Frustrated and in pain

[Nix12]

Hi Guy’s. Having a few stomach issues and the Dr’s are really struggling to get to the bottom of it. Today I’ve been given Buscopan 20mg 4 times a day. How long is required between each does?

[Doggie123-UK]

Going by my own medication notes you are normally told to leave at least 4 hours between taking medication, but don't take this as gospel, if you are unsure contact your gp

[lizwhitebillwhite]

Hi there, I have used Buscopan for cramps, and the usual one too. If you are suffering from severe cramps in your lower abdomen, then I suggest you try the Buscopan for cramps. It is specifically for the relief of cramps, but if you are suffering from the usual thing, like going from constipation to loose bowel movements in a matter of an hour or two, then take the usual one. May I also suggest a small change to your eating programme?? Every morning, before you eat anything, or even have a coffee, have a cup of plain hot water from the kettle, and do not eat for at least half an hour. It is a very old remedy that my grandmother taught me about when I was a child as I was born with what was called lazy bowels back then. I think that after a couple a months you will see a difference in your bowel problems. I only use Buscopan when I really need it, I do not take it for the sake of taking it. I always have some in my bag, but only take it when necessary. Good luck. xx

[Hidden in reply to lizwhitebillwhite]

Doggie123-UK

Good advice from lizwhitebillwhite as far as remedies are concerned. Try dropping a slice of lemon in to the warm water in the morning. Then try adding a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). If that starts to help then try it before each meal and maybe increase to 2 Tbps.

Often IBS and SIBO effects stomach acid and ACV helps. I recommend using an organic version because there are no added sulphites which can be problematic to IBS suffers. I would go easy on the quantity though because you do not want to swing the acidity too far and ACV is high in Oxalates which some find is inflammatory.

Spinach is very high in Oxalates (by miles) and there have been some small scale studies that show some people may absorb high amounts of Oxalates rather than pass it through their urine. This can lead to kidney stones in those 'absorbers'. Dr Gregor looks at the science behind the studies in this 5 minute video (links to the studies are shown on the page) nutritionfacts.org/video/ox...

ACV is relatively low in Oxalates I believe.

I have no experience with Buscopan and in truth I try to avoid meds of any kind...it was antibiotics that possibly started my SIBO problem 6 years ago by wiping out my microbiome!!

Good luck!

[WindyTowers in reply to lizwhitebillwhite]

Confusingly both types of Buscopan are effectively identical - it's just that the one named for IBS can be sold in supermarkets, but the one named simply for cramps can only be bought from a pharmacy so the pharmacist can encourage people to go get diagnosed...

Thanks for the morning kettle water tip - I'll give it a try

[Sonnypoppy]

Hi Nix12 well every 4 hours should be fine. I am still struggling to be honest just seen a dietician and have been waiting for an appointment since February. She has put me on

the fod map diet (free of dairy and gluten) which seems to be helping.

Good luck anyway hope you get plenty of support.