If you have IBS....

[AtticusCactus]

....does this sound like IBS to you?

I've never suffered from any digestive or bowel issues until around 5 years ago.
I found that about 20 minutes after eating (tmi coming up) I got really uncomfortable with bloating and trapped wind (which smells dreadful when it does come out) and eventually explosive diarrhoea.
I have found that even though not constant it's happening more frequently to the point that I'm foregoing food if I know I'm short on time or busy, such as at work as I don't want to risk feeling uncomfortable or having a poo-plosion. I'm even wary of eating out now as it ruins the evening.
Why I ask if this is a symptom of IBS is because it's not constant whereas information suggests that IBS is constant. Also it only happens when I'm out of home. Last week, I was out with the family, stopped for a drink and sandwich. All very relaxed and stress free. Within half an hour, I was in bloody agony and farting like a dray horse.
Over the weekend, all meals eaten at home. No problem at all. However, I have been constipated but I wondered if that was because I emptied out so much after the drink and sandwich episode.
Also, food types aren't consistent with symptoms either. I can eat something relatively non windy like shepherd's pie and be fine. Eat it again and have the world falling out of my bum within half an hour.

I'm off to the GP next week for a smear anyway so will ask her but I'm interested to see if anybody else suffers similar and how do you help yourself?

I thought IBS came in flare ups so doesn't have to be constant. I can also have different reactions to the same meals. My symptoms are also not linked to stress which is commonly mentioned as a trigger.

I think IBS covers a wide range of symptoms and I have also heard that you can be diagnosed with it because these problems are easily categorized as IBS when they might not be true IBS. Sorry, not much help here. Please post if your doctor says anything useful!

Have you tried the Fodmap diet? It is recommended.

Also have you tried anti-spasm medication before eating and Buscopan for pain? Again I have heard these are not effective unless you have true IBS.

Thanks Trickycat.
Yes, I'm not stressed either so not I don't think that's a trigger for me either. Unless there's some subconcious thing going on.
I'll check out Fodmap too.

I think I have something similar. I believe I have Dumping Syndrome- it's very common after having gastric surgery apparently (not that I have had it).

Doc referred me to a consultant who couldn't find anything even after a colonoscopy. He eventually discharged me even though I explained that this was still happening and I really wasn't messing him about (think being 'caught' in the middle of the city centre on a night out - couldn't get to a toilet in time- I was wearing a beige dress and had sh*t running down my legs. Had to throw dress away and buy another- so I wasn't messing with the doctor! )

It's a huge thing in my life and dictates what I wear, where I go and what I eat. The consultant didn't diagnose dumping syndrome but this is the only thing I can relate it too.

I was told to take a daily diocalm (cheap supermarket version). Which helps to some extent but hasn't prevented my episodes.

It's not dictated by type of food or quantity- it's very random.

I hope you're managing and I would love to know if you get any answers

it sounds similar to my flare ups. I have found that limiting certain foods help but you need to keep a food diary and you will identify certain foods that make it worse. Mine are rocket, tomatoes and peppers (especially cooked peppers). I take buscopan and also always keep a pack of windeze in my bag, it doesn't always stop it but it does help. Drink lots of water too, try to avoid dairy & caffeine when it is bad

IBS is a last-resort diagnosis once all diseases of the bowel have been ruled out. (IBS is a disfunction of the bowel rather than disease).

It's really important that you have anything more serious ruled out (not that IBS isn't serious, but it isn't going to kill you.)

JamesSpader I get exactly the same thing, also no gastric bypass for me. My gp had never heard of it and looked at me like I'm a malingerer making up syndromes. I only get it a few times a year and it is not painful, no cramps or anything, and I can't tie it to any particular food but for me it does seem to happen in the earlier part of the day. My bowels basically turn to liquid and I feel like a sink full of water with a plug in. I get a bit sweaty and shaky and feel like I need a rest afterward.

Keep a food diary...sounds like could be something you are eating. Dairy/gluton etc.

Op sorry for hijacking thread.

User.....yes only happens to me a few times a year. I'm convinced it's dumping syndrome. Not quite sure what to do next though....

Could be giardia- usually easily treated.