RA and IBS

[TJJ58]

Is there anything safe to take for IBS symptoms when being treated with methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine?

Thank you

[KittyJ]

That’s something you need to ask your doctors TJJ58, we are not able to give medical advice. I hope your doctor can help you.

[TJJ58 in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you

[MadBunny]

As KittyJ says, you need to speak to your doctor. I once asked the pharmacist to recommend a cough remedy but he refused as I am on methotrexate, and told me to ask the GP.

[TJJ58 in reply to MadBunny]

Thank you

[Deeb1764]

I had to check in with my GP on this as certain things I could not take on my meds so worth chatting to them about!

[TJJ58]

Thank you

[nomoreheels]

Hiya TJJ58, welcome. Unfortunately I’m also going to say you need to see your GP, or maybe ask your Pharmacist, or your Gastroenterologist if you've had a formal diagnosis. We're not medically qualified you see, just have a rheumatoid disease like you. I know you're able to buy hyoscine butylbromide, an antiespasmodic, otc, though my h is prescribed it.

[TJJ58]

Thanks

[nomoreheels in reply to TJJ58]

You're welcome. I hope whatever is prescribed it eases it for you.

[SuriL]

Hi -I have RA and IBS and on Methotrexate and Hydroq and other meds too. it is awful. I have awful stomach pain and all the horrible effects of IBS. As others have said your GP shd be consulted for treatment. My GP has prescribed Pepoermint capsules and peptac - I have to be super careful with diet but do struggle with awful pain and discomfort. My work can be stressful (well my manager more than anything) but I am desperately trying to zone out and think of my health. Good luck -I hope u can find something effective!

[grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr in reply to SuriL]

Hi Suril I went to a dietician and she took me through the FODMAP programme and now my IBS has gone away - after suffering with it for over 20 years. It worked for me.

[SuriL in reply to grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr]

No way! Oh grrrrrrrr thank u -there is hope! I’ve had IBS for years and for the last 2 years it feels constant -I’m so 😪.Was it private or NHS ? Gosh if I can get proper help I’d pay! Thank u so very much 🤗

[grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr in reply to SuriL]

I used to live in the UK and tried to get help there on the NHS and most doctors didn't have a clue how to help. I now live in Australia so it was private. But there's a lot of information now about FODMAP and I had tried to do it myself before but it didn't work. I kept a food and symptom diary for 4 months - and just couldn't work out what foods seemed to trigger the symptoms. But I found doing it with a trained dietician helped me so much (she had IBS too so knew exactly the hell I was going through!). I now eat wholemeal bread - but it has to be spelt flour. I used to have IBS so bad I'd get a sudden need to go to the toilet - even at supermarket checkouts I've had to dash off and leave my groceries - so embarrassing! But now I can eat most things. There is hope - you just have to work through the programme and find what your trigger foods are. Good luck!

[KittyJ in reply to grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr]

Definitely Fodmap is worth trying with medical guidance, I agree grrrrrrrrrrrrr. I’m dairy free now and no more IBS.

[TJJ58]

Thank you for your helpful reply. Best wishes to you.

[Hidden]

I get a lot of stomach problems and switch to plain things when it occurs. It is awful when you're out and about. I read a banana is good for settling your stomach so I have one a day! As others say you'll get much more advice from your medical people re IBS and your medication. Take care 💐 xx

[Egpa]

Hi, I have mtx injections 25mg and also ibs my doctors gave me Mebeverine 200mg, pain eased in a short time was great, I only take them when I flairs up not all the time. Good luck.

[----54]

As others have said, your doctors should advise you on this. A friend of mine with IBS-D has benefited a lot from acupuncture. I tend to adjust my diet when I have GI pain for any reason. I’m not advising that you use them, but I find chamomile and peppermint tea soothing—you could as your rheumatologist and pharmacist if these are safe for you. Heat can be soothing. Gentle movement and stretching can help with IBS pain. Massage therapy (for the abdomen) can help. I think I’ve mentioned the Mowoot massage device available in Europe in another post. Topical peppermint oil or some other topical analgesic can help ease symptoms, but again, you should ask your doctors and pharmacist what you can use. (The guidance for menthol ointment might be very different than for something with ibuprofen or something with methyl salicylate.)I feel like I should say that any new or worsening symptoms always warrant consulting one’s healthcare providers. And as we are still very much in the thick of things with the coronavirus pandemic, it seems like it might be good also to remember that viral and some bacterial infections can cause or worsen existing GI symptoms, another reason for caution, perhaps, and to reach out to healthcare providers. Best wishes with everything!

[arvine in reply to ----54]

my dGP has recommended metamucil, every day, and I have had IBS for years, previous to PMR, also Gastrointerologist recommends Relax, gentle laxative for problem times, very gentle and safe on insides, I suffer with spasms ,chronically, and lately bad bout of diverticulitis, so can relate to these problems,