Had enough

[Lainey-47]

Hi I'm new here have been told I have ibs suffering from constipation all the time also thinking of giving up food altogether as my stomach back are constantly on fire also there is some days I can hardly walk because of the pain I have at the bottom of my back and sides can anyone help as my doc can't asks what I think should be done I asked for a colonoscopy no joy

[patientj]

I feel very sorry for you. Let's start from the beginning. When did your constipation start and do you have any idea what might have caused it? How did your doctor diagnose IBS - did he do any blood tests for instance? And what have you been given to help treat or manage your constipation and the pain so far?

[Lainey-47 in reply to patientj]

I had food poison then helicobacter diaharea .

[patientj in reply to Lainey-47]

Food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections account for around 10 percent of IBS cases. There is evidence that the infection disrupts the normal functioning of the gut and scientists are still trying to understand exactly how. But we also know that infections, and their treatment, can sometimes really disrupt the microbial balance in the intestine. This can also lead to the symptoms of IBS. Therefore, things like high-strength probiotics might help (Align and VSL#3 are the two that I remember but others on here have recommended others as well). Equally, prebiotics, that encourage the growth of friendly bacteria, could be beneficial. And as others have said, it might be worth seeing a dietician as well. Have you tried keeping a food diary to see which foods make things more worse than others?

There are also a range of medications you can take. There are two types of laxatives on the market: ones that draw water into the intestine to increase the bulk of the faeces and thereby encourage defecation. The other, stronger laxatives, actually irritate the intestine to encourage it to move things along. Different ones work for different people and the NICE clinical guidelines have a good set of recommendations of which ones to try - nice.org.uk/guidance/cg61/c...

There is also a potential psychological/neurological aspect. Maybe your food poisoning has made you more wary of eating or enjoying food, and I would say you sound a little anxious about eating food now because of the pain you anticipate. There is evidence that IBS might be triggered by anxiety and depression, especially if happens alongside a gastrointestinal infection. And even if it isn't the cause, it can certainly be an exacerbating factor.

I would recommend talking to your doctor about the above and, like others have said, if you're still not seeing the results you need, then ask to be referred to a specialist.

[Lainey-47 in reply to patientj]

Thank you I will try all of the above

[Nesie237]

Lainey-47, I totally understand about the pain and frustration. I have the same thing and it really limits activity. If you see a dietitian, she may be able to help with some tips. I saw one. She suggested a number of things. Two were taking an oral probiotic (I use VSL 3 which can be found on Amazon), and and Activia yogurt, which has probiotics in it. Taking them both daily helps. I'll have to get another colonoscopy soon also. The pain has been worse lately. It's a potential start. Good luck, Nesie 237

[Lainey-47 in reply to Nesie237]

Thank you

[Nesie237 in reply to Lainey-47]

Sure. Good luck. Nesie237

[Beezwax in reply to Nesie237]

If you have a sympathetic GP, you can get VSL 3 on prescription. I take it and it definitely helps with constipation and bloating.

[Nesie237 in reply to Beezwax]

It does help. It's rather expensive, maybe a prescription would make it cheaper? Nesie237

[marthaalice]

I think you should see a different doctor, nobody should suffer like you do. A dietitian is very good advice as is activia yogurt.

[Lainey-47 in reply to marthaalice]

Thank you

[lizwhitebillwhite]

If you have already tried the diet trial, ie, seeing what works for you or not. e.g. plenty of bran and fibre in your diet to see if your bowels work when taking these, or adding s spoonful of liquid paraffin first thing in the morning and well as a cup of hot water from the kettle, I know it sounds daft, but having been born with lazy bowels I had to do this everyday! It worked most of the time. Also try taking anti cramp meds such as Buscopan for cramps. I take this when I start to feel the pain in my lower bowels or back. Dealing with the pain is half the battle won. Good luck.

[O2ADDICT in reply to lizwhitebillwhite]

You drink liquid wax? Seems dangerous to me.

[Lainey-47 in reply to lizwhitebillwhite]

Thank you

[lizwhitebillwhite]

Its not wax, it is a medication for bad bowels. Doesn't taste nice, but it works. As your chemist.

[Unataff2016]

Lainey-47 I feel ur pain !! Also newly diagnosed have not opened bowels for 6 days now have tried Senna laxido dulcolax plus more and Nadda. I've also tried plenty of strong coffee/ water orange juice and along with that my IBS meds no luck 😢 Anyone have any suggestions starting to feel nauseous now 🙃

[246bindy in reply to Unataff2016]

Try linseeds, a tablespoon before bed in a glass of water. Also try drinking a glass of water before getting out of bed in the morning.

[Lainey-47]

Thank you

[missymo]

Same here!! I did have a colonoscopy.which hurt like crazy for 2 weeks after!! Thickening of the bowel wall is what they came up with but no cure unfortunatley!!

[Pat1]

I have chronic constipation I have been to private consultant and had the tests done. There are two new drugs that you can get on the NHS called Prucalopride and Linaclotide. The don't work like traditional laxatives, they work on the receptors in the stomach. Prucalopride was best for me. They should give it to you if nothing else works. It is on the NICE guidelines and you should say this to your doctor. Having said this I no longer take it as it is expensive and I was paying privately as I have private medical insurance, which covers everything else but not medication. What I take now is about 600 to 1000mg of magnesium citrate or oxide on an empty stomach before bed with lots of water. This works great, naturally and is effective. My colorectal consultant recommended it as well. Look up information on magnesium and constipation. If I don't take it I don't go.

There are other magnesium products for the colon that are excellent although more expensive but worth it. They are in order of my preference Oxypowder, Aerobic Mag07 and Colosan. You can get them on Amazon or a place called the Finchley clinic. They are very helpful and you can call for advice. Hope this helps.

[Lainey-47 in reply to Pat1]

Thank you

[Lainey-47 in reply to Pat1]

Hi have you ever had burning in your tummy and back also my sides are killing me especially my left in so much pain don't know where to turn had really bad bout of diahrea today need help doc said he will give me antidepressants looking for help

[Pat1 in reply to Lainey-47]

I don't have that mainly constipation with cramps. I take magnesium daily. This helps. I also take two Buscopan tablets if the cramps are bad.

[hollypeg]

magnesium citrate taken daily helps me go otherwise i have terrible constipation and pain all around my abdomen , belt of pain as i call it , one a day , up it if im really struggling to 2 ,