Getting in the way of life...

I have had stomach problems for several years. About 18 months ago was diagnosed with IBS but recently have begun having a severe flare up. Been back to the doctors and only now are they actually testing for other conditions! Surely this should have been done before the IBS diagnosis?? So I potentially could have something else. I've been having this flare up for about 6 weeks and it's just not getting better. Currently taking Gaviscon for nausea as well as Buscopan and Imodium when needed. I was previously on Mebeverine but it seemed to not be helping anymore. I'm starting to feel at a loss and depressed as I feel ill constantly and finding it hard to work due to pain and going to the toilet so often. I think my new job isn't helping as it is stressful and very target based and due to being in the probation period I'm under close scrutiny too. Looking for another job but worried I won't get one due to only being in this one a few months. Not sure what I'm looking for really just need to get something off my chest as I just don't know how to keep going on like this??

[ivesy]

Hi Flickie, your situation feels very familiar. I feel like ive been in a 6 month flare up and it certainly makes things difficult in the workplace. I'm glad you're having the additional tests, i'm sure it probably is just IBS but its good to get that peace of mind. You might find that will actually help with how you're feeling. Also your doctor may suggest a small dose of anti-depressants, such as amitriptyline. They really helped me at the beginning. If you have any question about any of the tests/procedures you are undertaking, let me know, ive pretty much had all of them!

[Kellyann]

Have you tried xifacin? When I get a bad flare up I find it really helps.

I needed 2 consecutive rounds the first time and now do one round when I feel terrible for a few days.

Stress usually sets off a major flare up.

[Deb131 in reply to Kellyann]

Hi can you get this medicine over the bounteous do u know . Thanks

[Deb131 in reply to Deb131]

Counter sorry

[Beezwax]

I have had stomache problems for some years now. I was originally told it was IBS (by a GP), but after a trip to A and E when I had really bad problems that were not resolving from GP treatment, I was referred to a consultant who said ibs was diagnosed too often without investigating. I had a lot of tests and they found out what was wrong and I have been able to get treatment. I might need surgery at some point but although things can be bad, I have some peace of mind knowing what is wrong. (Btw my symptoms don't seem to be like yours so I haven't gone into detail about my condition).

It has taken me quite a long time to realise that stress plays a major part in how my symptoms are managed. I tended to dismiss the stress connection at first but it really is a major factor in managing my stomache problems.

Good luck with the investigations and hope your job gets better or you manage to find a new one.

[FlyinMarty]

Same here. Sick of it.

Compared to me 6 months for tests is good, I've been suffering for years and had nothing but a quick poke around my stomach. No blood test, let alone endoscopy or anything else.

Trying a different GP that I haven't seen before, see if I can get somewhere with this one.

[Crowdie]

I agree. Even though employers are under a legal duty in the uk and EU countries to make reasonable adjustments if they are aware of conditions such as ibs and certain small things could help no end, they still seem to put pressure on you and sadly just dont care less and don't understand it if they haven't suffered with it themselves. Even though it is so common and can be very debilitating , There is such poor awareness. I really applaud initiatives such as Asda for their invisible disability sign on disabled loos for instance.

[Scr1969]

Stress is a massive trigger - I'm also in sales with targets and have been all my working life some 30 yrs.

Cut out bread, caffeine and milk, drink peppermint tea and eat plain food reduce any spice and limit your alcohol for the next few weeks - it will be tough but you might just find your triggers. Try and stay positive and relax - if you exercise then good - I find exercise helps me massively when I have my flare ups.

You will get through this but you need to stay positive and be strict with your food and drink intake - otherwise; well you no the rest.

Good Luck, I hope this helps