IBS-Young and struggling

[gee-gee10]

does anyone else find it difficult with IBS and going out with friends socialising, going out for drinks etc, Im 22 and enjoy going out for drinks but this doesn't make life easy with is. I know alcohol isn't good for you especially with IBS but does anyone have any tips or advice or just generally if anyone else has this problem?

[Hidden]

We all have exactly the same problems as you, so we well know the difficulties associated with socialising etc.

Have you tried eliminating different foods from your diet to try and get a handle on what makes your iBS worse?

A good way of doing this is to follow the low FODMAP diet which will help you identify specific triggers. You can read about it and download an app for it from Monash University where the diet was developed. It isn't just a fad and NHS dietitians are now trained to advise on it. It's helped loads of people on here sort out their problems and, having done it myself more than 3 years' ago, I can tell you it really works and life for me is pretty normal apart from controlling what I eat.

Rosie

[ldblevins in reply to Hidden]

My son is 26 now never worked quit school no friends(except online) because of severe social anxiety and ibs . If he goes out anywhere he gets sick and diarrhea very bad. Hes been this way since around 12 yrs old. He has constipation most of the time but diarrhea at times especially if he goes out anywhere even the groc store. He wont even learn to drive. Went to a a doctor once but wouldnt go back. The meds didnt work. He has no ins. Cant work....im worried sick! I too have same ussues but not nearly as bad. I can work. Help!

[runswithdogs]

Rosie is bang on with the FODMAPS recommendation. As for going out for drinks, what are you drinking? There are very few beers I can have without getting sick. Cider and wine seems okay. Mixed drinks with pop or juice is a no-go but soda water works. You may have to experiment a little.

[RoshCas]

Hey, i understand completely about the struggle with socilasing. Im 24 and i love to go out and have a few drinks with my friends but i find i cant stomach any alcohol without having a sore stomach the next day. What are your symptoms with Ibs? I have been having really bad pains recently and alway feeling sick so frustrating!!

[Hidden]

I have this problem and it makes me not want to go out because I know what the alcohol does to me. I use to do it anyway but these days I hardly drink. When I do, I pay for it bad. But yeah, I still do it sometimes.

[bigbunbun3]

Hi gee-gee10

It is really difficult to go out and enjoy meals etc. I know it is really boring but what I tend to do is treat myself to one half of larger then just drink sparkling water and Diet Coke, the only problem with that is the Coke keeps me awake, but we have to go out.

I am sorry to hear of young people who have to cope with IBS.

As other people have mentioned the " Low FODMAP " app may help you to find out the limits of certain drinks and food, and more information about the diet.

[ldblevins in reply to bigbunbun3]

I love diet coke and it helps me at work wake up but I think it contributes to my cramping and gas. I have 2 sometimes only one and a half but it still messes my intestines up.

[bburzycki]

Ha go drinking with friends... If I had a dollar for every time I thought I was going to be able to do that and had to decline I would be a millionaire.

It is just how it is and good friends should understand.... That said that does not help how it makes you feel...

Just a note on Low FodMap as I have heard in the latest info I have read. Low FodMap should be done with the consultation of a dietitian and now people are saying that long term low FodMap diets might actually work against reestablishing proper gut flora. Which makes sense on many levels if you know how gut bacteria is supposed to work.

Have you made diet changes with any luck?

Also alcohol is a huge IBS trigger... It should be totally avoided for most if not all.

[bigbunbun3 in reply to bburzycki]

Hi bburzycki, Yes it is strange that a lot of prebiotic foods, i.e. onions, garlic are good foods to feed our gut bacteria but these foods can cause IBS symptoms for many people. I agree with you that it is best to seek a NHS FODMAP trained dietitian, I have and after doing the elimination phase ( which helped my symptoms) I have my next appointment booked, to discuss the reintroduction stage. I find I can have the odd alcoholic drink ( FODMAP allowed only) but we are all so different. I am lucky that I can go out to eat, I just have to be careful of what I choose. Going back to the Diet Coke, it is not a healthy choice, I only drink it when I go out for a meal, so only one glass. It is my treat! I have read Giulia Enders "GUT" book which has been recommended by other people on this forum, it has such a light hearted approach explaining our stomach.