Our 12 yr old son suffering terribly with IBS

[Tam11]

Hi there, we have a 12 year old son who is suffering terribly with IBS for the last 2 years now...we have tried strict low fodmap diet as suggested. He has only had a scan and bloods, no other tests, we are so worried as he is starting to get so low in mood. Surely there is more help. If anyone can recommend we would be so grateful. Thanku

[b1b1b1]

Try to see a pediatric gastroenterologist. There are some additional tests he can have to make absolutely certain it is IBS. There are other conditions that have symptoms similar to IBS. If it is definitely IBS see a dietician trained in Fodmap, use probiotics and peppermint pills. He may also want to see a therapist as this condition can cause anxiety.

[Neil119 in reply to b1b1b1]

So sorry for keep trying and give him cofidance Iknow 76 and still living with it

[Tam11 in reply to Neil119]

Thank you for your message. Bless you. We are going to do everything we possibly can to help him. It is heartbreaking.

[Tam11 in reply to b1b1b1]

Thank you for your reply, we are under consultant and saw a dietitian yesterday. We have to put him on a strict low fodmap diet for 8 weeks and then reintroduce possible triggers. Yes I agree I've already asked for support regarding his low mood bless him. I'm very worried as he's normally such a happy boy, but this I think for an adult to go through is awful yet alone a child. We are gonna make sure he has all the help possible. Wish I could have it for him. Thanks again for your message.

[b1b1b1 in reply to Tam11]

It sounds like you are taking good care of him; I think you will be able to work it out, although it may take some time. Let us know how you get on.

[Scr1969]

12yrs is tough without having IBS, does he have any sport hobbies? Its been proven that exercise is good for relaxing our body, when it comes to food i think you are doing the right thing with the dietician - has your son been tested for any food intolerance like celiac disease - my daughters friend has been suffering for a long time with various symptoms and she has just been told she is gluten intolerance. Peppermint is very good for calming the stomach i drink it in tea form certainly no fizzy drinks!!

Talk with him about whats going on with his body and that the family are fully behind him - cutting out as much process foods as possible, when i have flare ups i eat boiled chicken and rice for a few days mixing between this and tuna. If you have the ability to go private i would suggest you consider doing this - i went private to see a consultant in Leicester had the various internal procedures as he suggested - no major issues so it puts your mind at rest. Keep pushing your GP to get a referral to a gut specialist, i'm sure he will be fine just introduce lots of fun things that he likes doing.

Good luck i hope this helps and you have a happy family Christmas.

[Tam11 in reply to Scr1969]

Thank you for your reply. Yes we are trying to encourage exercise, he enjoyed rock climbing and is a member, but unfortunately he has been so unwell of late and struggles to go. We are a very positive family, his brother (15 yrs) is so kind and helps him greatly. We are hoping this low fodmap diet for 8 weeks will give us a light. I have to say I am more concerned about his low moods as this isn't Alex, he was always such a happy boy, so we are seeking help here. We can't have him bottling up feelings, like you say 12yrs is a tough age alone. It has been so lovely to hear all of your kind messages of advice, with having the consultant and dietitian spaced months apart it can feel like we are alone a little, but both my hubby and I are reading as much as we can and are constantly learning. I just wish I could have all his pain for him. Anyway thank you again.

[Scr1969 in reply to Tam11]

Just one final thing try and find out if he has any issues with school, on-line gaming etc, bullying etc - stress is a big issue in adults, it shouldnt be in children, we would do anything for our children, good luck, fingers crossed he gets back to his normal cheeky self very soon

[Tam11 in reply to Scr1969]

Thank you for your messages, they are very helpful.