everyone knocks me for 6. I’ve currently been ill non stop since the start of October. Flu turned into chest infection turned into ear infections and I’m on my 5th lot of antibiotics, and started another horrendous chesty cough last night.

Im constantly fighting a battle with IBS. Can’t get any NHS help with it. I’m constantly fatigued and barely managing life. I work, come home and I’m too exhausted to enjoy stuff with kids. I got diagnosed with vit D deficiency. I’m hypermobile and in near constant pain in joints and from over extension injuries. I’m overweight as exercise is painful and I can’t work out what I can and can’t eat.

AIBU to ask how the hell to break out of this cycle of illness?

I’d start by focusing on your diet. Look for triggers for your IBS. Weight loss is around 80% diet and 20% exercise even if you exercise quite a lot. Can you walk? Taking a brisk daily walk is a great way to move as is any swimming pool based activity.

Obviously address your Vit D deficiency and consider a good all round vit/ mineral supplement and maybe probiotics. Get enough sleep and avoid crowded venues or environments where you can.

Its awful to feel unwell so often but you should see some improvements.

Theres a 'fit for school' probiotic that is meant to reduce school absence by 30%. I was sceptical but my DD has had a bit of a turnaround with them - company is proVEN and they do an adult version i'm thinking of trying!

Thanks I’ll look that up - with IBS, IBS medication, and so many antibiotics my gut health is probably dire

I have sympathy with you!

I’d question the IBS diagnosis (not sure what your symptoms are though) as many drs seem to instantly go down that route. I was told this for several years and after changing GP surgery’s another dr took the time to actually listen to be properly and sent me off for other tests and scans and I came back with 2 other conditions that can be managed more effectively.

These also stop me from absorbing vitamins “normally” and also prone to weight gain, which doesn’t help my immune system fight off everything else

Have you treated the vitamin D deficiency and has that resolved?

All of this 👆

Sounds silly but be very vigilant about your hand hygiene. Those shopping trolleys / escalators/ lift buttons / ATMs etc carry so many germs …

We are always washing our hands after coming in from outside. Regardless of where we have been.

It sounds like you are stuck in a downward spiral and all those things together seem too big to handle. Pick one thing.

Eating is a good place to start because you have to eat, so make sure you are eating the most healthy food you can - lots of variety and unprocessed food. I would take vitamin D separately, but eggs, oily fish and soy or almond milk all have vitamin D in them. Really the NHS should be able to direct you with healthy eating, but I quite believe you that they can't.

I developed colitis after constant courses of antibiotics. They cane your guts. Another vote for a good pro/pre biotic. I also have about 100ml of kefir a day. I find Vit D supplements also affect my bowels. Make sure you take them on a full stomach, with something fatty (oily fish, nuts or some other healthy fat).

Losing weight will help with the joint pain. I’ve lost 2st this year and it’s made a massive difference. I cut right down on carbs, and eat more lean protein, veg and beans.

Have you tried keto? Some people have had success with this for ibs. It's definitely good for weight loss.

Have you tried the fodmap diet? My friend was put on that by the nhs to try to identify her ibs triggers.