Introduction

[12chickens]

I am 75 very active only just retired from work 6 weeks ago.I have IBS for many years but have also got back problems. My first symptoms of IBS were a pain which wrapped itself around my last few ribs and in to my sternum . My doctor sent me for immediate investigations suspecting cancer .I had every test possible all negative but an MR I of my spine revealed trapped nerves so I had a spinal decompression about 10 years ago .My IBS carried on worsening and believe me I have tried everything conventional medicine herbal acupuncture tha- yoga massage etc non worked it has a mind of its own I had been symptomless before Christmas but wham it retuned with avengens on Boxing Day .i find Buscopan at a high dose and pregabulin which I take for my back problem work. I can go from being constipated in the morning to having diarrhoea in the afternoon Was interested to read about magnesium and will try it

I am firmly convinced my trapped nerves and back are the cause of my IBS it also affects my bladder and during a flare up I can also develop cystic

[Kilgh]

All your symptoms could be related to nerve damage from your back, but personally I think you just have classic IBS. Bladder involvement is common. The Pregabalin probably is helpful because the Vagal Nerve is the suspect of a malfunctioning gut and bladder. Which is why stress makes it worse. Same circuit. Your post isn't complete however. Cystic what?

[12chickens in reply to Kilgh]

Sorry I meant cystitis

Thankyou for your reply it does make sense . Really is a case of finding out what works for you because each person is different.

I know that for me stress plays a large part I ran a large busy farm shop and just sold and retired so hopefully it might improve

[Kilgh in reply to 12chickens]

I think chilling out in retirement will indeed help! As long as you stay active and don't sit about dwelling on your IBS! lol. And just remember Buscopan can have a stop/start effect on the gut. Short term relief is good but it can prevent your gut getting back into a normal rhythm.

[martart]

from what you describe, I think it is the opposite, in that the IBS activity , spasms from colon etc . is pressing on other things around colon like nerves , bladder etc, causing the back issues. IBS flare ups seem to go hand in hand with back pain

[Fliermike]

Have you looked into DMSO for the cystitis? It works very well applying it topically