IBS d

[eyebee6]

Hi,my name is Ian. I have had ibs for about 20 yr. I've had all the tests but all ok I've cut down on the alcohol and caffeine.The doctor has prescribed mebeverine,also I have to take immodium every other day to get me through my work shifts. I'm considering taking colpermin as well but just want to ask if anyone else has done the same?Thanks.

[Hidden]

A lot of people on here take Colpermin or similar and it seems to help some with the pain, but not others.

Have you tried any food elimination diets?

Rosie

[eyebee6 in reply to Hidden]

Hya rosie, I thought about a food intolerance test. I have tried eliminating foods but not much difference. I do enjoy a beer and thought this could be making it worse so I am in the process of cutting down to see if that helps . I can just about live with the pain but not the D. Can't go out anywhere unless there are toilets close by.Thanks,Ian.

[Hidden in reply to eyebee6]

Hi Ian,

The NHS only does a couple of intolerance tests for fructose and lactose and, as the gastrophysiologist who did mine told me, even these aren't always definitive. The intolerance tests that you see advertised on the net etc don't have a shred of real science behind them which is why the NHS doesn't do them - it could save itself a fortune in drugs etc if testing really worked.

You could try keeping a really detailed food diary to see if you can make any links to your symptoms that way, or try the low-FODMAP diet which cuts out all fermentable carbs. It's tough for the first 6 weeks or so, but works for a lot of people on here. Go here:

med.monash.edu.au/cecs/gast...

Usual suspects for causing probs are wheat, dairy, celery, the onion family, stone fruit, apples, pears and yes, the demon booze!

You can get a key which will open most locked toilets from: crm.disabilityrightsuk.org/... - it can be a life-saver!

Rosie

[eyebee6 in reply to Hidden]

Hya Rosie, I've heard of the low FODMAP diet, I also bought a cookbook for ibs. I will check those links you sent.I didn't think that I would be able to request a key .Thanks for your advice, Ian.

[Marshmarigold]

I started taking 2 loperimide (immodium) every night after my evening meal about 3 years ago and it made a huge difference. I'm retired which is just as well as before that I couldn't go anywhere until after lunch as I had to go to the loo at least 3 times. I am sure the anxiety of this made it worse!. Now I have a bowel movement soon after I get up and know I'm alright for the rest of the day. I am a bit obsessive about not going out until I've been to the loo but worrying whether I'll go or not is usually enough to get my bowels working! I have intermittant tummy ache which sometimes gets quite bad but I take Colpermin and pain killers and try and ignore it. The pain is never accompanied by diarrhea or constipation so I presume it's something I've eaten and my gut is trying to digest it. The doctor prescribed Omeprazole but that made no difference at all.

[eyebee6 in reply to Marshmarigold]

Hi,thanks you for your reply I have to take two or three immodium every three days and that keeps me from rushing to the loo as I suffer from ibs with diarrhea. There is no warning when it comes on and have had a few accidents . I take them everywhere I go.

[Hidden]

Have you tried leaving dairy out of your diet

Try it for about 2/3 weeks -use Pure and soya milk- and keep a food and bowel movement diary to see what changes there may be.

Taking medication is not always good

If you are intolerant of lactose then a lot of tablet medication contains it

[eyebee6 in reply to Hidden]

Hya, thanks for your reply. My ibs has only got worse over the last 18 months so really need to try things to find out the cause but til then immodium is my best friend. Thank you for your advice, Ian.