IBS???

[CharBar39]

Hey,
I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this - first timer here!!
Since December 2016 I have been suffering with constipation, bad bloating and wind. I have been relying On laxatives to go the toilet since then and if I don't take them I can feel a mass in my tummy (gross I know :/) I've had a few colonics which only offer short term relief and then it's back to 'normal' again! Back and forwards to the drs and many different laxatives later he finally referred me to the gastroenterologist. The gastroenterologist said he doesn't think anything is really wrong and perhaps I have a lazy bowel or maybe IBS-C and prescribed laxido sachets every night, he said a colonoscopy was not needed. It is taking over my life I take the laxatives everynight but I still don't go everyday and then when I have a day I go it will be about 10 times a day and now when I need to go to the toilet - I need to go straight away!!! I still suffer with the bloating and wind too. Sorry long post, if you've made it to this point 🙈 then does anyone suffer with the same? What have they been diagnosed with? Shall I push for an endoscopy? Thanks guys!

And I forgot to add when it is my time of the month going to the toilet is sooooooo painful! Eyes watering painful

Colonoscopy ahhh sorry 🙈

DH has IBS-D. Suffered for around 8 years. He had a capsule endoscopy last year, ruled out it being anything more serious and was then referred to a dietitian. They instructed a low FODMAP diet which did help but was extremely difficult, DH has said he’d rather be in control of his IBS and not follow such a restrictive diet. It took switching to a different NHS trust to finally see a gastroenterologist who then arranged the capsule endoscopy and dietitian though.

I've seen countless professionals for my IBS-D, I've had it for a good 11 years now.

I've had absolutely every procedure going, done every diet I can find.

Sadly, mine is predominantly stress related but comes on after the initial stress calms down. IBS is a wanker!

I know how you feel

Thank you for replying! It's so awful having to plan to be near a toilet and I'm only 25 :( dreading holiday this year incase there isn't any toilets near the beach and I don't want to be a pain in the bum for my OH and boys :( but if I don't take the laxatives I look pregnant and v uncomfortable! I never had tummy problems at all before, just seems strange it came out of nowhere! I cant imagine what having ibs d would be like, especially if you don't get a lot of warning. I should think myself lucky there! Xxxx

You could try magnesium tablets - either mag citrate or oxide for constipation. It is gentler on the gut, drawing water into the bowel and relaxing muscles. I take one every night, and go like clockwork the following morning, with no straining.

Thank you nanthewiser! I will try that🤞

Op, I'd much rather have IBS-D than C.

I had constipation the other day and omg I cried going to the toilet!!

I have always been grateful that if I have to have either, that I have D.

I do feel for you!

After reading Michael Mosley's Clever Guts Diet I added inulin to my diet in the form of chicory root powder. I didn't buy this book because I need to lose weight but more to help understand what was causing my constant constipation and frequent bloating.

I had heard about probiotics before but had not realised the importance of prebiotics. I have had bloating & constipation for years and no amount of prunes, or fibre in the diet or even taking a magnesium supplement seemed to have any effect.
But inulin has improved things a lot and I even take less than it says on the packet. If you try it start of with less than the stated dose and gradually build up the amount you take.
I am also trying to add prebiotics to my diet daily in the form of fermented foods.

Has your stomach acid ever been tested. I read something recently about how low stomach acid can be a possible cause of IBS. If you are low on stomach acid you apparently have difficulty digesting protein.
This is not the article I read. I can't find it but the message is similar.

fatiguetoflourish.com/low-stomach-acid-irritable-bowel-syndrome/

scdlifestyle.com/2012/03/3-tests-for-low-stomach-acid/
Apparently taking Betaine Hcl + Pepsin can help with digestion especially of proteins.

Wow that's really interesting I've never heard of that before! Thanks everyone a few things to take away and try!!! It's like a rabbit warren trying to figure it out! Haha xxx