Ibs medication.

[wasw]

Does anyone know if it is better to take medication? I am trying to solve ibs with dieting and exercise.. I'm afraid of taking medication and the side affects .. and the symptoms only happen when i get stressed

[Fruitandnutcase]

Same here, stress plays havoc with my IBS. Every now and again I have to take something. I've got stuff called Normacol at the moment. When the pharmacist handed it over, the box inside the bag was shaped like a brick and felt about the same weight!

Got home and opened the box - it looks like cat litter we used to use - white granules - but - it tasted ok, good even. I took a couple of teaspoons of it twice a day followed by a big glass of water, it seems to work whether I've got constipation or diarrhoea, not sure why. I also sometimes take Buscopan, that kind of helps with the gut pains.

Diet and exercise are good and are how I work but every now and again I have to resort to something else. I wouldn't say there are any side effects other than my gut gets back to 'normal' and I feel better, the stress might still be there but at least my gut feels better.

If you haven't had it properly checked out by a doctor do that before you take anything for it.

[wasw in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

Thank you. I got it checked by a doctor but i never went back! Its from last year and i think i have to go back now.

[Fruitandnutcase in reply to wasw]

That's good. I was checked out about thirty years ago - barium enema - the works.

Like you I just got on with life and I didn't do much about it until the last time my IBS went haywire when I thought maybe I ought to just double check that it was still IBS that was the problem and not anything sinister. Seems to still be IBS so that's ok. ☀️

[5catlover6]

When you have an attack medication is so important. One good thing is charcoal that helps with the bloating. Make sure you know your food triggers. I cant touch onions, aubergines, peppers or rice they set off an attack fast.

[wasw in reply to 5catlover6]

Yes, I've heard charcoal is good. I used to eat whatever i want, now i cant handle stress and spicy food

[Whit75 in reply to 5catlover6]

What charcoal do you take?

[senga11]

If your IBS is severe enough you should be taking medication

[wasw in reply to senga11]

Its not. symptoms only happen when I'm really stressed or when i have spicy food. I heard that if you don't take medications it will make serious problems later on. I just hate going to the doctor but i think i have to go back now.

[rosco1 in reply to wasw]

If you only have flare ups now and then I wouldn't take medication

[ConstipationAdvice]

Keep yourself warm and hope that the poo will melt. Try sitting infront of radiator, have a hot bath or drink boiling water straight from the kettle. Sending you all my love xx