TMI but can those with IBS help?

[guild]

Sorry for this TMI talk, I'll try and keep it as non-descriptive as possible.

I've always had loose morning bowel movements (vegetarian for 25 years and figured this was normal).

For the last few weeks it's been watery and urgent every morning. I unfortunately had some accidents while I was post partum, luckily all at home, where I didn't make it to the toilet last year but thought that was just part of post partum.

Don't have any other symptoms, could this be IBS?

I have ibs which started after I had my first baby. When it flares up I take buscopan and stick to a boring diet.

Yes, it could be IBS.

Doctors will generally only diagnose IBS when they have ruled out a whole raft of other things it could be, and you should probably go to your GP to get checked out.

This was my experience for the past couple of years, @guild I would have to race to the toilet every morning and it would honestly shoot out quite alarmingly. I had a lot of stomach aches, bloating and wind as well, especially at night, and decided out of the blue to try a gluten free diet. I don't know if it's a coincidence or as a genuine direct result of going GF, but I am transformed!!! I still go every morning but it's not so urgent anymore, and (tmi) my poos are much more 'formed' and normal. Also tmi but good, I use much less loo roll now, as I am somehow cleaner after I go. I cannot believe the difference! Do you think it's something you could try?

Try ispagol (pysllium husk) in yogurt and look up for more home remedies.
Go gluten free for a while till you feel better.

Try a low FODMAP diet. It is about removing foods that ferment in your gut. For me it's onion, since cutting them and a few other things out of my diet I am much happier. If I have a yearning for onions I just plan a day at home.

I have had IBS since I was 25 (now 50).

For me, I personally believe my hormones are the biggest contributor to my gut issues.
I had my ds at 32 and weirdly, had an almost total remission in symptoms then had dd at 35 and all hell broke loose. My digestive system hasn’t quite been the same but has been truly dreadful since I hit perimenopause, so I am sure hormones are playing a big part.

I used to have terrible urgent loose stool but I found giving up dairy changed that, although sadly I have a whole myriad of other symptoms. Also going low fodmap helps.

@Missingthegore thank you for the FODMAP pointer! I have heard of it, but never properly looked into it. Have just printed out a very helpful list for both me and my son to work with.

Sounds like me. I was diagnosed with coeliac disease last year. It might be something to look into.

Thanks all. I will try cutting out gluten for a while. @MyheartgoingBoomBoomBoom I restarted dairy about 6 months ago after being DF for a year (breastfed baby with CMPA) and I wonder if it's just been building up. Agree with PP that doctor will probably want me to make dietary changes first, so I guess I start there.