I've been told I have IBS.

[Steffany-paige]

Hi this is the first time I've posted or used this. But I need to see if anyone else suffers symptoms like I have, as I know lots of people who have IBS are able to live a normal life with it I can't. I've been to the doctors and he said I have IBS he didn't do any tests or anything like that is this normal? Also I've been to the doctors about 6 times over the past 2 years as I've been suffering for that long. And they do nothing! I suffer from diahorrea, constipation, stomach ache, gas, burping etc I also always feel so tired and drained as soon as I wake up, I've also been getting chest pains. And I've not been able to finish a full meal for the past year and a half. I've taken tablets that have been prescribed to me they don't help or make it better. I've taken over the counter tablets still don't help my symptoms at all. I've started to cut gluten and certain foods out of my diet still doesn't help. I find that it's worse whenever I eat I get that bad symptoms that I choose not to eat so I don't feel ill as whoever I eat I feel sick or get the above symptoms. On a few occasions I have eaten a meal (not finished it all obviously) and been fine and then an hour or so later I'm on the toilet all night being sick or with the runs, my tummy shiver and going from freezing cold to boiling hot that i have to literally take off all my clothes to cool me down. I've lost loads of weight too as I'm not really eating a lot I know this is bad for me and I've tried to eat more but if I overeat or eat lots I get really ill. I constantly have to carry chewing gum and mints around with me as this is the only thing that stops me feeling sick. I feel as if this is more than IBS, and could be crohn's disease but I'm not sure. Has anyone any advice, of what I should do?

[Mc89]

I'm sorry you have been feeling so ill. Go back to your doctor, if they will not help then you must see someone else. You should not have to put up with this.

Keep a record of everything you eat & drink and how you are feeling each day (include bathroom visits). Write down all your questions so you don't forget.

Be assertive, tell them you cannot continue feeling this way. I hope you find someone who can help you. Good luck.

[LouisaG]

Go see another doctor! To say you have IBS without doing tests to rule out other GI issues is negligent of your doc. Ask for a GI specialist referral. While some of your symptoms may suggest IBS the vomitting and the chills don't seem to fit. You need testing for Chron's, Celiac and other GI issues. In the meantime track what you eat and your stress levels to see of anything is making things worse.

Good luck!

[da88er]

Ask for referral to a gastroenterologist. You need an expert opinion and tests before a diagnosis. I have ibs and have never heard anyone else say they carry mints to stop them feeling sick til you did. I've been doing just this for years. I also have had chest pain. Don't accept just being told this by your doctor. Hope this helps lots of luck and hope things improve

[Sarah263]

Hi I'm in the same boat in terms of your symptoms but with me I've been tested for everything so I've had the endoscopy all the blood tests, hydrogen breath test etc. my results have all came back normal. The doctors did say it could be IBS, yet all the medication they have given me have not worked (mebeverine, buscopan and dyscolverine). I then noticed that every time I ate gluten products (breads and pizza bases especially) triggered the pain. I have eliminated all traces of gluten, my symptoms have become better but I still get the pain. My advice is to go to the doctors and be adamant that you want to be thoroughly checked. You rather be safe then sorry. And then take it frm there. If everything has come back normal then carry a food diary and see what triggers the pain. And then possibly get referred to a dietician. I've just been discharged from the dietician, however I'm not fully satisfied. So hopefully you get all the answers you need and get better soon . Hope this helps in anyway.

[Hidden]

You could try eliminating dairy as well as gluten. Chewing gum may be adding to your wind problems. Have a look at the Monash university app only £6+ and it changed my life. Eat only 'green' traffic light foods for a month then add back others by type one at a time to find out your worst trigger foods.

First thing to do though is get all testing done for other problems through s gastroenterologist . Do not take no for an answer from your GP he cannot diagnose IBS!!

[LIsaPBear]

I agree with everything said above, it's taken me over 2 years and three different doctors to get anywhere, I now feel I can lead a fairly normal life as long as I avoid gluten lactose onions and a few other things, chewing gum and sweets are a definite no, I did the fodmap diet and discovered my trigger foods - I still have odd flare up but life's a lot better (I also suffer with gastritis so it's hard managing both) have been referred for my gastritis so finally getting somewhere. Be firm and assertive - just keep going back until you are happy - good luck x

[RACHELWHEEL]

Hi this is the first time here for me as well and I have just been diagnosed with IBS. You should of had blood tests done at the doctors. The main thing you have to cut out is sorbitol, which is an artificial sweetener, found in diet drinks, sugar free sweets, mints and chewing gum and mouth washes. Try and drink at least 8 cups of fluid a day, water, sugar free squash, no caffeine. Limit fresh and dried fruit to 3 portions a day, but take the skins off first. Avoid high fat foods. Ensure you eat regular meals (Easier said than done I know), do not skip meals or eat late at night, take your time when eating meals, take regular exercise and make sure YOU make time to relax. Keep a diary, give your bowels time to adjust. But first you must get blood tests done, if your doctor won't do them, get a 2nd opinion.

I know exactly how you feel as I have been suffering for the last 3 months, with diarrhoea and agony in my stomach, I only got diagnosed on Monday, so my doctor gave me a sheet. It's awful, I love mushrooms and now can't have them at all.

Have a look on NHS website, which is where my doctor got this sheet from.

Good luck and keep us updated