Only just been diagnosed so need advice?

[Han040891]

I have just been diagnosed with ibs from the doctor.

Does anyone have any tips about getting it under control and managing the pain?

Also does anyone have any advice about living with this?

Thanks

[flanimals123]

I also have just been diagnosed with this. I am trying not to get to caught up in the whole bowel thought process as it can make it worse. The worst if it is that family and friends do not really understand how it can take over everyday living. Food is trial and error. I have looked at Fodmap and will try to cut down on insoluble foods and they do provide a list of foods that might make your IBS worse. I won't let it destroy my social life so try to think positively. If I go out somewhere with friends I tend to take Imodium before I go just in case as its difficult to say what will trigger it. It certainly does not get enough recognition as a real problem in people's lives and I absolutely hate the fact that they associate it with psychological disorders!! Stress doesn't help but it certainly isn't all in the mind!!

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Have you had any tests, e.g. blood, gastroscopy, colonoscopy etc and has your GP referred you to a gastroenterologist and/or a dietitian?

What type of IBS do you have - we all have variations on a general theme? The more info you give us, the more help we may be able to give.

Pagan

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Agree with flanimals123 in that alot of people out there seem to think that it's a minor condition and not that bad. How wrong they are as it is a dibilitating illness and it's not all in the mind as mine started with food poisoning, it certainly wasn't in my mind. I could eat anything before I had IBS and I love vegetables but I have cut out broccoli, cauliflower and red grapes and I am much better than I was before but still do get bouts of awful trapped wind and the pain that goes with it. Breaking wind also, which is very embarrassing! I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy before my doctor diagonosed me with IBS.

I also exercise a fair amount which really does help with the condition. Best of luck