Dealing with an upset stomach/IBS symptoms - help

[justanotherthrowawayname]

I had gastroenteritis recently (or so the doctor thinks - it was diagnosed remotely) and it was hellish. Thought I had some respite, then my delayed period started, and the usual monthly havoc with my bowels started.

My period is now long over, and I'm still having flare-ups of a 6 on the Bristol scale (very occasionally a 5 or 4, then back to a damn 6 again).

Because it's been a few weeks, I'm worried this isn't my body recovering from the stomach bug, and I've developed IBS and/or some kind of intolerance. I thought a stomach bug would have cleared up by now.

I've stopped drinking coffee altogether because when things are bad, I have to run for the toilet, and I don't think my stomach will do well with the caffeine at the moment. I'm very gassy, and my stomach keeps hurting (because of the gas).

I've learnt the hard way too to cut out fruit juice, and I'm starting to suspect bread may be a trigger. (I've never had any problems with bread previously though, and I thought it was supposed to be a relatively safe food if recovering from tummy troubles.)

Feeling very sorry for myself, and after some advice on home remedies to feel less miserable. I'm also avoiding going into the office because I dread the commute with this stomach, but if this goes on much longer, I'm going to have to explain why I'm working from home so much. That is NOT a conversation I want to have with my boss. :(

Any ideas? The doctor basically said that as long as there was no blood, it wasn't cancer, so nothing to worry about. But I feel rotten. :(

Try a really good probiotic like Udo's and Silicolgel. They usually sort me out.

I wonder if we’ve had the same bug I could have written your post. After another day of hell from it I’m wondering if original bug never properly shifted or if I’m left with intolerances because it’s not all the time 🤷🏻‍♀️ Sorry no help whatsoever!

Is there anything else goomg on in your life that might be contributing? Stress / trauma?
Personally I've found my Flare ups are a combination of anxiety due to a lot of stress/traima in the last few years, both mental And physical, and cutting out onions, garlic, all chilli & even pepper, coffee, alcohol, dairy etc has made a huge differencewithin days. And sticking to a simple diet of things like white rice, chicken & root veg and lots of bone broth. This was recommended by Acupuncturist, and acupuncture also helped. Hope you feel better soon x

I don't know about ibs but I have ibd and its always worse around my period, I take the pill now to hold them at bay.

I'd push for investigation tbh op.

Just to add, the acupuncturist described if as needed to 'reset' my stomach after the mental and phtsical traumas. Be very kind to it by sticking to warm easily digested foods... it has worked for me.

Ohhh, misery loves company, @Rosaofthevalley. In a weird way, it's oddly reassuring as I was beginning to feel like no one else could have ever suffered in this way. The doctor said it was just a common stomach bug, but this feels anything other than common! Hell is about all I can use to describe it!

@chronictonic I do have a couple of stressful things going on, which TBH, probably did peak when I had the original bug. How long do you find you have to stick to bland foods typically before you're able to eat normal food again?

I still have an appetite, but every time I try eating something, I'm punished for it. I was hoping that if I had awful stomach problems I might stop being hungry, then there would be a silver lining, but nope, I still have a normal appetite.

@Cucumberbund Never heard of them. Will look them up and try. Desperate enough to try anything...

@DuchessDandelion I think I'll need to suffer for at least a couple more weeks before my doctor will see me again, but if this doesn't get any better, I will definitely go back...

PS Thanks for all the sympathy. I feel incredibly self-absorbed and sad right now. It does help. x

I've found I feel a lot better after a few weeks but try to keep it up for a while longer than that. Other than the booze, i dont actually find it too hard, and I still eat really well and enjoy a lot of flavour. I work in food so it was a big adjustment for me but I've learnt I can still enjoy lots of flavour whilst cutting back on chilli, garlic onions etc. Some things though, have become a constant (i've cut out gluten completely).
Bare in mind though, where i am in my cycle also plys a part as, like many, nearing the start of the cycle my stomach and disposition is a lot more sensitive regardless what I'm eating really.
But cutting out all these things, esp, dairy has also helped me with my periods which can be extrememly Uncomfortable and heavy.
Ashawaganda has also definitely helped my general well being and anxiety.

If you're not going to see a gp for a couple of weeks, try peppermint. Peppermint tea and peppermint oil capsules. Very calming on the bowel and I use them also for gastritis symptoms in my stomach.

Pretty sure the capsules are universally safe to take but do check first. Peppermint will help with the gas, though.

Avoid caffeine, keep to easy to digest foods. Nothing spicy or acidic. Consider diarolyte if you're still having upset bms. Dehydration will make you feel worse.

Paracetamol as a painkiller, avoid nsaids like ibuprofen.

Eggs are very binding. Also marshmallows if you're not veggie/vegan (it's the gelatine in them). Your bowel might need to rest for a while, so bland, gentle foods are the way to go. Nutritious soup - carrot and potato, beef broth.
Maybe try a different bread - rye bread for example, chia or even a sourdough. Crumpets might sit more easily than bread too. Or you can have pancakes and omelettes- savoury or otherwise. Potato usually very good and is a nutritious vegetable.

You could try a probiotic - loads in boots atm I noticed so go in and have a chat with pharmacist.

Consider buscopan for dealing with any cramping pains. Between that, peppermint and paracetamol you should be in less discomfort. Hot water bottle too and gentle movement and stomach massage (from right hip up to below ribcage and across then down towards left hip) can help with wind pain.

I don't recommend elimination diets unless they're overseen by a doctor and some elimination diets will skew any test results too so you'd need to resume normal eating beforehand for X period of time.

I'm not a doctor but these are things that help me and you do need medical advice as well. Also check suggested meds against any existing ones/health conditions etc etc.

Thank you for all the advice. My bowel movements have started to get a bit more normal (finally), but the gas is still endless! I'll try more peppermint tea.

I miss coffee so much, but I just know it would irritate things.