Hi, I've just discovered this site by accident and very pleased that I did.

[Caz14dennis]

I have suffered from IBS/C for the last twenty years but the last 3 months have been horrendous with 2 episodes of no warning of a bowel movement, my husband had to pull onto the side of the road so I could go in the bushes. I have had the last 3 months of horrendous painful cramps whatever I eat, I've never been told not to eat anything. I'm so fed up with having pills pushed at me from the doc and insisted on a referral to a gastro man. I have started to lose weight as I tend not to eat all day until about 5pm when I know I can tolerate food. I did get my referral but it's in 5 weeks time. It's good to know that I'm not on my own from all these symptoms

[Suze1020]

Hi, yes i have also just discovered this site through the ibs network and am looking forward to sharing tips and comunicating with other suffers instead of moaning to my family. I have had ibs all my life and have had flare ups on and off for 35 years , but the last year and a half have been the worst, I know how you feel your symptoms are familiar. I have just hit 50 years of age and was so ill could not go out i was too scared to . Over the years i have done so many different diets. exclusion diets,wheat free, dairy free, caffine free, yeast free. dairy free. if you have not tried any of these, i would suggest the first step is to keep a food diary for a week logging everything you eat and drink, also your mood and activity. Its a good start and you will need to show this to any gastro doctor you see. You also have to remember if any food upsets you it could be within 3 hours to 2 days so you may have to do it for more that a week. Good luck hope to chat again.

[Caz14dennis in reply to Suze1020]

Thanks for the info, I've just had 3 weeks of horrendous cramps etc and not eating much but now not been to the loo for 8 days but cannot stop eating, feel so bloated and uncomfortable but I suppose you can relate to this, not holding out much hope for when I see the gastron man, I have been having lacto free milk for the last 12m and had 6m free of symptoms but now back with a vengeance, but like you say will keep a diary

[cassie17 in reply to Caz14dennis]

Hi,I can associate with your symptoms,I have suffered IBS for 20yrs,nothing from my gp helped,the thing that as been my lifesaver for constipation is magnesium citrate tablets,the ones I find the best are solgar,make sure they are citrate,friends have also found relief with them you have to find your dose that will benefit you I take 3 at night my friend takes 1 so its individiual.Hope this helps.

[trishyb59]

hi caz , if you look through some of the earlier questions , i think you will find some similar to yours. i have IBS-D for over 20 yrs so can't give any help with IBS=C . Hope things improve for you soon. Trisha

[Caz14dennis in reply to trishyb59]

Thank you

[wrouthia]

I too have just discovered this site, I don't know if I have IBS but I ahve some of the symptoms. Don't want to sound like a hypocondriac, will probably ask my GP but before then I'll read on some more. peerdiagnosis.com/can-gas-c...

[Caz14dennis in reply to wrouthia]

I was diagnosed with IBS about 15yrs ago so I can sympathise with you, it just seems never ending and when you have a GP who automatically gives you a prescription for everything really doesn't help much, but fought for a referral to see a gastro man, so hopefully he'll take time to listen

[Paulus]

Its safe to say your'e not on your own.........the above comments are testament to that, and I feel for all of you.

I am currently waiting for my appointment with a dietician , and I hope they pinpoint my problem ,although after 15 years of trying different diets, I am already sceptical. My GP said to me on my last vist " you know your'e body better than I do"......which made me feel totally alone , and although the cocodamol he prescribed did the trick , by stopping my mornings of diahorrea in their tracks, the constipation and tiredness were an unwelcome side effect, and as a articulated lorry driver, it was impossible to keep taking them.

The FODMAP diet looks interesting, and will give it a try under the guidance of the dietician, but until then, pass me the immodium.....and a cork !

[Hidden in reply to Paulus]

I did the FODMAPs diet for more than a year and although it worked very well for me it was tricky to do when eating out. Then 3 months ago my GP prescribed colestyramine as a trial-by-treatment for bile acid disorder which causes exactly the same symptoms as IBS-D. It worked almost instantly and now all I have to do is take a dose of it 20 minutes before a meal. No more FODMAPS, diet normal, brilliant!

Could be worth asking your GP for a test-drive.

[skrillex85]

I've been suffering what i thought IBS-M since I was a young child, the doctors kept telling my mum that there is nothing wrong with me other than not eating enough fibre.

I'm 27 now and was diagnosed last year after having severe flare ups almost every second or third day, in either C or D form,

its that bad that I cannot work due to running to the toilet up to 10 times a day or having pains that I am doubled over with, also I am always tired with no energy to do anything day to day,

its got to the point i am scared to leave the house in fear of getting caught short and have to plan everything round access to a toilet. or ruin a day out by having to go home as the pain kicks in.

it took me almost bursting into tears in the surgery before my GP seemed to take it seriously, as it seemed like my GP instantly diagnosed any bowel issues as IBS.

being sent for blood tests before he will refer me to a GI specialist to try and rule out coeliac or any of the IBD's as some of the symptoms are starting to worry me.