So I’ve had IBS since I was 18, now nearly 40! Haven’t ever had it really bad, but have now had an episode since Sept last year!!!!! Have had all blood tests, cameras, medications, etc. Did the FODMAP (religiously) for 5 weeks and nothing worked. I’m now trying linseed and even decided to try out a low dose of Amitriptyline (anti depressant), but NOTHING seems to be working. Severe constipation and awful bloating and wind. Would very much appreciate some help, pleeeeeeease???
Had enough!: So I’ve had IBS since I was 18, now... - IBS Network
Had enough!
That is about the same timeline for my issues. Since I was 18 to 20 and nonstop since then. Curently fighting IBS D and cramping and bloating etc.
Are you exercising?
Thank you for responding. That’s my biggest issue. Do Pilates once a fortnight, but otherwise no. Have 2 young children, who do so many clubs. What would you suggest??
I have found my IBS symptoms are always worse with stress. To include the stress of having symptoms all the time. How you manage that stress is important. When I take time to exercise my mind and gut get a minute to take a break. Also studies are pointing to physical activities helping to balance the gut biome. But stress reduction is key. I sadly do not do this enough.
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. They should give it to you if nothing else works. It is on the NICE guidelines and you should say this to your doctor. Although the best thing to take 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.
Thank you so much, was beginning to think there was nothing to help me. I gave recently read a lot about magnesium. Feeling more positive. X
👋 that just sounds exactly how I’ve been lately my doc prescribed co-codamol which did help with the pain. I’ve tried all the antispasmodic drugs but none of them worked. Went back to gp last week coz I was just bloated all the time and he gave me 10mg amitriptyline and have had no more symptoms obviously everybody’s different what works for one doesn’t always work for the other but I would go back and see your gp to up the dose you might be on a too lower dose. Good luck and hope you feel better soon.
Hi, I’ve been suffering with the same symptoms as you for a couple of years now. Was going back and forth doctors regularly but all the treatments they gave me never really worked. I think the anti-depressants were the worst thing they prescribed me, and although at the time when I was taking them I thought I didn’t feel any different, as soon as I stopped taking them I felt a lot better within myself. Having had enough of feeling like I was wasting the doctors time and getting nowhere with the treatments they were giving me, I looked into alternative treatments myself. The best thing that has worked for me is going for colonic irrigation. I know a lot of people don’t agree with these, but they have worked wonders for me. I go for one every 6-8 weeks and the relief I feel after going is unbelievable. I also take herbal tablet capsules called CO-TON which I buy from my colon hydro therapist. Co-ton is an herbal formula that may help to improve bowel elimination and tone the bowel muscle. I’ve been having colonic irrigation and taking these herbal capsules for nearly a year now and I can’t emphasis enough how much better I feel. I do still have the odd flare up but that has maybe been twice within the last year, and previously it was constant every week. Hope this information helps you.
You have my deepest sympathy - I've just had a very bad bout of what I feel is 'spastic colon' which never empties properly and feels absolutely dreadful. However, I have discovered 'turmeric milk' which is a mixture of coconut milk, ghee, honey, black pepper and turmeric - there are many recipes online if you google it. This has transformed my life, soothed my gut and restored much more normal gut functioning and bowel movements. I'm not completely cured but I feel about 90% there. Do try it and see how you get on - turmeric is a known healing spice.