Coping with diarrhoea and bloating: Does anyone... - IBS Network

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Coping with diarrhoea and bloating

November90 profile image
18 Replies

Does anyone have any tips? I've tried immodium and deflatine but it hasn't really helped. I'm really bloated (it looks and feels like I have swallowed a beachball) and just getting very frequent stomach cramps and loose, liquidy stools. The worst thing is that it comes on with no warning and I can't hold on in time to get to the bathroom - I've already had three "accidents" today, I just can't stop it coming out.

Please help! I feel so miserable.

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November90 profile image
November90
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18 Replies
FRreedman profile image
FRreedman

I. can only reiterated what I have stated many times in the past, and that is in order to remove the extra gas in your stomach, you need to reduce the amount of gas you provide to you're stomach. So, start by removing all fizzy drinks from your diet, reduce your alcohol intake, and make sure you eat small mouthful of food which are well chewed before swallowing. Then remove sweetcorn and peanuts from your diet as well as all known offenders (Brussels sprouts, baked beans etc etc).

Claire44 profile image
Claire44

Hi I'm sorry to hear you are not feeling too well. I use Entersol gel it's brilliant. I also take mebeverine and a good pro biotic. The Entersol gel is expensive but definitely worth a try. Hope it helps xx

Hi @November90

Sorry to hear of your plight!

Medication generally only elevates symptoms, if at all, in my humble opinion...and experience.

Its the food! Many people find their IBS subsides when they fast. I am not suggesting unsupervised fasting but maybe you should consider what antagonises you when you eat.

You may have heard about FODMAPs? Try a reduction diet. I agree with many of the suggestions about fizzy drinks etc but more so try to avoid processed foods, alcohol and coffee to begin with.

Low FODMAP is hard work especially around work and socialising. It is not an easily swallowed pill but it does work. It help me cure IBS and SIBO.

There is much written on the subject, much of which is utter BS and is connected to commercially available 'preparations'. Ignore these sites and go with the science. Try the two below. They offer app based databases which help while you are in the supermarket too.

Good luck!

monashfodmap.com

kcl.ac.uk/lsm/schools/life-...

sweetsusie profile image
sweetsusie

Have your doctor prescribe you one of these meds: Welchol, Colestipol, and/or Questran. They are all GREAT and stop nasty diarrhea in it's tracks. I take 4 tablets a day of Colestipol and no longer have chronic diarrhea...I have my life back!

DAM1 profile image
DAM1

I have had a week on Silicol Gel. What a difference, gas has almost gone, one / two toilet visits a day...when I choose not when my gut chooses. Feels like my colon had had a rest from being angry and working overtime. This rest may help recovery too I believe. Buy it from Holland and Barrett, Boots etc £18 lasts me about 10 days....£1.80 per day to feel "normal" no probs

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958

Are you sure you haven't got a tummy bug?

November90 profile image
November90

Thank so much for all the advice. I'm trying to be really careful on diet and some days it's been a little better, but mornings are especially bad. Sometimes I have to go to the toilet 8 or 9 times after I first wake up and I just get cramps with no warning and can't hold on. Basically if I'm not near a toilet I'll have an accident. I'm feeling so anxious about travelling to work on public transport because I'm so worried about what will happen if I need to go to the toilet. Even today, I went out in the afternoon and thought I was ok, but suddenly needed to go. There was a queue in the ladies and I had a major accident. I ended up messed all down my trouser legs and had a huge panic attack. I just don't feel like I can cope with it any more!

November90 profile image
November90

P. S. I have tried the silicon gel and it helped the diarrhoea a bit but the bloating seemed to get worse and I had really sore trapped wind. Not sure - it's just weird!

November90 profile image
November90

*silicol, sorry- spellcheck!

Try drinking warm water with Bicarbonate of soda.

Massage tummy /abdomen to help to move wind.

Marshmallows will stop diarrhoea, but if it's paradoxical / overflow diarrhoea and you are actually constipated this needs to be addressed too.

Drink lots of water.

November90 profile image
November90 in reply to Mary-intussuception

Thank you so much! I ended up missing work today because my tummy was very upset this morning. I decided to try to power through but I had an accident on the way to the train and got very panicky. I just don't know how to prevent this happening when I can't get to the toilet. Sometimes if I crouch down until the cramps have gone it helps, but not always. But I have been massaging for the wind today and it seems to have helped at least a bit with that.

Mary-intussuception profile image
Mary-intussuception in reply to November90

Sorry you had to miss work.

Sorry I forgot to mention the marshmallows in first reply. They do work (for the diarrhoea ).

Have you thought of using Incontinence pads? In case of leaks before you make it to the loo? You can get small discreet ones.

Try dissolving a teaspoon of Bicarbonate of soda in hot water. Sip while still warm. Should help with the wind.

Are you drinking lots of plain water ?

Hope this sudden urgency to go settles down for you.

November90 profile image
November90 in reply to Mary-intussuception

Thank you, that's a good idea - I hadn't realised you could get them other than for urinary incontinence. The urgency is really getting me down at the moment and the constant fear of messing myself, so I am really willing to try anything!

IBSNetwork profile image
IBSNetworkPartnerIBS Network

Sorry to hear you're struggling. If you need help and support please get in touch theibsnetwork.org

Roger1234 profile image
Roger1234

Have you got a stomach bug or infection? Or an intolerance such as cereals or potato? Are you drinking alcohol? Or peppery foods? I can get diaorrhoea if I forget to put the food in the fridge overnight. I was having 'accidents' a few months ago and am feeling a bit better now. Maybe I am doing something right but, unfortunately, I can't remember what it is. When my stomach is upset, Gaviscon sometimes helps. I take a vitamin B Complex pill every day. Lack of vitamin B can cause problems. My best guess is a stomach infection from food that has gone off or maybe an intolerance or food allergy like gluten intolerance or Coeliac disease.

daisyw profile image
daisyw

Have you done a test sample for your Doctor. That would rule out any ''not very nice'' bacteria. I only mention this cos after trying so many remedies for a similar condition I actually had c.diff. Which was soon cleared with the correct prescription. Hope that is some help

November90 profile image
November90 in reply to daisyw

Thank you, it might be worth doing just in case. Good tip!

Maureen1958 profile image
Maureen1958

Have you looked at Bile Acid Malabsorption, google it and see if it sounds like what you are dealing with.

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