Stress related IBS

[Flik22]

Hello! I'm new on here, I have stress related IBS, have had a couple of tests previously to rule anything sinister out! And the results of that are IBS!?? Looking for any tips:advice to help the anxiety really, to hopefully stop this constant urgency for going to no2!! 🙈🙈 it's seriously affecting my life in that at times I don't want to go out anywhere for fear of not finding a loo in time!! Xx

[Beckybexx]

Hello,

I’m no expert at all and haven’t even had my definite diagnosis yet but I’m in a very similar situation. My GP has prescribed sertraline for the anxiety, not sure if that’s helping yet. But on consultants advice I started taking optibac 50 million probiotics. They’ve definitely helped a bit, firmed things up and it’s not quite such an urgent rush in the mornings. I’m normally ok to leave the house by 11am ish. Luckily have an understanding boss!

Good luck x

[Flik22 in reply to Beckybexx]

Hey I'm on Sertraline too! Have been for 18months now! I'm on 100mg a day!? I'm not sure it's helping either, I asked about coming off it but my doctor recommended to wait for spring!! I'm on a probiotic but only 3million!?? didn't realise you could get that many! Thanks for your reply, I'm with you on leaving around 11ish! I only work 2 days a week, but have children and school runs etc, it definitely stresses me out when I have to leave the house early! So silly, I hate it! I'm also awaiting some counselling see if I can get to the bottom of it! Haha! Literally 🙈Xx. Here to chat if you need to. Xx

[Claire44]

Hi I am in the same boat as you. I take acidophilus plus non dairy 2billion and it seems to work. You do get worse before getting better but they are definitely worth a try. Good luck x

[Flik22 in reply to Claire44]

Hey I've been on acidophilus for a year or so now! I do have some better days but would say still more worse than better! Xx

[Rubynoodles37]

Hi, I'm the same as you. Had a consultation with a gastroenterologist yesterday, he said all of my symptoms tell him it's IBS and anxiety driven. He recommended experimenting with my diet but not low fodmap as it's too restrictive and in his opinion most of his patients don't stick with it?! He also recommended that I get on antidepressants which I'm not too keen on but he said to give it a go as it may help break the anxiety/IBS cycle?! I'd love to find a 'cure', like you I'm worse in the mornings but with children to get up and a dog to walk it's difficult. I'd love to get a job but have been ruled by this and couldn't work early mornings.

Hope you find an answer to this horrid thing, I'll follow with interest 😊

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to Rubynoodles37]

I'm also on a waiting list for CBT, am hoping that will help.

[Flik22 in reply to Rubynoodles37]

Hey, yes I've tried eliminating lots of foods, I have found dairy (mainly milk and cream) to be triggers, I'm ok with cheese and butter!!?? I did the York blood test which came back that I'm intolerant to virtually everything! So after a lot of process of elimination I find I can tolerate most foods but only in small quantities, I.e if I over do bread one day I'll suffer worse for it the next day!! A lot of mine is anxiety based, the anti depressant I'm on helped initially but I'm not convinced it's the answer! I'd like to wean off mine and see if I can get some counselling / CBT to help with my mental side! Find the route of the problems! Xx always here to chat if you need to.xx

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to Flik22]

Thanks, it's always good to know there are people out there going through the same thing, it can feel quite lonely, not really something you feel like discussing at the bus stop!!

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to Rubynoodles37]

I do think I need to try antidepressants but I've always been too scared to try incase I end up with even more physical side effects which I don't think I could handle ATM 🙄

[Flik22 in reply to Rubynoodles37]

Very lonely isn't it! To be honest I had horrible side effects for about 8 weeks but then did feel improvement! Xx

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to Flik22]

That's the stumbling block I always fail at, 8 weeks seems such a long time. I give up after a few days of feeling crap!

[Flik22 in reply to Rubynoodles37]

It's different for everyone though! Some people I know only a couple of weeks!! Xx

[b1b1b1 in reply to Rubynoodles37]

I am on the FODMAP diet, with the help of a dietician. It has helped me quite a bit. IBS is maybe about 40% better, and I have fewer panics looking for a bathroom when I am out. It took a while to get organized and onto the FODMAP diet, but now I actually like it and I don't find it too restrictive. It can be difficult if you eat out a lot though.

[Rubynoodles37 in reply to b1b1b1]

I do think I need to give the low fodmap one last, proper try. It's so easy to fall off the wagon though, especially as I have a husband and two kids who are obviously not following the diet, too much temptation around!!

[b1b1b1]

It is much more difficult if you also have to cook for other people, especially kids. However, A lot of FODMAp food is pretty normal. Any meat or fish is OK. Vegetables somewhat restricted, but not too bad. Fruit also limited, but kids can always have their own fruit. Worst is onions & garlic. Good luck. A FODMAP dietician is very helpful. You only need one meeting. Mine also suggested sourdough bread, which I turned out to love.