fibromyalgia ibs

[Brandy2020]

hi everyone was just looking for more advice I’m finding this group very hopeful I've discoverer lots of tips and medication advice, I was just wondering about the ibs symptoms causes by fibromyalgia any advice on calming this side down abit would make my life a little bit easier, I used to have the desperate urge to go which was awful now since being put on duloxtine which has help with other things like sleeping better and anxiety but now I get bunged up and don’t go regularly enough, any tips would be greatly appreciated 🥰

[Welshcatlady]

Brandy2020 Good morning, I take Co-codamol which because of the Codeine bungs me up too. The doctor prescribes Laxido sachets for me, sometimes have to take up to 3 sachets over time to get things going. I believe they soften your poo so it's not difficult to pass. As I don't take the Co-codamol regularly, I only take the Laxido when needed. I think you can buy them without prescription, but I would check with your GP or Pharmacist that it's OK to use with any other meds you are taking, and other health conditions you may have.

[Sparklingsunshine]

Is it constipation you get, you could do worse than try some magnesium citrate tablets, it has a laxative effect and magnesium is a mineral most of us are deficient in. Its extremely important and can help with pain, sleep and energy. Also try and increase the fibre in your diet and drink plenty of fluids.

Antidepressants have a tendency to slow down gut transit, consipation is very common on these drugs.

I have IBS but mine takes the form of bloating and stomach pain. I get Buscopan on prescription for mine.

[LuluBB in reply to Sparklingsunshine]

I have the opposite problem. I have the runs almost everyday all day.

[Brandy2020]

I can go days without one and feel like I’m struggling at times with the bloating and then I get the runs, so it’s hard to know what to do when it’s both 🤦‍♀️

[gemimafibro]

Hello Brandy

My name is Gemima. I have Fibromyalgia and IBS-M. I used to have just IBS with diarrhoea, and it was baaaad. I was going to the toilet upwards of 20 times a day, I couldn't take a sip of water without a mad dash to the toilet. I barely ate and I was horribly underweight. It has given me something akin to PTSD around going to the bathroom which is highly unhelpful as it is a basic human function 🤣

However, a year or so ago I suffered a fecal impaction, and ended up being taken by ambulance to A&E. Even as a Fibro sufferer, I have never experienced that level of pain and panic. I was desperate to go to the toilet and I just couldn't. Dreadful experience. Ever since then I have been struggling to go, my problem was flipped to the other end of the spectrum and I suffer with constipation more now. I, personally, have found things like Senokot, Laxido and Lactulose liquid, whilst they do help in certain cases, don't target the place that is the problem so to speak, and they also give me all the bloating and pain I'm trying to avoid, so I use Glyceryl suppositories. It's a bit uncomfortable to do if you've never used them before and it can be a bit of trial and error to begin with, but they have become my go to when I am really bunged up and feel hopeless and desperate.

I have also, a few months ago, implemented the Low Fodmap diet. Now I would recommend doing this with a dietitian who is versed in the Low Fodmap diet, as I have just done it by myself and it has been a steep learning curve, but it has really really helped my IBS symptoms. The bloating is less, the pain is less, the wind is less, I'm going to the toilet daily (a regular BM) and I'm no longer underweight. It's not for everyone. It's highly restrictive at the beginning, when you're in the elimination period, but that is 2-6 weeks and can be done easily if you prepare yourself in advance for it (i.e, have some LFM recipes to hand, figure out meals and snacks beforehand, downloading the Monash University app). I actually struggled to come out of the elimination process, as I felt so much better that I was frightened about reintroducing foods incase they caused my symptoms to return. It's definitely worth reading up on at least.

Sorry this is so long, I got carried away!

I hope you find something that helps you in the long run 😊

Gemima ❤️

[Brandy2020 in reply to gemimafibro]

Thankyou gemima I really appreciate your advice x

[2thebeach]

I have found eating kefir daily helps. But it's getting the amount right that takes a bit of working out!

[Brandy2020 in reply to 2thebeach]

Thanks for advice I’ll look into that much appreciated x

[DoubleMalibu]

Morning Brandy2020

Have you tried Colpermin capsules?

They are for calming everything down, I get them on prescription from my Dr, I’ve had IBS a long time so regularly take them. I also need Bisocodyl every night for regular morning movement🙄😁but that’s after seeing a bowel consultant and on prescription, they are not recommended long term unless recommended by a consultant/Gp.

You can buy the colpermin from most chemists over the counter.

Hope you find something that helps, as IBS can be incredibly gangsta, until you find what works for you, it dictates your day sometimes. I can only tolerate paracetamol as a pain killer, anything stronger upsets the IBS.

[Brandy2020 in reply to DoubleMalibu]

Thankyou x

[Midori]

Hi Brandy; Lots more leafy veg and a lot more water each day will help.

Cheers, Midori

[Welshcatlady]

Hi Brandy, I forgot to say in my reply to you yesterday (Damn Fibro Fog again) that I have shredded wheat or porridge with prunes and other fruit for breakfast every day.