IBS Diary, Day 1

[Angie19654]

Hi

I've been battling with digestive problems for years, just treating the symptoms on my own. Recently, however, other complications have started, bladder infections and raised liver enzymes which may or may not be relevant, I had blood tests which picked up raised liver enzymes so had a scan and was confirmed low grade fatty liver. Since then I've had a bladder infection and am being treated with antibiotics. The first lost did work but only for a short time so I am now on a second lot. For the last 2 months I've been experiencing bloating terrible wind ( bad smelling) sore top of tummy and back and feeling sick not being sick , and intermittent constipation and the opposite. I have been researching honey as I eat it a lot and have done for the past 3 months and it could be I'm sensitive to it, so have decided to stop taking it and see how I go. This overwhelming feeling of dread when I feel so ill is terrible, although today I only have had gluten free cornflakes and tea and even though my tummy is a little tender ( nothing like yesterday) I am having a good morning so will see how the day progresses. I am, however afraid to eat anything as I'm frightened of what it could do. I guess I'm looking for triggers, how do you begin to heal and how do you start your IBS journey without complicating things. I'm at a loss of where to begin. My GP told me I have the classic symptoms, I, however have had no testing for it. I t would also be nice to buddy up with someone, or join a group if anyone has information about it.

[Hidden]

Just a few quick observations/ questions.

There is no actual test for IBS, your GP has probably eliminated other possibilities and is left with the conculsion it is IBS.

Honey is a good food, but it is full of sugar and calories, so like any food it should form just part of a well balanced and sensible diet.

I can’t see how eating a lot of honey will solve your problems.

If you have defintaley been told by your GP that you have IBS, what advice and what prescriptions have you been given?

If you do have IBS you should not skip meals, that will make it worse.

Why did you eat gluten free cornflakes? Have you been told you have an intolerance to gluten?

[Crossfitter]

I've been following a FODMAP diet and it really does make a difference. The only dairy stuff I have is lactose free or very low quantities I.e. in butter. I also cut out gluten and that helped too. The other thing is prepared food I.e. ready meals or packet 'free from' cakes as they contain so much artificial stuff and preservatives and sugars. I try to prepare all my food from scratch, even curry pastes.

Honey is a funny one, I cut it out completely for a while as it was a 'banned sugar' on the list my nutritionist gave me, but have now reintroduced it in small quantities.

Seeing a nutritionist really helped me, yes I still get bad days, but that's more down to my anxiety issues than what I eat (I think!), as I am now so super careful about what I eat. I love food and i love cooking which is great. Friends can be a bit funny with me when I go round theirs for food and don't understand why I can't eat certain things - but I'd rather that than spend the next 24 hrs in pain and needing to be near a loo!

If you haven't already, looking into the FODMAP eating plan, or go and have a chat with a nutritionist, mine is great.

[Tilly1312]

There is a good group on Face Book called IBS Support. They are a really good group the admin are very helpful most of my symptoms are under control. Good luck.

[Marygulliford]

Sorry you are finding things hard, Ive had ibsd for years. It's very much trial and error, good times and bad. Doctors don't have answers. It's a modern day curse. Good luck

[Hidden]

Hi Angie,

You could well find that the antibiotics you are taking for the bladder infection are messing up your microbiome and making symptoms worse. Maybe your doctor could prescribe a natural treatment for the bladder infection now, and some probiotics to help your gut rebalance.

Alison