Sluggish 😔

[Hannah-]

Has anyone got any recommendations on what to do/take when you just generally feel sluggish and sicky from IBS? Thanks x

[Just-hanging]

I know this may not help but when I'm particularly bad I end up just curling up on the sofa in my pjs and watching my fav shows on Netflix with some green tea x

[Hannah- in reply to Just-hanging]

Sounds like a good idea though! I'm not in any pain or anything at the moment, but I just feel generally blur if you know what I mean. Thought it might of been cause I was hungry, but has stayed the same since eating x

[Just-hanging in reply to Hannah-]

I had that same feeling this afternoon. I find it really hard keeping my energy levels up sometimes. Maybe a hot bath/shower and some you time might perk you up abit x

[Hannah- in reply to Just-hanging]

It's just so annoying, makes you not want to do anything! What would be your advice on helping IBS? I'm really new to all of this 😔 x

[Just-hanging in reply to Hannah-]

To be honest. I'm pretty new to it all too. Started after I gave birth last year. I followed the diets the docs told me to and it didn't help. And had some medications and it didn't help.

I just try to relax as much as possible, I barely go out in fear I will end up having an accident - luckily with a baby in tow I can often use disabled loos without too many glares.

Peppermint capsules can help to an extent and eating smaller meals more regular.

Have you found any foods that cause worse reactions then others?

I don't get time to myself anymore but I try to have a long soak each day just to relax and feel abit normal again x

[Hannah- in reply to Just-hanging]

I haven't found any foods that trigger it yet as I'm new to it. I'm hoping to see a dietician soon to help me with the diets that are supposed to help with it to see how that goes!

I have got some peppermint tablets but haven't started taking them yet. Are they helpful? How long do they take to start making a difference?

I must admit, I don't really have a lot of me time, so maybe that will help if I fit more of that in x

[Just-hanging in reply to Hannah-]

Tbh I don't think food is a trigger for me but my Dr has referred me to a specialist so hopefully they can help more. My male Dr told me I was just stressed like most females 😡 so I went to a female Dr after.

I used to take the peppermint tablets once in the morning and once in the evening and it did help for a while.

You should have more you time. I found that having even just an hour to myself most nights helped hugely. X

[Hidden]

Hi Hannah,

Feeling sluggish is often a knock on effect from bad digestion. But it can also be from lack of nutrients. You may find this helpful: sickofibs.com/ibs-symptoms/...

If constipation is an issue, this post on magnesium may help too: sickofibs.com/ibs-symptoms/...

Alison

[Hannah- in reply to Hidden]

Hi Alison,

I have had near enough all the tests under the sun. Stool tests, blood tests, sigmoidoscopy and gastroscopy, you name it!

The only things I haven't had tested is to see if I can digest food properly or if I am intolerant to things like dairy... don't know weather it's worth getting them done but my GP absolutely hates referring me so I don't know what to do!

I am slightly worried that it may not be IBS but something like not digesting food properly like you said! I'm not normally in any sort of bad pain just normally discomfort. My symptoms are mainly, upper abdominal discomfort like a burning gnawing pain, bloating & wind, a little nausea and having to go to the toilet (it differs) but only once a day!

I'm at a dead end and don't know what to do, not sure weather to accept the fact it's IBS or demand further testing... any ideas?

Kind regards

Hannah x

[Hidden in reply to Hannah-]

I'm no doctor but it sounds like IBS symptoms. To beat IBS you will need to find out what you are having problems digesting. You can get tests done, get help from a dietician or you can try and work it out for yourself.

I have posts on food triggers and food intolerance on my blog. I am lactose and fructose intolerant. For me this was clear because I can't drink a glass of milk without having a major IBS flare-up, nor eat an apple. The common denominator is sugars.

This post in particular explains why intolerance causes bloating, and the major culprits:

sickofibs.com/ibs-triggers/...

For me food is not the only cause behind IBS. But healing your gut is a priority because it effects overall health and wellbeing.

[Hannah- in reply to Hidden]

What sort of tests do you get done to see if you have trouble digesting foods? Is that something you can get referred to by your GP or is it private? x

[Hidden in reply to Hannah-]

I live in France so I can't give you a good answer to that I'm afraid. Maybe start by asking your doctor

[Hiddenaway]

If you dont have to rush to the toilet or go lots of times then at that isnt too bad at least. There are medications for nausea so try that and buscopan for cramps. Maybe keep a food diary. I have started taking actimal which seems to have helped

[Hannah- in reply to Hiddenaway]

I don't have to rush to the toilet or go lots as of yet. Just hoping that it doesn't get worse and only stays the same if anything!