Defining a flare up

[Meowkat130]

Hi, what is classed as a flare up? I went to give blood and was asked if I was having a flare up. Having since googled I think I’ve been having one since August! Off cuff comment from gastrointestinal surgeon that diagnosed me, having first appt with gp in three weeks. Thanks

[alwayshope111]

From my own experience and from what I've read from others with IBS, a flare-up is a strengthening of symptoms. I think it's up to the individual to feel if they are having a flare-up. If your symptoms are worse than normal, whether it's been going on a day or several months, that is generally considered a flare-up.

[pajohns]

Yeah I agree with pp. I've always got a bit of a 'dicky bowel' but I call it a flare up when things start to get worse or effect everyday life.

For example I'm up early most mornings with loose bm this for me is the ibs but not a flare up. I had a flare up a couple of weeks back where I was being woken by painful wind, going 3/4 times in the morning, had nausea and no appetite. That for me was a flare up, that has just started to calm down. But it is different for everyone.

[Meowkat130]

Thanks both. I think in my case I always had temperamental guts where something disagreed it was out within minutes but then done with. In August I had pile surgery and was given lactulose since then more things disagree and it takes me to the loo several times and wakes me during the night to go. I’ve booked an appt with gp where I’m going to ask for tests to see what foods to avoid as I cannot pin point

[pajohns in reply to Meowkat130]

Definitely go see gp but they don't tend to test for food intolerances. They'll do a blood test to rule out coeliac and a few other bits. My gp prescribed all sorts of meds, mebevrine (anti spasmodic) for cramps, Imodium for diarrhoea and another med for anti nausea. Not one of them made a difference to my symptoms in fact I think the Imodium made my nausea worse. I've had more help using this forum than my gp. However like I said they will want to rule some things out.

Do you take a probiotic? That would probably help.

All the best anyway.

[b1b1b1]

Have you thought about the FODMAP diet?