Managing IBS and haemorrhoids

[PITA22]

I have what I suppose is moderate IBS, although I really really hope it doesn't get any worse. Worst symptoms are urgency, plus some cramps. I've had the elimination checks (colonoscopy) and I'm also pretty sure it's not linked to any particular food, although it does seem to be linked to eating in general.

I also have quite bad - possibly also "moderate" - haemorrhoids which are huge (or so they seem) and bloody painful, and which have to be pushed back in (sorry) after every bowel movement. I've had not one but two haemorrhoidectomies, the recovery from which was fucking agony, but am more or less back where I started. They also sometimes spontaneously prolapse when I'm walking around. NB I haven't given birth.

The two issues seem to exacerbate each other - the IBS understandably aggravates the haemorrhoids, but also the haemorrhoids sometimes seem to trigger an IBS attack.

It's bearable, but it's very uncomfortable, stressful, and has come close to being extremely embarrassing on more than one occasion.

Does anyone have any advice of what worked for them? Thanks.

Watching with interest, as I too have just discovered haemorrhoids. The pain started today. Just having a warm bath to see if it helps 🙏

Baths definitely do help, but only to ease the discomfort rather than having any effect on the underlying problem.

Dang it, I might need to go to the doctors

Are you able to get the IBS investigated?
i had similar (incl the dreaded Hemmoroidectomy) and for me- cutting out lactose has improved things a fair amount.

Currently dealing with this - IBS flare up triggered by a stomach bug which set off the haemorrhoids. I recommend Germoloid suppositories, they won’t completely fix the issue but they really help with the discomfort. Limit walking around if possible as a ruptured one will have you sitting on ice packs for a week. Wearing a pad might give you peace of mind on days when it’s really bad.

For the IBS cramps I cannot recommend a Stoov heated cushion highly enough, quite pricey but it has literally changed my life.

I have no actual medical advice as my GP only offers telephone appointments so I’ve not had it investigated. I really hope you find something that works for you as it really is a horrible thing to live with.

I would try and get antispasmodics not just using Buscopan over the counter as the GP can prescribe and should a decent dose (either of the Buscopan or mebeverine or another one). They help with the cramps an you take them 30 minutes before food, 3x a day.

Also try pre and pro biotics and use them regularly, if you are feeling worse GP should refer to gastro and check your vitamins to see about absorption. In terms of diarrhoea they should br able to give you a higher and more regular dose of loperamide 4mg or more. I do know some people try regular laxatives (again prescribed on a highish dose not otc) and they have 1/2 daily which can for some stop the diarrhoea and provide normal bowel movements.

I think its best to see if like other chronic conditions, yes for some stress may have an impact but people really don't take it seriously and act like if you don't stress you'll be fine, when it is a serious bowel condition albeit benign and medication does and can help so use it.

Some find TRA antidepressants usefully but the data on them isn't that strong, but some report finding Amitriptyline or citalopram useful and some people don't but its worth trying also either antispasmodics and laxatives or antispasmodics and loperamide. I hope it improves for you.

I can’t comment on haemorrhoids but just wanted to echo that Mebeverine is great for IBS and cramps. It’s been life changing for me. I am also following a low FODMAP diet which has helped a lot and I still avoid quite a few foods.