Help

[Sam8668]

Hi all, I have recently been diagnosed with I'bs and it's taken over my life, I don't go out much anymore, don't travel hate being in a car, my jobs being affected and right now I see no light at the end of the tunnel, I really need some help and support on how to make this easier, as right now I see no point in trying, I recently had an accident where I couldn't make it to the toilet in time and now my anxiety levels are through the roof, please help x

[b1b1b1]

Accidents are very upsetting. I understand. Here are some tips. First, see a gastroenterologist as it is important to be diagnosed as having IBS as there are other conditions that can mimic it. Then try the FODMAP diet. It is available on the internet under Monash University, which is a university in Australia where the diet was invented. It is helpful to work with a FODMAP trained dietician and be very strict with the diet. Then, take peppermint pills and a very good probiotic. I take VSL 3 (in the US).

[Amabile]

Hi Sam

The plus side of being diagnosed with IBS rather than any other gastro disorder and some can be quite nasty is that it can be controlled and episodes do diminish once you get a grip on its various rotten effects on your life such as you are experiencing just now.

If you check through other members' experiences and tips many of them are very positive and helpful.

Your anxiety levels are badly effecting your normal life and having experienced most of the horrible symptoms of IBS I can assure you it can be tackled.

Stress makes all the symptoms of IBS much worse so it becomes a "catch 22" situation. Take a close look at your diet and stick to very bland foods such as plain boiled rice (basmati is nice), peeled apple, banana and white toast while a flare-up is on-going.

Someone who understands to walk and talk with will help lower your anxiety levels. Exercise of any kind it great.

Best wishes.

[Sam8668 in reply to Amabile]

Hi would you have any recommendations when travelling and what food to eat in my diet to manage and control it? As this is really affecting my life x

[Baby0531 in reply to Sam8668]

I would take Pepto Bismol or Immodium AD while traveling. I do know that stress makes things worse, so try to focus less on your gut and try to stay busy. I know this is hard because I'm in the middle of a bout with IBS symptoms and I tend to get worried and depressed when I don't feel good. But remember that this too will pass and won't last forever. Don't let it get the best of you!

[Linley]

Understand what you are going through but can I ask a couple more questions before trying to suggest a way forward

Has your GP done other tests to exclude other conditions?

Is your job office bound or are you out on the road?

[Sam8668 in reply to Linley]

Hi Linley! They are in the process of doing test but I have to really push and they keep fobing me off!

My job is a mixture of both and it's making a career I love extremely difficult as every day is a battle, they have prescribed me fluxoridine for my anxiety yet to see if it is working, please help I feel like I can't go on like this x

[Linley]

Ok Sam- like most of us when you are office bound you probably feel less anxious as a toilet is available, until you have your tests and the results are in suggest you take an emergency kit when out on the road. Mine fits well into a small cosmetic bag(pants, wipes, pad, plastic bag, sanitizer), could suggest other things but best not until we know what we are dealing with. Push for those tests and get back to all of us on this wonderful site, remember you are not alone and things will get easier x

[Sam8668 in reply to Linley]

Thank you I will do, how do you deal with travelling on a plane if your ibs flares up?

[Linley in reply to Sam8668]

Hi! Sam

Sorry for late response. I do not fly anymore was always a nervous passenger also hate the hassle of airports. Only had to fly short distances for work purposes and used to eat very little before boarding and used to take a tablet but kept myself hydrated, 100 + passengers and only one toilet with a IBS-D sufferer on board not good odds for me, that's when anxiety kicks in. Funny though the preparation before the flights did seem to work at the time

[sweetsusie]

I had chronic diarrhea for years and finally found a doctor who prescribed me a drug called "Welchol." Stopped my problem immediately! It's very expensive, though, so he put me on another one called "Colestipol." Did the same thing! I feel free for the first time in YEARS! These drugs are used to lower cholesterol, but they are usually prescribed along with a statin, because they are NOT statins...they are bile acid sequestrants, hence the reduction or total stoppage of diarrhea. They are also used to treat Type II diabetes. I have neither of these and I'm doing fine. Ask your doctor and/or pharmacists about them..please! You will not be disappointed.