What next?

[Booth29]

Have had ibs prob since my teens, but has worsened majorly over last 10 yrs, probably stress related. Have recently had lots of tests with a virtual colonoscopy being the final one 3 months ago(couldn't have normal colonoscopy as bowel too loopy). Was told tests clear, nothing else, no advice on how to cope. Was referrered to gastroenterology as have severe pain, bloating and trapped wind. Only seen gastro doc once, 8 mths after failed colonoscopy when he said he'd refer me for virtual one but that it was most likely it was ibs. I asked him what if anything I could try to help, his advice, eat plenty of fruit and veg! I feel quite hopeless now, I know there's no quick fix but was hoping there would be a bit more support😥

[Gettingoldnow]

Hi there sorry to hear of your problems you must speak to your doctor and ask for further tests .nobody should be suffering in this day and age .dont give up asking and good luck.

[Hidden]

Hi there,

I know exactly how you feel. I have now beaten my IBS but I was in the dark for a long time.

I particularly recommend looking into Sibo and Candida as your next step: sickofibs.com/ibs-symptoms/...

You may find other articles on my blog can help you move forward. Like this one: sickofibs.com/well-being/ib...

Hope this helps you,

Alison

[denvajade]

Ask your doctor for a test for Dysbiosis!

[Eternity78 in reply to denvajade]

is it a blood or breath test ??

[denvajade]

Can be breath, I had an X-ray which showed all the fermenting etc

[Hidden]

I'm so sorry for the suffering you are going through - I can't believe the doctor told you to eat plenty of fruit and veg as that can make you feel much worse. I cannot eat much fruit at all as I am in pain. Some doctors beggars belief!!

I would go back to your doctor and ask for more tests, I see the responses below on other things that could be wrong with you i.e. Sibo.

[Booth29 in reply to Hidden]

The only test I haven't had is for sibo, so it might be worth asking doc about that. Gp has been great trying to help, sure problems are a lot to do with stress, symptoms got a lot worse when my sister was diagnosed with cancer 4 yrs ago.

[Hidden in reply to Booth29]

Definitely worth asking the doctor for a Sibo test. So pleased that your GP has been good but the only thing that concerned me is the fact that he/she said eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

I feel for you re your sister, it's a very difficult time when someone close to you has been diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease and agree that stress certainly contributes to IBS. Have you thought about trying any relaxing techniques? I signed up quite a long time ago to receive Kate Scarlata's emails, Kate specialises in IBS, and her latest email was very interesting as it concentrated on the mind more - I have added the link below.

blog.katescarlata.com/2017/...

Here's to your health improving.

All the very best.

Alicia

[Booth29 in reply to Hidden]

It was the gastro consultant at the hospital who said to eat more fruit and veg! Have had counselling for ibs after my sister died when it was really bad, but find it hard to relax and switch off. Will look at your link though, thanks

[Hidden in reply to Booth29]

I cannot believe the gastro consultant said that. You will see from the low FODMAPs diet that there are certain fruits and vegetables to avoid.

I didn't realise your sister had died and I'm really sorry for your loss, cancer is an awful thing. My husband's niece died 4 years ago at 38 after battling the disease for a few years. What you are doing well is opening up on this forum about your loss as that isn't easy and takes courage, I really admire you.

Kate's website is really good, you should find it very useful.

Take care

Alicia x

[Purplewoman in reply to Booth29]

That’s what mine told me! Wouldn’t refer me to dietitian I felt patted on the head and sent away I’ve been doing gf and df and feel a bit better on it for a yr and he said noneed ,trial and error and sent away

[Booth29 in reply to Purplewoman]

Know what you mean that's exactly like I felt. Although glad that all tests showed nothing sinister, just feel I'm back at square one, no help with symptoms🙁

[Idalmis in reply to Hidden]

I can’t eat fruit and veg in great quantity. I follow the low FODMAP diet and things are so much better. I remember seeing a nutritionist years ago who put me on plenty of fruit, veg and pulses. The bloat, pain and constipation were horrendous. The gps don’t really have a clue on diet. Go and see a certified dietitian trained in fodmap. After 20 years of searching, I have found the solution.

[Hidden in reply to Idalmis]

I couldn't agree with you more. If I eat too much fruit (I eat very little now) I get a lot of pain but I seem to be able to control what vegetables I eat i.e. I can eat broccoli in small quantities i.e. I will eat it for say 3 days and then leave it for a couple of weeks and then eat again etc .....

Unfortunately the funding for a dietician was removed from my local area but that was a few years ago now so I am going to try again as I am sure the low FODMAP diet will help me a lot.

So glad that you found the solution.

Alicia

[Idalmis]

The waiting list on the NHS was so long I went private. It cost me £75 and daily contact, advice, emails etc... money well spent.

[Booth29 in reply to Idalmis]

Think I'll look into seeing a dietician, probably privately as like you say waiting lists horrendous. Was hoping hosp specialist would suggest it but as I said his only advice was useless. You just have to manage yourself sometimes.