Sue

Digestive health
1

I have been poorly since about May this year with Severe stomach pains constipation then an urgency to go and can hardly control my bowels which then becomes diarrhoea and so painful and on and on it goes with plenty nausea as well.

I have had a colonoscopy and plenty bloods done for couple months I hardly eat as it has been more diarrhoea and maybe just toast / soup but not even that now as anything goes straight through .so it has changed and I have lost 1.5 stone over this period of time and tend to drink water and an odd toast or rice crispies / soya milk ..can this be IBS ? FOR SOOO LONG and giving my bowel a rest so much ..not eating. I have been prescribed anti spasmodics etc but nothing is bringing this under control I can't do / plan anything .HELP ME X

2

You need to talk with your GP Sue

When was the last time you had a good meal, if longer than a few days call NHS Information Line  on Tel 111 and explain you are having problems and cannot eat and you are loosing weight, they will triage and assist Do this now

After Christmas call your Surgery and make an appointment an urgent one you need to be seen

Let us know how you get on

3

I am under a Gastro Consultant and see my GP I had colonoscopy and they found diverticulitis treated with antibiotics but said it should be ok now and I waiting for a C T scan on small bowel next week ? had tons of bloods but mean time I am living like this ? I just wondered if this is normal IBS as consultant mentioned it could be I am 57 BTW.?? Also I don't feel better when I have been I feel horrible and I'll and still in pain just different pain.?? Always in pain actually and anxious what's going to happen.

4

Have you tried the Low Fodmap diet? My symptoms were similar to yours but the Low Fodmap diet helped to identify food triggers - in my case onions, garlic, mushrooms and gluten. As soon as I elimated those foods from my diet my symptoms improved. I also find Immodium helps a lot with the diarrhoea and my GP reassured me that regular use of Immodium wouldn't have ant adverse long term effects. 

Hope you feel better soon, but another visit to your GP sounds warranted. 

Jan

5

Sue

If you are in acute pain you need to take something for it  What are you taking for your IBS ?

BOB

6

Hi I took 5 Imodium a couple of nights ago ( I had a tin of soup ).and it went straight through me I had Imodium just so I could sleep 2 then 1 then 1 then 1 after each BM but to no avail ?

They won't give string pain killers as they constipated you .Gastro consultant gave me a drug for IBS constipation but side effect is diarrhoea?? and I haven't really need try it since last saw him and can't see I will ever want to risk it. That diet keeps popping up ?I am going to see a dietician so I may mention. But I still say if drinking water WHAT CAN THE TRIGGER BE ?? I HAVE STOPPED MILK SUGAR MEAT FRUIT !!!!! VEG

NO TRIGGERS TO STOP ?

X X

7

It does sound like IBS which can strike at any age.  I got it at the age of 42.  It is possible to have diverticulitis as well as IBS. If all your tests are negative, IBS can be diagnosed. Have you had a confirmed medical diagnosis of IBS?

Ask for a different antispasmodic; you may have to try several. Try a food diary or the Low Fodmap diet to identify food triggers.  Anxiety is part of IBS and will make symptoms worse.

8

I had post infectious ibs which was pretty terrible and came on suddenly after a viral infection. Only thing that helped was the fodmap diet, which improved things massively. Still avoid certain foods now which give me cramps but on the whole a lot better. Worth a try and see how you get on! 

9

Hi Rob

I am just studying it now as I received your email .Defo going to do it whatever I eat will be more than I am now. I think I will be very wary at first because I am developing quite a phobia / aversion to food now !! Just drink water all the time and odd rice crispies or Quavers don't seem to bother me .

Thanks happy Christmas 🎄🎁🎅

10

Also worth noting that some

Fodmap foods are still upsetting. For instance tomatoes seem to give me cramps and some nausea but I think it’s the seeds as they don’t digest well. Also some meats are hard to digest like beef and can set somethings off. I also seem to get strange feelings if I eat something bad and tension headaches which might be to do with nerves being overactive in the gut. 

Happy Christmas 

11

Hiya,

I have been suffering from ibs and pain for over 20 years, it’s taking its toll and lots of visits back and fourth to the doctors with no answers.

Recently I started taking probiotics which I definitely think are helping! Not probiotics from H&b!!dont waste your money! Im taking a full strength multi strain probiotic! 

If only I knew thus years ago.....ibs is a life quality changing illness and I’m hoping I have found my answer, and I hope this helps you.

P.s initially probiotics give symptoms...these clear after a few days x