Hi, I'm new. Seen dietician and had colonoscopy - bit confused.

[Skypony]

I wanted to say hello, and ask for advice from more experienced folks please!

After having had painful gut symptoms since childhood, I decided to try and get a diagnosis. Saw Gastro dr. who felt probably IBS, referred to dietician for support with Fodmap diet and got some degree of improvement. I've just had a colonoscopy because symptoms still quite severe and this appeared normal, although I've not had results of biopsies yet.

Your advice on 2 questions would be much appreciated; would bowel biopsies show any evidence of IBS? And, is the mechanism by which stress affects IBS symptoms known, or not really understood by science? I've had some confusing ups and downs with painful symptoms in the last 6 months and I'm wondering why.

Thanking you very much in advance for any info or advice.

[b1b1b1]

Here are my thoughts, keeping in mind I am not a doctor. I don't think biopsies indicate anything with regard to IBS. As to stress, there is thought to be a mind/gut connection and many people do think there is a connection. In my opinion, the connection is poorly understood and IBS, itself is not at all well understood. I have been on the FODMAP diet for a while and it has definitely helped, but it is not a cure. In addition I take probiotics and, when I remember, peppermint capsules. My IBS is considered to be "post infectious" as it began after a very severe episode of food poisoning. Were you sick or under particular stress six months ago?

[Skypony in reply to b1b1b1]

Hi b1b1b1, thanks so much for responding, and for the info about biopsies.

Yes I've been in a stressful position for some months, trying to do the best for my elderly, disabled mother, who is declining. But I've had gut problems for many decades without knowing why. Some years ago I guessed I was lactose intolerant and adapted my diet; this was recently confirmed with a lactose intolerance blood test, so I guess that bit is sorted.

This illness feels like a jigsaw puzzle with many pieces though! I'd guess that stress is a factor for me, so I need to be more watchful about that. As you say, a Fodmap diet can help to some degree, but isn't a cure-all.

I'm interested to hear that you take probiotics regularly, do you feel they've made a difference to you?

[b1b1b1 in reply to Skypony]

I do feel that probiotics have helped, but as you say it is like a jigsaw puzzle with many pieces, so it is very hard to tell exactly how much any one thing helps. My gastro recommended a very strong one called VLS 3. I am in the US, & not sure if it is available in the UK. Also there are special peppermint pills made for soothing the intestines. They are designed to pass through the stomach so the benefit is mostly in the intestines. They are harmless and I do think they provide some help.