Awaiting possible IBS diagnosis and having the worst flare up since Colonoscopy

[Rebeccap81]

I recently had a colonoscopy as I have suffered with IBS symptoms for the past year or so. Mainly IBS-D with pain cramping and gas! Colonoscopy appeared normal no swelling (awaiting biopsy results to confirm no swelling in bowel wall) which fingers crossed is ok to. Since having my procedure my IBS has been on an awful flare up getting on for a week of diarrhoea and it has taken me 3 days of Immodium to even half calm that down. Is it safe to take Immodium as and when I need them on a daily basis? As I haven’t actually had my follow up appointment yet to set out a plan of action to control this I just wanted to ask? Also if IBS is confirmed do the consultants prescribe a stronger anti diarrhoea tablet or any form of medication? I’m so desperate to get this under control a bit but frustratingly awaiting an appointment. Thanks for your advice in advance

[Maureen1958]

Hi, as far as I am aware you can take immodium as needed, but might be best to check with you doctor first. You could probably do this by ringing the surgery tomorrow morning, they may do a call-back service. Our practice does.

With regards to something stronger than immodium, I don't think there is anything, BUT if you have Bile Acid Malabsorption BAM (also called BAD) you can be given a bile acid sequestrant. Google BAM to find out more. I have been tested for this but don't have it, but can probably answers any questions you might have.

Maureen.

[Rebeccap81 in reply to Maureen1958]

Thank you for the info ... that’s something I had never heard of so worth checking out! I will have a look into it.

[huggit]

Hi I take Imodium regularly, usually when I leave the house, I tend to have a couple of ok days a week and then need to take them for the rest. Doctors have always said to me it is safe to take. I take the generic laperomide which I can pick up in poundstretcher for 45p for 6. Hope this helps.

[Rebeccap81 in reply to huggit]

Ah that’s good to know thanks! They help but it was in the back of my mind that maybe I shouldn’t take so often. Will carry on as I was ... I try to take as little dose as possible to be honest but just have to have the confidence to go to work and get through daily life without pain and needing to rush to loo every hour

[huggit in reply to Rebeccap81]

Exactly the same here.

[Nuttycatlady]

This is exactly what is happening to me after my colonoscopy last Thursday. I am having a really bad flare-up of IBS (presumably it's IBS) and don't know whether to take mebeverine (calming down effect tablets) or not. Results of colonoscopy and of CT scan should be with my doctor in a week or so. I almost certainly won't see the consultant till the end of next month at the soonest. I don't know what to do, or what I should eat. I'm feeling confused! Thank you for your post.

[Rebeccap81 in reply to Nuttycatlady]

So sorry that you are going through the same thing. I decided to just take immodium to calm it all down and a day or two on and it’s slowly starting to calm. I got fed up with the symptoms and needed to be able to carry on with life! I think I am going to call and chase up my follow up appointment as I need to start controlling my symptoms. I am also eating a bit lighter and avoiding foods I know that make it worse! I say take the medication and chase your appointment up too. Good luck

[Laxmik]

Have you tired the FODMAP diet?

[Rebeccap81 in reply to Laxmik]

I have just bought a book to give me some advice on that so will give that a go too. Thanks

[Laxmik in reply to Rebeccap81]

If possible download the FODMAP app by Monash University. It’s very helpful and easy to follow. It’s tells you what you can eat and how much. Quantities are very important in the FODMAP diet. The app is not free though. But worth it.

[Mexfun]

I also had a major flare up after a colonoscopy. I have refused to have another opting for the fit test instead. My doctor is aware of the flare up and has told me this is very common with Ibsd. I take Imodium daily and also Metamucil capsules. It helps but if I get stressed nothing helps.