Advice/tips/help with worries

[YellowSubmarine1878]

Hi im a new member here and i’ve been told that i most likely have IBS, i am 18 and in good shape. I also suffer with OCD which makes me anxious that i may have been misdiagnosed and im wondering if my symptoms are normal. I suffer from very mild IBS- C and D (at least i think) but my stomach pain is mild to severe and is there 80% of the time as well as gas and bloating. If there is any advice on diet, social situations or help with the pain i would be very grateful. Any reassurance would also be very welcomed

[Hidden]

Hi, I'm quite a bit older than you but had a very similar experience. I suppose I have what could be termed 'health anxiety' - a form of OCD, after a bad bout of anxiety in July last year I started with recurring stomach pain and pencil shaped stools - of course I Googled the symptoms to death and scared myself witless - this only fuelled my already sky high anxiety. After a month of suffering I finally went to the docs - fortunately - he was a bit of an expert on IBS and after a lengthy question and answer session he diagnosed me with IBS. First thing I did was to cut right down on caffeine and sugar (75% less) and lessened my intake of lactose based foods - the doc also prescribed Buscopan - readily available over the counter - I took 8 tablets a day and miraculously my pain lessened (always at its worst about 20 minutes after a meal) and after a couple of weeks it completely disappeared. I now only take the odd tablet occasionally if my stomach gets the dreaded rumbles. I mainly suffer from IBS-D but only very mild - it doesn't affect any social situations but still causes anxiety! Be careful you don't get into the vicious circle of IBS pain - leading to anxiety - leading to increase in IBS symptoms - leading to.... well, you get the picture! Try to control your anxiety (easier said than done I know), a definite diagnose from a doctor should ease your symptoms I think... and stay OFF Google Best of luck.

[YellowSubmarine1878 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much, as i was reading this i had a nightmare bout of anxeity after sudden stomach pain in an iceland of all places 😂. Luckily the pain is calming down now and im gonna try and take buscopan more regularly. You’re post eased my mind a bit so thank you for that.

[Hidden in reply to YellowSubmarine1878]

Main reason for me being on here is to get reassurance! Unfortunately there is SO much conflicting information, in particular about 'food triggers', but make no mistake - stress and anxiety play a MAJOR role in IBS. I'm slowly learning to live with it but I scored 17 out of a possible 21 on the NHS Anxiety/Stress test which says it all really. I downloaded the 'Headspace' app which helped a lot - you can subscribe but the first couple of sessions are free - think it lasts about 10 minutes - it helped! Just to finish off - I was feeling really upbeat yesterday - went for a long walk (always helps) - had a good healthy lunch - went for a poo - all normal... then... then... daughter in law asked me round for a piece of Apple Pie with ice-cream - tasted delicious (Morrisons) and ate a gut full, got home - tummy rumbling like mad - still at it in bed - I thought 'I'll pay for this in the morning' and I did - my bowels unleashed Hell - result = anxiety back at stratospheric levels. IBS certainly keeps you on your toes. Best wishes and best of luck in your journey for a an acceptable outcome - Note: I didn't say cure!