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Original poster

IBS - am SO fed up and down.

34 replies

Lushaddict · 27/09/2006 10:10

Does anyone suffer with IBS? Ive had it since last year but very mild. These last few weeks its been getting worse and I had to come home from work yesterday the pain was that bad. Im so down its unbelievable. Am wondering if its because Im stressed thats making it worse (we've just had a holiday and the pain all but went).
I just feel like Ive got a knife in my upper tummy and Im not coping very well. Last night I got in the bath and cried, really sobbed, for no other reason.
Any advice would be much appreciated,thanks.

OP posts:
foxinsocks · 27/09/2006 10:12

have you got any medicine? I take buscopan for period pain but I noticed it is mainly used for IBS - it's a really good anti cramping thing that you can get over the counter.

If it is starting to affect your day to day life, I would go to the GP.

Original poster
Lushaddict · 27/09/2006 10:19

Yes Foxinsocks have had Buscopan but now the pain is worse I've been given Mebeverine.Was at the doctors yesterday and have to go back today for some blood tests.

OP posts:
foxinsocks · 27/09/2006 10:21

oh good - I'm glad you've seen someone. I don't have IBS but I know there are a fair few on here who do have it, so I hope someone can help you.

Socci · 27/09/2006 10:26

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CheesyFeet · 27/09/2006 10:46

I have IBS - I drink bucket loads of peppermint tea which really seems to help. I also hear that Aloe Vera gel is fantastic, I will be trying this if the peppermint tea effect ever wears off. I take loperamide (Imodium) if it gets really bad - this really seems to help with the cramping although it doesn't always stop the dodgy bowel movements.

Have you tried keeping a diary of your symptoms vs what food you have eaten? Perhaps you could eliminate something that triggers your symptoms this way.

Reiki was also a great help, I found it incredibly relaxing which eased the symptoms.

RnB · 27/09/2006 11:04

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Lushaddict · 27/09/2006 11:31

Thanks, will pick up some peppermint tea when I go back to the docs this afternoon. I have read loads of stuff on IBS websites but id rather take the advice of other sufferers, and its very much appreciated!

OP posts:
ratclare · 27/09/2006 13:35

have you tried cntacting a hypnotherapist ,apparently it can really help ,not sure how ,possibly help reduce stress levels . sorry youre feeling bad

jalopy · 27/09/2006 14:05

Lushaddict, I really feel for you. I've posted a couple of times on my continuing ailments and have had great support and advice on here.
My troubles started several weeks ago. Was on holiday, probably had wrong diet and managed to develop hideous acid reflux. This progressed to horrendous pain in my upper chest, diarrhoea and continuous colicky pains lower in my abdomen. Think this might be IBS as well. I've have lost weight and have been utterly miserable. There's more medicine in my cupboard than there is in Boots. Was on Lanzoprazole for three weeks but it made me worst. Found Zantac helped with the desperate upper tummy pain. I'm waiting to get the results of my blood test and am seeing the specialist next week.
Know exactly how you feel. Stress is a major factor too. Very difficult cycle to break.
Hope you are feeling better.

Original poster
Lushaddict · 27/09/2006 15:39

Thanks Jalopy.The pain has moved down my tummy (tho the odd sharp pain upper tummy)and feels remarkably like flippin labour pains!As Im off work with it I've just been to collect my daughter from nursery and was bent double walking up there.Am staying off work til Monday to give myself time to relax and get the tablets in my system. My job is very hectic and stressful at times though I enjoy it and don't think its responsible for this episode.Am just generally abit down and depressed I think.Am debating having my Mirena coil out (had it fitted beginning of July)as that is sometimes linked to how Im feeling.

OP posts:
Socci · 27/09/2006 19:14

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Medulla · 27/09/2006 19:17

Are any of you sufferers on teh pill? I ask as I suffered with IBS for 12 years, brought on by stress, caffeine, alcohol. Came off the pill to try for a baby and the symptoms went overnight. Went back on after DD was born - symptomatic within 48 hours! It's not a recognised side effect of the pill (yet) but GP wrote to the BNF.

jalopy · 27/09/2006 19:34

Ironically, Medulla, just came off the pill 6 weeks ago. Never had any problems on it concerning IBS, etc. Now I'm off it, my whole body has packed up!!

Medulla · 27/09/2006 19:35

oh well it was just a thought

Katymac · 27/09/2006 19:41

Try reflexology

It's really sorted mine out

I have only had 1 major attack this year

I am currently having my second but that was triggered by major ABiotics & pain killers for a sciatica & a urine infection

I hope to be back to the status quo very soon

Reflexology is ab fab

Socci · 27/09/2006 19:43

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texasrose · 27/09/2006 20:47

Hi, I suffer from Crohns and the symptoms can be similar. One thing I've picked up is the importance of touch - if you can, just gently massage your tummy - it does make a huge difference. Or try something like a warm hot-water bottle or a wheat pack on your tummy while you lie down and rest.

Also there are peppemint oil capsules you can get (sorry - I've forgotten the name) that could be worth a go.

And - licqorice has a steroidal effect on the gut so it could be worth trying some good quality licqourice (from a health food store) and seeing if that alleviates things.

And lavender oil is very relaxing and also anti-inflammatory - a lavender oil bath is so good for digestion.

Those are my old wives tales! See if any work...

Original poster
Lushaddict · 27/09/2006 21:10

Im quite new to this site but I must say you are all stars for the advice. Some 'mums' sites are iffy as the newbies tend to get ignored but you girls have rallied like good 'uns.
The pain has eased a little but am bloated like a balloon and off my food.Feel alot more optomistic and not as weepy.
Cheers all.

OP posts:
velcrobott · 27/09/2006 21:14

Lush - I use to have IBS a long time ago but it went away... however I went to see this lady for other problems but have discovered that she helps IBS with great success.

sallystrawberry · 27/09/2006 21:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ThePrisoner · 27/09/2006 22:49

My IBS was so awful that I was hospitalised twice as an emergency. Morphine is just brilliant (but they wouldn't let me bring any home ).

I also had Mebeverine, but it didn't help.

I ended up seeing a dietitian and was put on an extremely strict elimination diet. Over the following months, it was established that I had a bad reaction to several different foods (oats, yeast, strawberries, amongst others).

Having not had those foods for a long time (months), I tried them again in very small doses from time to time. I do not have any reaction to them at all now, unless eaten in huge quantities over several days, which I am not stupid enough to do. I cannot remember the last time that I had any problems with my guts.

This was all done under strict medical supervision because it was a pretty appalling diet, and I lost a lot of weight (got it all back now though!!) - but, my God, it was so worth it.

alibobble · 28/09/2006 09:34

Can second theprisoner. HAve been diagnosed with IBS for 2 years but symptoms went bananas when was pg with DD. Kept a food diary and found it was eggs and all milk products (it's amazing what it gets into) that set me off. Have not eaten eggs or milk since Dec last and have not had an IBS attack since. Apart from when accidentally ate some. Am actually off to the docs to try and get some proper tests done to see if I can reintroduce any of the foods now dd is born. She's weaned on the bottle now so won't affect her. (she's pross lactose intolerant too). I would def keep a food diary. it's tedious in the extreme but well worth it. Acording to Lactofree's website (special milk) lactose intolerance is often misdiagnosed as IBS. Tried using mebeverine but couldn't while pg. The peppermint capsules are called Colpermin and you can get them on prescription from the doc. HAve like a bilion! Can send you some if you want! Hope you get it sorted. It's awful. My symptoms incl chronic fatigue, bloating on aan extreme scale and PAIN! Found hot water bottle helped but did get funny looks as I was often accomapnied by one most of the time. Could try those het patched for period pain or back ache as they stick onto you so they are more descrete? Good luck in sorting it. BTW for best effect Colpermin should be taken 20mins before a meal and takes a while to have any effect. It has to build up in your system so don't be too quick to give up. That said I really believe food diary is the way forward. HTH.

Original poster
Lushaddict · 28/09/2006 14:29

The pain isn't as bad today Im relieved to say.Am going to call in at the doctors and book in to have the mirina coil removed.After reading up on several sites there appears to be a strong link with that and IBS so I want rid of it.It could be a vicious circle...coil causing the depression causing the severe IBS etc etc.When it was fitted she told me to give it 6 months but I cant.I know when my body doesn't feel right so Im going to insist.Okay it might not be the cause but I need to eliminate anything that could be - if that makes sense?!

OP posts:
texasrose · 28/09/2006 18:48

Hi again,
Just remembered - ginger is fantastic for digestion. My ultimate meal when the Crohns is bad is steamed fish with ginger and garlic and steamed rice. All very easily digested and the ginger is a great healer. You could also try just a bit of peeled fresh ginger in hot water as an infusion. It really does help.
Also there's a bloke called the Food Doctor and he's published various books about nutrition and links with various complaints and I've found his tips for diet very good.
Hope it goes okay having the coil removed!

kjaysmum · 28/09/2006 22:18

hello, have been reading this thread with avid interest. Am in the process of being diagnosed with very simular symptoms, the most frustrating being the stress angle as it's abit of a catch 22 cycle isn't it. Thanks a million Lush for starting the thread and to all of you for the tips, my sympathies go out to you for your suffering, it's a nightmare isn't it.
I do yoga and had to miss it for two weeks resulting in agony! Have just started doing a personal practice everyday....we shall see.