I can't hold down a job because of my IBS and any advice would be helpful

[Star1214]

I can't hold down a job because of my IBS and my GP has give me no advice about my condition when I was first diagnosed and any advice would be helpful.

[Linley]

What type of IBS have you got?

What type of work have you had?

What tests did your GP do so as to confirm IBS?

I can give you suggestions once I know a little more about your situation

[Star1214]

I have IBS c and IBS d and I have had a job working with animals and my GP did blood tests to rule out an other conditions then when the blood test came back normal my GP diagnosed me with IBS. I have had IBS for 3 years now.

[FRreedman in reply to Star1214]

Although IBS is normally a diagnosis based on no other reason, I wouldn't be happy being diagnosed by a GP. Has your GP done a calprotectin test? have you been tested for mal-absorption? Have you been referred to an IBD/IBS specialist?

[Star1214 in reply to FRreedman]

My GP did not do any other tests they only did a blood test

[FRreedman in reply to Star1214]

I think I would ask for a referral to a Gastro-intestinal consultant, in order to distinguish between IBS and IBD, and also to attempt to find a treatment plan.

[Star1214 in reply to FRreedman]

My GP diagnosed me with IBS but at the moment I am struggling to control the IBS flare ups and my GP did not give me an advice on how to treat and control my IBS

[FRreedman in reply to Star1214]

I can't give advice because I'm not a doctor, but I would look at the Fodmap Diets on the internet and also ask your doctor for an urgent referral to the consultant.

[Star1214 in reply to FRreedman]

Thanks

[Hidden in reply to FRreedman]

Hi Star1214

I agree with FRreedman , visit someone more qualified, though it is true that many GI's in my experience do not understand the condition either!

Certainly press for a calprotectin test, it was cross IBD off the list at least. Many health authorities age limit this test. In Brighton it was 45 years or younger. I paid Medichecks £99 for a private test.

Definitely try a low FODMAP diet. So many clinicians reach for the prescription pad but never once consider what effect the food we eat has on us! For me that beggars belief with a gut dysbiosis problem!

Follow science based programs like Monash University's plan monashfodmap.com or Kings College kcl.ac.uk/lsm/schools/life-...

Both have inexpensive smart phone apps which will help while you are in the supermarket. You start by restricting foods high in simple and complex sugars, starches and some fibres, aka FODMAP's. After a period of 4-8 weeks depending on progress, you start reintroducing the food types one at a time over 3 days, then remove it again and start on the next '[potential] inflamer'...and so on and so forth.

It helped majorly to cure my IBS and SIBO. Give it a try, its inexpensive but requires some planning. Also cutout processed and junk food along with added sugar. When you get to the Lactose section (yep its a FOD') don't despair, nut and grain 'milks' are really nice!

Good luck

[Linley in reply to Star1214]

Thanks for the info. Presume its the trips to the loo and pain thats getting you?

Tend to agree with FReedman your GP should eliminate other conditions and then should advise you on what medication to take can't understand why he or she has not done so

[Star1214 in reply to Linley]

Thanks for the replies

[lmtch938]

Hi, I've eventually got a bit of balance and hopefully something will help you. I'm on mebeverine and fluoxetine, I take lepicol in the morning with 2 glasses of water then a hot water. Mint tea when I get into work, hot water at lunch and fibogel at tea with another couple of glasses. I've max 4 coffees a day, no syrups, restrict chocolate. Avoid onions, restrict garlic and try and fast from 8.30 at night to 10.30 next morning. I'm able to walk the dogs now, been a lot of lows the last few years xx

[Munchkinfeet in reply to lmtch938]

I really like this regime. Unfortunately, I'm still at the stage of sticking my head in the sand, swinging between "not eating anything" and "eating whatever I like". I've been really unwell, off my work since April, I'm a primary teacher. I've had loads of tests, 2 stays in hospital, seeing gastro, dietician, urology and gynaecology. I can see the end of my career coming. I'm 44 and was fit and healthy running half marathons regularly up to a year ago.

[sweetsusie]

For the diarrhea have your doctor prescribe you one of these 3 drugs: Welchol, Colestipol (both in pill form) and/or Questran....they will stop diarrhea in it's tracks!

[Laxmik]

Hi Star1214. Just wanted to ask what kind of job you do. My experience with IBS d is that it is as much related to anxiety as it is to food. I would suggest get your food bit sorted first. That would include following the Fodmap diet. Getting tested for food intolerances, SIBO etc. once that sorted you will gain some kind of balance in your life. Then also focus on your Brian gut connection. I think for people who suffer from Ibs and have to go to work everyday the brain gut connection part of Ibs plays a big role. You can meditate. Deep breath. Do some light exercise. All this should enable you to go to your job everyday. It is a slow process but eventually you will get there. If possible read reclaiming your life from Ibs. It is a good book to understand the brain gut connection part of ibs.

[Star1214 in reply to Laxmik]

Hi thanks for the reply and I work with animals

[Laxmik in reply to Star1214]

Is aces to toilets difficult at your place of work? Maybe if you speak to your employer about your issues I am sure they will provide some concessions to you. Sometimes I feel we worry about things which will not happen. When I joined my new job after being diagnosed with IBS, I alwAys kept thinking I would not be able to make it. But one and half year later I am still at the same place doing quite well health wise

[Star1214 in reply to Laxmik]

At my work I have access to toilets and my employer is understanding about my IBS

[Laxmik in reply to Star1214]

That’s good to know. I would suggest work on your IBS. It’s definitely a process. There is no quick fix for sure. GP are generally No help. You will require to see a gastroenterologist. But find a good one as a lot of gastrointestinal disregard IBS diagnoses as it is not life threatening. Go to a gastroenterologist that understands IBS we’ll.

[Star1214 in reply to Laxmik]

Thanks for the reply