IBS

I have been suffering with IBS since July, however, things have got worse. Typical symptoms of IBS, constipation, diarrhoea and spasms etc. Been to the GP and they suggested the FODMAP diet.

I am trying to get down on carbs, wheat and gluten but it’s hard.

I was taking Melbeverine and at first, it worked but now it hasn’t been so I stopped. I also have been given Peppermint tablets for before food as well as a special fibre based powder for my drinks.

The main issue is I am still in pain and because IBS is a gray area, GPs don’t know how to help apart from dietary advice. Has anyone got any suggestions?

[Cooper27 Administrator]

Has the doctor tested you for coeliac disease? Because it's important that you're tested before you cut out gluten from your diet.

I would always suggest a FODMAP diet be followed with guidance from a dietician or registered nutritionist. There are many types of FODMAP diet, which will be confusing for you.

If you want garlic or onion flavours, you can also try them in oil, then remove them. The flavour remains in the oil, but you don't consume the fermentable fibre.

[SecondLife]

I certainly wouldn't recommend doing the FODMAP without someone qualified overseeing what you are doing. Everyone with IBS is different for me it was a case of either doing Keto or Low Carb diet, made a huge difference. Keto I found hard but Low Carb was great and I could build that into my everyday life. FODMAP is good for finding your trigger points, for me it is certain cereals, breads, biscuits etc.

[Hidden]

Hi Hidden if you are in pain you ought to consult your GP.

We have many members with IBS and many previous posts so here's a link:

healthunlocked.com/healthye...

Best of luck as it sounds miserable.

Jerry 😊

[Hidden]

Hi all

Thanks for you replies. I have spoken to the GP about the FODMAP diet and I have made small changes but nothing too major as I haven’t had the advice myself. However, I have spoken to the GP and the pain and apart from the drugs which seem to work some of the time but not all, I am just getting on with the spin side of things.

Thanks again though! I will bare all if your responses in mind.

[Cooper27 Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Did the doctor test for coeliac disease? It's often overlooked, but should be one of the first things they test for when someone complains of IBS. It's a simple blood test, costs the NHS a tenner.

I've met too many people who've suffered with "IBS" for 10+ years, who later turned out to have coeliac disease and were just never tested. It really could save you from a long time of bother

[Penel]

Hi Baglover

When I asked my GP about the Fodmaps diet, he said he thought it was too difficult and restrictive, but I decided to try it anyway (I already have to avoid gluten and lactose).

I read information on line from the Monash University who devised the diet, and bought a book “The Complete Low Fodmaps Diet” by Dr Sue Shepherd & Dr Peter Gibson. It explains the whole thing very well and gives recipes. The sample menus were useful, although I avoided the gluten-free bread and breakfast cereals.

Although it may take some planning, it is not a diet that you need to follow forever, merely long enough to work out which foods to avoid. I found that peppermint was not helpful, and that ginger was kinder on my stomach. My IBS symptoms were not as bad as yours, but are now greatly improved.

Good luck with finding what works for you.