New member here.

[s-unrise]

Hi I think I've had ibs for a few years now and too embarrassed too mention it even to doc. I put off social situations because of worry of having to run to the loo. The last six months have been having acid reflux and doc has put me on omerprazole, had endoscopy last week (awful) but results are thankfully normal. Just found this site and seems helpful. I have read that ibs can cause acid reflux so now I need to combat the ibs and get my life back. I find coffee is a trigger for me but need to try and work out do's and don'ts. Any advice will be appreciated. Can I take anything for ibs - loose bowel movements while I'm taking omerprazole? Back to doc next week. Thanks for reading.

[binks]

IBS can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract, so it doesn't "cause" acid reflux exactly, but the reflux may be one aspect of your IBS - does that make sense?

[s-unrise]

Oh ok thanks. I don't really want to be taking omerprazole long term for acid reflux and I still seem to get a bit of heartburn/reflux whilst taking it. Doesn't help that I work shifts so when finishing work at half 8 I sometimes have a sandwich or sonething.

[tansy-ann8]

I take ranitidine in the evening for acid reflux which does seem to be one of the symptoms of IBS D which I have had for years, although the occasional C kicks in. I also take Mebeverine to regulate the bowel action. I agree with Binks - IBS does effect the whole of the gastrointestinal tract. my Gastroenterologist said it starts in your mouth and doesn't stop until it comes out the other end. Good luck - there are lots of us coping as best we can, so you are not alone.

[Linley]

Hi! s-unrise this site is wonderful and you can get a lot of help once you know for sure what your problem is. Avoiding social situations is an anxiety issue that is common with IBS sufferers and if you don't nip it in the bud it could take over your life, that said please speak to your GP about your bowel problems and get he/she to confirm you have actually got IBS then you can start to find ways of controlling it. Good Luck and let us all know how you get on at the Doc's

[s-unrise]

Thanks for the reponse and support. Hoe is ibs diagnosed? Just by symtoms? I must say the endoscopy I had was an awful experience, I should have gone for the sedation but thought it'd be quicker and easier with the throat spray. Procedures like that are so invasive although seems like people have them all the time.

[Hidden]

IBS is normally diagnosed from the doctor going by the symptoms you have given then. usually you will undergo tests to rule out everything else first. I had all the tests done you can possibly think of. I have recently uploaded a post if you or anyone else is interested in reading as my IBS is really severe. both my top and lower gut is affected, so double trouble really! my top gut disorder is called functional dyspepsia. I also have acid reflux so I know how horrible that is. do you also experience frequent nausea or upper abdominal pain? if so you could have FD (functional dyspepsia). but it really is worth consulting your doctor so you are able to able to get a proper diagnosis.

[Hidden]

You need to have a colonoscopy as well.

Lactose and dairy could be a problem and if so you must check the ingredients of all medication as a lot of tablets contain lactose

[s-unrise]

Well I went back to docs, explained my symtoms and nausea seems to be the one that most gets me down, feel sick and it stops me enjoying myself. Doc said to take blood to test for celiac disease. I went gluten free day after blood test anyway to see if it makes any difference. Bloods are normal so doc said I must have ibs, we agreed as omerprazole didn't seem to work that I wouldn't have any more. Just feel like I have been left to get on with it. Does anyone else get nausea with ibs?? I don't have constipation. I get bloated and have wind sometimes(both ends) but rarey get stomach cramps, only when I wake my stomach feel tight and uncomfortable. Feel a little more stressed out not being given any advice or solutions, only to go back in 4weeks and continue with food diary.