IBS :( someone talk to me please

[MuckyStudent]

It all started back in 2007 when one night I began having odd stomach cramps. I tried to ignore it but it steadily got worse and worse until eventually I felt like I was in labour. I called NHS direct but was in so much pain I collapsed onto the floor whilst on the phone and they sent me an ambulance. I was taken in, given morphine and asked "when did you last have a shit?" and it made me realise I hadn't actually been for almost 2 weeks. I was suffering from impactation of the bowel (or something) and was given an enema which kept me on the bog for 2 days straight - arse like a tap. I shit so much I lost half a stone in weight in 2 days.

Since then I have suffered with chronic constipation. I have taken movicol and lactulose - movicol is shit but the lactolose will work if I over-dose on it. Trouble is my symptoms are getting so much worse. It isn't just the shitting (or lack of) but my stomach is so bloated I look about 6 months pregnant. I am in constant discomfort with my stomach, never have an appetite yet am putting on weight despite not eating much, I've just eaten my tea and my stomach is making so much noise I am actually concerned! I am also farting like there is no tomorrow. All day, constant farting.

I sometimes feel a lump in my lower abdomen too. I am due to see the doctor tomorrow but I'm scared anyone else have these symptoms with simple IBS?

It could be IBS, a friend had similar with it but the underlying cause was endometriosis.

Just hang in there until you talk to your GP... I'd push for a referral...

I have IBS and thats pretty much how it is with me. I am either constipated or have the runs, dunno which is worse. You might have to have a colonoscopy (tube up your bum). Go to the doc and like LadyMedea says, push for a referral. Afaik there is no actual way to diagnose IBS, my doc just said I probably had it! But now he's sending me for a colonoscopy. One thing that definitely helps me is drinking lots of water - helps to keep me regular. And avoiding sugary food. Some people find eating more bran, veg etc. helps, and some find it makes their symptoms worse. I'd say keep an eye on your diet, you'll probably find some things set you off. Best of luck!

also ask them to check for celiacs and chrones disease. its best to rule them out

change of diet will make a difference but you need to know what you are dealing with

agree with Iamseeingstars, but can also add that sprinkle a teaspoon of linseed with food should help.
fibre added in small amounts helps, also stop the brown bread. stop the huge amounts of fibre in one meal, like stir frys. spread small amount of fibre thoughout the day.

a warm bath and massage tummy.

massage tummy while trying to go or its stops mid going iyswim.

boscapan is my emergency pain med, but be careful not to overdose on them....(got my wrist slapped badly for that)

i try to control my lactose intake and instead have small amounts of lactose milk and cheese.

tried the foodmapp diet, which removed some types of veg, fruit wheat and dairy for a few weeks. did get things under control and i can now eat smaller amounts of previously retricted food.

good luck.

ginger herbal teas are worth a try.

IBS is a "diagnosis of exclusion", meaning that there is no definitive test that will tell you that you have it. The doctor will come to the conclusion that it's IBS once they've investigated you thoroughly for more sinister problems (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac, cancer, polyps etc etc) and those tests have come back clear. Usually it's blood tests and colonoscopy, and they may also get you to send a stool sample off.

It can be annoying because even if the tests come back clear you still have to deal with the symptoms :(
It's different for everyone, but the two things that really help me are peppermint tea and charcoal tablets. They work wonders for the cramps and bloating, although they won't do much for the diarrhoea or constipation. Worth keeping a food dairy too- for example if I eat broccoli I know I'll suffer for it later.. which is a shame cos I love raw broccoli (I'm weird I know)

I have had IBS for 25 years. I find, in general, that it helps if I exercise 30 min per day, drink plenty of water, eat at least 5 portions of raw veg and drink mint tea then I tend to tick along fine. Stress in my life (or deviation from above) as well staying somewhere away from home causes cramping and bloating. I take Colofac tablets when this happens. It's a total pain - I dread holidays :( but that's life!

With my 'rules' and meds my life is MUCH better than it was when I was younger. I was really glad the doctor took the time to look at my lifestyle. I don't find 'fibre' helps but makes things much worse. It is water soluble fibre that makes the difference. My target is 10g a day - I rarely manage that much :) Hope this info helps and you begin to feel better soon.

I to have ibs, put up with it for 2 years, tried everything, went to the docs a couple of times, had tests inc barium enema, nothing. Then saw a diff gp, she listened to my life story, lost a child, coping with triplets in my 50s, husband fighting bowel cancer. She said its stress and gave me citalopram. I wouldnt take them, feeling they were for depression, I am not depressed. Eventually gave in and tried them, just a 10mg dose...................no more ibs. I now take one every other day.............its worth a thought. Good luck.

i have taken those for ibs, there are some anti deppression tablets that help with ibs. there are more nerve endings in the bowel than in the head, so this drug does help with pain.
I was put on them after i got ibs after a severe bout of food poisoning, (i was in hosptial for 2 weeks, and was very ill, my liver too a bit of a bashing)
and being free from pain was such a relief.

I have had stomach and bowel pains for years and was told it was IBS. A recent CT scan showed I actually have diverticulitus and these are probably what causes the pains I have.

However, after having medical treatment for cancer, I am now suffering even more, so having extensive tests next week to see if they can diagnose anything different that has occurred since I started all the drugs.

The pain is incredible and I wouldnt wish it upon anyone.