IBS symptoms...any advice?

[Aimz32]

Hi everyone,

So...I'm new here and was wondering if anyone has any tips for me on how to deal with this, please let me know if inappropriate to post - story is long a bit TMI in places so if squeamish I recommend caution! Any advice would be greatly appreciated right now!

I received a rather quick diagnosis of IBS from GP about a year ago after describing abdominal pain (mainly left-sided although right-sided seems to be featuring more now), diarhoea, constipation, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite etc, and also mention how it sometimes wake me up at night with periods of nausea/shivering/diarrhoea - prior to diagnosis I also didn't realise that rectal bleeding wasn't "normal", and it's been on and off for about 3 or 4 years, maybe? So after diagnosis I went to GP about it - turns out I have an anal fissure, they prescribe me some ointment and Lactulose and it clears up...only to come back again, several times recently over the past few months - I feel like it's every other bowel movement now!

Current medication includes Mebeverine, Fybogel and painkillers when abdominal pain worsens. For background, I've always been relatively active and exercise regularly (I'm a sports coach and mental health mentor) and eaten healthily - lots of fruit and veg, am also on this FODMAP diet and gluten/dairy-free.

Any advice on new things to try that might abate symptoms would be much appreciated, in addition to advice regarding anal fissure? What do you do that find improves IBS symptoms? Am contemplating booking another GP appointment to discuss it but it takes 3 weeks for me to get an appointment and I always feel like it's not "serious" enough for me to warrant GP time.

Thanks in advance

[August01]

Hi, have you checked out the NHS choices website? Not only will it give you info on IBS and anal fissures but also advises when to see GP, possible treatments and interventions etc. Pretty basic stuff but it can be helpful in thinking about what info GP's work on and questions you might want to ask. Have you had any basic investigations such as a blood test?

The symptoms you mention are serious enough to see a GP (especially if fissure is recurring). Make sure you're armed with info on your problems - it wasn't until I presented a diary of bowel movements to my GP that he acknowledged I actually had a problem.

Sounds like you are doing what you can to manage IBS; exercise and diet being so important. Do you do anything for relaxation/taking time out for yourself? I ask because I get an impression you care very much about others (as a coach and mentor) and that can get in the way of acknowledging the care we need to give ourselves.

I have IBS-D which has improved with adjustments in work and social life and in making time to pursue my interests.

Go see that GP

[Aimz32 in reply to August01]

Hi August01,

Firstly, thank you for replying! Was a bit nervous posting on here for the first time. As for the NHS website, had a brief look but I’ll check for more info. It might provide me a bit more insight into explanation of symptoms etc

I’ve had several blood tests but nothing in the past year and a half - previous tests have come back with varying results - once it showed lowered levels of I think it was T4 (the thyroid hormone) and once or twice I’ve had raised CRP (inflammation?), but sometimes they say everything is fine. Had blood test for coeliac which came back negative.

I do try getting some time to myself, which is something I’ve only recently learnt to do within the past 2 years or so - recently I’ve tried to make a point of it as just completed postgraduate study (I found the Headspace app really helped during study!) and I attend regular meditation and tai chi classes as I know stress can play a major factor in IBS.

I’m already starting to keep a note of exercise routine, diet and blood pressure, so may as well add things like bowel movements to the list! Thank you so much! I’ll keep a check and then go book an appointment!

Also in return, if there’s anything you need or advice etc feel free to drop me a message hope you get to pursue all those interests, whatever they may be! x

[Lulububs in reply to Aimz32]

Have u thought about supplements?

Ie probiotics, digestive emzymes, peppermint oil, magnesium. All thing that will help with healthy gut flora which i will find a blessing with ibs

[Aimz32 in reply to Lulububs]

Hi Lulububs,

Thank you for responding I didn’t even know you could get supplements like the enzymes, for example, if I’m honest! Had a bad experience with probiotics some years ago but I suspect it was because there’s the first few days where the body has to adjust - next time I’ll just have to push on through!

Does peppermint tea count towards the “peppermint oil” side of things? Everyone always says that it’s good for settling the stomach, but I’ve never actually looked at it from that perspective.

I shall look more into it if my budget can allow - I take it the supplements such as Magnesium, for example, can be found in most health shops and health food shops etc?

If you ever need anything feel free to message - I’m always up for a chat x