IBS

[Sandyshor3]

Hello tmi warning beforehand.

for the past 8 years or so (42 now) I’ve seemingly developed what I can only assume to be IBS. I’ve been to the GP about it multiple times as it can really impact my life however it always comes back with nothing noticeably wrong with my system. That’s when I heard about IBS and have since guessed that’s what I’ve got.

It impacts my life in several ways. I get a lot of tummy pain and cramping, usually either on the left or right side (rarely both at the same time). I have to eat well in advance if I wish to do something physical like go for a run. (And even then I have to stop sometimes). I need to poo at least twice a day, nothing seems particularly off with them, sometimes loose, but there is a random sense of urgency when I do. Also sometimes it can take a while o poo. Anxiety seems to make the symptoms worse.

I’ve looked up a lot about IBS since then and found that it’s more common in women and that it can appear at any point in your life and leaves just as quickly. I have some days or weeks where it’s fine and others where it’s crippling. My son also has something similar which makes me think it might be hereditary in some way.

thanks

Have you kept a food, drink, mood and symptoms diary for a couple of weeks? So anxiety is a trigger for you but what about your cycle or certain foods and drinks? Have you tried FODMAP?

Hi RozaPoza. I only drink water and occasionally a glass of wine. Same with ds although sometimes he’s allowed a sugary drink like a small fanta. I used to keep a diary yes and try to stick with the healthiest foods and meals that are realistic. I struggle to keep up motivation for the diary as it gets exhausting and there doesn’t seem to be any discernible pattern. I’ve tried several diets, all for at least 1 month at some point including non-gluten, diary free, low carbs, low sugar, FODMAP. The only one that had any sort of noticable change was dairy free, but I think that was because I was having too much dairy before that. FODMAP is extremely limiting and felt like it caused more stress than it was worth

Any help?

You should ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy. Then you know if there is an underlying bowel issue or IBS.

Have you had endometriosis ruled out? It can cause bowel adhesions bringing on IBS symptoms.

Based on my experience, they would be unlikely to give op a colonoscopy based on the symptoms described if the fecal sample tests have come back within normal range and don’t contain blood or a massively increased indicator of inflammation or any other indicator or a bowel issue. They used to do a colonoscopy in these circumstances and also for instance if you had a family history of bowel cancer as a precaution. However, now they do specific tests on fecal samples and only progress to a colonoscopy of the samples or other Symptoms indicate a need to.

There is certainly treatment that can help with IBS. Op, You would be best speaking to your GP or pharmacist about which ones would help you and your symptoms.