I have suffered with IBS since I was a teenager so roughly 11 years. It doesn't get easier. I have found that peppermint oil capsules are brilliant you can get these from Holland and Barrett or herbal shop.
Have you identified which foods and drinks cause it? X
I have had ibs symtoms all my life but i always thought ibs
Was always diarrhoea but it was explained that it just means irritable bowel be it constipation or other. So i kinda never put my symptoms together with it.
A year ago i got worse and worse and ended up in hosp i was so ill. My bowels had distended so much as i hadnt pooped for weeks!
I now have trouble eating certain foods as it will start my bowels of again. I try to eat little and often, no gluten, no dairy, i alway make sure im regular!! By magnesium, lactulose and drinking lots water!
It a case of keeping control of it. I wished i could eat whatever i wanted but i cant and i gota accept that and once i did i got better.
Your symptoms sound the same as mine were when I had become seriously constipated and then the faeces became impacted. Diorrhea which can always manage to get past and the well known “pebbles “.
Don’t worry about any serious conditions it could be, go along to your gp and explain all your symptoms. He will feel your tummy and will be able to feel where you are blocked , your gp is also the first step to get any serious conditions ruled out if it is anything more serious then you are in the right situation for treatment.
I can empathise with how frightening these symptoms are..
I worried myself sick that I had cancer because the symptoms were so severe, but a trip to the doctor got me the treatment that was needed.
Remember to keep drinking plenty, it is awful to be so ruled by our bowels,
Please do go see your gp love and prayers x
Terry Sharon
Kate I’ve read a few of your post now and I can just feel the stress coming off the page. Pls go and c your GP I think it important now for both your physical and mental health. U really sound like u need support I hope u can get it from those around u.
I can agree with this. I have had similar symptoms for about 2 years now. My GP sent me for a gall bladder scan which revealed very small stones. Now seen the GI surgeons and having my ball bladder out next month. Hope that works.
Hi steph-jewel i do feel for you. (Most cancers do not show signs or pain). Don't worry about cancer - IBS has many different symptoms and yours fall into the same catagory as most of us. I discovered the "low FODMAP" way of eating and it has changed my life. Look it up on the internet. It is a matter of avoiding certain items such as onions and garlic. You have to be very strict but it works. On the diet it can leave you with constipation (small balls of excrement) so you have to increase fibre, I use bran also as its cheap. I had accidents which devestated me and really gave me nightmare flashbacks. But now I am quite confident when I leave the house. It costs nothing to try - but you may also like to read the book avaiable from the library which explains why, when eating too much pasta, you suffer! All good wishes. Eastbourne 11
Sounds like IBS and maybe reflux. I have both, such a wonderful mixture. I too have the rumbling (very loud) stomach, almost embarrassingly loud. My main issue is the upper abdominal pain. Not a sharp, horrible pain, just a constant feeling of needing to sit up straight or hold my bra off my sternum area type pain, gnawing, irritating and relentless. I’m not sure if it’s the bloating that causes this or not? I have days when my upper stomach hurts and when I bend down I feel the need to run to the loo!
I took the IBS test and I know that I am positive so that eases the mind. No more anxiety about other diseases.
I am in menopause and have not had a cycle in about 4 years. I spoke to my doctor about the possibility of monthly symptoms even though no periods? She stated that it is not really a known medical acknowledgement but who knows? I have kept track for six months now and I believe that I get pms, cramps, bloating, tired, irritability, headache and IBS symptoms when I would have had a period. Always about every 3 weeks I go thru the eat and flee for the bathroom, don’t go out for fear of accident, lightheaded, slightly dizzy and all of the above.
I believe that it is definitely related and this is why women are at a higher risk of having IBS!
I have both types of IBS with constipation (that was many years ago) and now with either diarrhea or those soft little pebbles.
I too have felt like I have to go again right after going! Sometimes I DO go a little, other times it is just the feeling.
Since I had a very good Colonoscopy in 2015, my Gastroenterologist thinks my current symptoms are due to stress and anxiety.
I take Bentyl for my symptoms but sometimes that is not enough. Sometimes, with repeated diarrhea, I take Imodium to just STOP it!
I have had bouts on and off for decades and I have always been told it is caused by anxiety.
The only advice I can give you about your fears is to get a Colonoscopy. I know the prep is awful but having that done will tell your Dr what, if anything is physically causing your symptoms.
My various Drs tell me that mine is functional, not physically caused.
PS I have been in therapy, for many years plus I take medications for both my anxiety and depression.
I hope your mind is more at ease, even a little, for now.
I am sorry you are so uncomfortable and in pain. I am in ny and was diagnosed with the most severe form of ibs-c. At the Cleveland clinic in Ohio. I lost 30 lbs. that was 6 yrs ago and it is so challenging to keep on weight- I now go to a Functional Medicine dr. She is wonderful and that is what they specialize in she has me drinking 2 Metagenics shakes for Leaky Gut Syndrome to heal me and I took a food sensitivities test as well called the MRT/LEAP PROTOCAL test which helps as well and follow a low fodmap diet a bit no gluten or dairy or refined sugars no soy no corn. But back to your problem- if you can’t have a BM please have your dr prescribe you Linzess 290mcg. I take it every morning 30 minutes before I eat and it always works and everything comes out. It is a powerful laxative. No side effects you take it 30 minutes before breakfast so simple. I also take a product which is nothing short of amazing!!! An herbal product by - dr Shultz’s Herbal Cleanse products -please go to his website and order the intestinal formula #3 and take 2 teaspoons a day and you will feel amazing. Please do these 2 things and you will start having normal BM everyday. Feel better
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Does fatigue come with IBS?
Food Poisining 
BAM, IBS-D. Need a Rant.
IBS-D Flare Up
