Confused

[IMOlde]

i have faecal incontinence in bad times plus, in good times, bloating and wind, Continually fatigued. I have a damaged bowel from radiotherapy. My symptoms closely match IBS and I have had some miserable experiences in the last few years which have obviously stressed me heavily. Hard to get real discussions with doctors and don't know whether to manage my symptoms in a way appropriate to IBS or not.

[b1b1b1]

I sometimes have this problem too. In my case the cause is different, though. Are you seeing a gastroenterologist about this? If not you should. The other specialty that can be helpful is a colo-rectal surgeon. Actually, if I were you I would start with the colo-rectal surgeon. It is a very difficult problem to have. x

[Luisa22]

I am sorry you have this happening. I knew someone a few years ago who had the same problem from radiotherapy. His symptoms were rather IBS-like that they did flare more sometimes, and at other times weren't too bad, but it was an on-going issue for him . I think only a good GI specialist could advise about the best way to manage this, as the usual IBS methods may either not be satisfactory or may even be contra-indicated.

But there mnight be some foods that are easier on your gut, and some which make it worse? So if you can identify anything like that it might help you.

My friend ignored all that and ate anything he wanted, including hot curries, which he ended up paying for later. He also drank alcohol quite heavily which didn't help.

Wish you all the best and hope you can get some support and help from a doctor.

[jbrking]

Hi. Have you considered it’s actually bile acid malabsorption (call it bam for short)? I was told IBS for 20 years when in fact I had bam. A lot of GPs don’t know much about this. But I saw a gastronomic and amongst other tests had a sehcat scan which measures the bile. Look at bad-uk.org for info. If you think you have, your doctor should refer you or sometimes they just trial a bile sequestrant like cholestyramine (which is licensed for reducing cholesterol but works for this). Honestly it changed my life.

[Kezz63]

Hi like yourself I had radiotherapy and like yourself am confused about the IBS diagnosis.

I have been the fodmap diet for the past 2 wks and as yet I'm not noticing any difference.

I am however keeping a diary and looking into other things it can be with the intention of showing it to the GP in the hope that they start to test for other things. Failing that I will go private.

Whatever you chose to do, do what's right for you and your body. You wouldn't be the first person to be wrongly diagnosed with IBS.

[Winke]

I know exactly how you feel i have also had the same problems for over 62 years .The one thing that helps me to manage the pains (plural)is magnets i now it might sound daft but it works for me i dont think there is a cure at the moment .So roll on the next 100 years

[galgo]

Well I have IBS not sure if its related to Radiotherapy but I have had 3 prolapse operations I put that down to Tamoxifen Its 3 yrs since I had radiotherapy .My doctor put me on Mebervine for IBS and its changed my life if I do have a flare up I take Imodium

[missymo]

i to have radiation damage it was 30 years ago but 24 years ago my appendix burst , so mre damage, due to all that I’ve ended up with 2 stomas & STILL i,m suffering because of tissue damage & lesions, dreadful, I hope you get answers soon , do some shouting & make them listen!!