ibs has changed drastically

[pipistroller]

Hi everyone, I was searching for a help forum and found this group. I have had IBS for over 20 years after my gallbladder was removed. It has always been really bad runs but over the last couple of months it has changed to extreme constipation - I don't go for over 2 weeks ! I have been taking dulcolax but if I don't take it I don't go. I was taking fibogel and mebevine when it was runny IBS but I found that this constipated me badly. Was it the mix of the fibogel and mebeverine? If I take fibogel on it's own will it help me go? Am I better with fibogel or senna? Sorry I am at my wits end and do hope you can offer some help

[asbayford]

Sounds like when you had the runs it could be bile acid malabsorption which you can sometimes get after having gallbladder out. As for using just the fybogel- I'd definately try it alone for a week or 2 just to see if that shifts things better maybe see how much fat you eat too as this causes the body to produce more bile. Maybe an elimination diet could help to see if you have fructose or fructan malabsorption?

Best of luck x

Edit: download a food diary app and monash fodmap app, log everything that goes in your mouth and you'll start seeing patterns with each food! x

[Neil119 in reply to asbayford]

SO SO SAD- No help but I have severe problems ruiningmy life

[asbayford in reply to Neil119]

So sorry to hear that yes it takes a lot of moaning and crying to get the gps to listen sometimes. I was only referred to gastro because I was drastically losing weight - otherwise they wernt interested

[prue1956]

Hi I'm sorry to hear that you are having problems as I too started with IBS when I had my gallbladder out by keyhole surgery over 20 years ago,I take Senna as Fybogel does nothing for me,I take 1 occasionally at night,but it doesn't always work the next day.I was told I could eat anything after the op but I still have to stay away from most fats,as I often wondered where the bile went too but apparently they put a small clip there but I've read it can drip out into the small intestine,I saw the clip on an x-ray I had and asked the nurse what it was.

I'm probably not much help but some things are trial and error,I drink 5/6 bottles of water a day,but I have anxiety which makes me feel worse.I hope you feel better soon x.

[FRreedman]

I would try drinking at least two litres of water per day. Also walk as much as you can, up to 1 mile per day. I would also go to the loo and sit there for 10 minutes (no more, no less) at a set time each day (say 0900am), If your bowels start to work during that time, then fine, remain seated and conclude the actions (as long as it takes), but if nothing happens during the initial 10 minutes, pack up and go. You are basically, trying to retrain your bowels to work when you want, not when they want.

[Autumn822]

Oh how I so know what you are going through!!! Is there anything more miserable? Rest assured you are not alone I have been trying everything I know for days leading in 2 weeks. The things that used to work don't work anymore and I'm miserable. I wish I had an answer for both of us and all the others out there suffering with this horrible issue! If you are anyone comes up with an answer please let me know.