Probiotics for IBS

[namechangedpurelyforthis]

Hi all

I have been diagnosed with IBS-D recently and have been prescribed Buscopan and recommended to follow the low FODMAP diet. I have been doing so for two weeks now and am seeing no improvement, in fact it's got worse! To be fair I am extremely stressed in my job and I know that sets it off so that's probably a major factor.

Anyway, I have been umming and aahing about taking a probiotic to 'reset' my gut, in the vain hope that this will help as I'm starting to feel desperate and it's taking over my life. Does anyone have any experience of taking a probiotic for this, who can give me some hope that things will improve? I really don't know what else to do, save being signed off from work to try and tackle my stress (which the doctor offered to do), which I think would actually only make me more stressed! Also, I've heard from lots of people that the probiotics made their symptoms worse before they got better. I just need some honest, experienced advice so I know what to expect.

Thanks!

Following with interest. I'm sure my gut needs resetting.
Did you see the Steph McGovern programme with Hugh fw?

No? What was it about?
Thanks for replying.

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000dv50/easy-ways-to-live-well-series-1-episode-2

They did a big section on probiotics, interesting stuff.
It made my mind up, hence glad for the thread!

Two things that really helped me, probably more than probiotics, are meditation to deal with the stress - I used a book and CD out of the library but now use Headspace - and Iberogast, which is a German product that you can't get here but can buy via eBay. You can use it with probiotics, but it works really quickly (Amazon don't sell it on here, but check out the reviews on US Amazon if you want reassurance).

Thanks both for responding

My dd’s gastroenterologist recommended trying vsl#3 - not cheap and not working for dd but it has research papers behind it that it can be helpful.