Calling all IBS sufferers

[runnybumisnofun]

Can you tell me how long you have had it for, how you developed it, if you managed to treat it so it has gone etc.

I have had it for 91/2 years now and am totally fed up with it. I got it after contracting gastro-enteritis. I never get constipated - only diarrhoea.

I have tried hypnothrapy, diet changes, peppermint capsule, aromatherapy, acupuncture, Chinese herbalism, mebervarine, emotional freedom technique - you name it. Pain killers slow me down but not good long term.

I am seriously considering low dose anti-depressants now. Anyone got any info on these? It is anxiety related now - feeling panicky in big shops, trapped, adrenalin release etc etc. Really impinging on my life in general and could really use some help and advice - thanks.

Need to go out just now but will check back later for replies.

Anyone?

BUMP

I had craniosacrotherapy and it helped tremendously. I believe you call it cranio-osteo. My emotions still effect me at times and I have to stay away from things like double-cream (heavy cream over here) and I believe my gall bladder is weak also and that is what starts off a "session".

Ta sun - I need to keep away from cream too, amongst other things!

i think i mostly grew out of the worst excesses of mine, tbh. stress brings it back with a bang, and there's always an explosive price to pay for red meat. sorry to hear you're having such a bad time with it...

I seem ok with red meat, maybe by the time I grow out of it I'll be senile and won't care anymore!

fingers crossed. or should that be legs?

Me too! I am hoping to do an exclusion diet to try to track down what is triggering it. Reflexology seemed to help a bit...must book some myself.
It's horrible, isn't it? Embarassing too. I end up trying to work out if there will be a convenient loo before I venture anywhere. Drives dh mad!

Yeah me too - every venture out has to be calculated. I end up with terrible anxiety if there is no toilet nearby, which causes adrenalin release, which causes gut to contract - never ending. It is the bane of my life. I look at people just casually walking and feel envious. I soo want my life back.

Hi runnybumisnofun

I too suffer from IBS but mainly get constipated (although occasionally have diarrhoea). Although I don't get those awful urges to run to the loo, I get very bloated, lots of stomach and back pain, lots of wind after eating my main meal. The constipation makes me sluggish, but if I take any form of laxative I get terrible stomach ache. I have tried changing my diet and believe I live fairly well - don't smoke, eat healthily, exercise nearly every day. Also, I can't quie seem to get the balance right - if I eat too much fruit, spicy foods, etc, I tend to go the other way.

I'm also noticing that I'm in a lot of discomfort when i wake up each morning; almost as though I haven't digested my tea properly.

Doctors seem useless - sorry I'm not much help, but do sympathise....

Colofac and fybogel together, really helped me.

I suffered similar symptoms to you - sudden urge, incredible pain, diarrhoea,made worse by certain foods/stress.

I eventually brought it under control almost inadvertantly. I needed to lose weight and excluded wheat, potatoes, sugar, dairy and something else (can't remember at moment) for about a year.

Haven't suffered with it since.

That was about ten years ago. I endured it for about eleven years.

Good luck, it is absolutely horrendous to suffer with.