New to ibs

[Emhill123]

I don't know if I have ibs but the doctor said I might. I did a test and said I'm on borderline so I have to do another and wait 2+ weeks. I've thought I was lactose intolerant and I thought this 2 years ago but I just found out I can't eat gluten... Any Advice I'm new and I'm 16 so I'm not used to this . I feel nervous because I have to wait and I've had my problems for 2+ years and didn't realise. I have lost so much weight on and off

[FRreedman]

Doctors are doing themselves and their patients no favours by trying to offer a diagnosis for every symptom presented to them. What is wrong with having a dicky tummy? Or an upset tummy? Or you are constipated? No, everything has to have a label. The diagnosis of IBS is, now, given to virtually,anyone who presents with a non specific problem, that doesn't fit any other diagnosis. If you think about it, the name ,itself is a bit nanny pamby, irritable bowel syndrome. Not an irritable bowel, but a syndrome. What do others think? Please don't be rude, I am open to persuasion, but I am fed up with everything having to have a name. BTW, I am not having a go at you, after all, you must want to get yourself sorted and back to full health again, it is the medical profession that I am upset with.

[debb13 in reply to FRreedman]

This maybe so but the symptoms still remain, regardless of the name tag. This forum helps us to try new avenues with people who suffer from similar symptoms as there is no one remedy fits all.

[Endersgame]

Id be interested to know what test was carried out. IBS is a differential diagnosis - that is other things are ruled out until IBS is all that fits the symptoms you are experiencing. Everyone experiences IBS differently and no one treatment plan fits all. Hope you find a solution.

[Emhill123 in reply to Endersgame]

I'm doing a stool sample? They said borderline. I do get upset stomachs and wind .

[Endersgame in reply to Emhill123]

Best wishes to you and I hope you find something that helps.

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Emhill123]

Hi, was your stool sample for something called Calprotectin levels? If it was, this is a test to determine if you have any inflammation in your bowel. Gluten and lactose intolerance often go together. Did you find this out from testing? Has your GP done any tests to see if you could be coeliac? I don't want to scare you, but it might help. Sorry, this reads like a lot of questions.

[Emhill123 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

I did the calprotectin stool sample and a blood test and that's it

[BabsyWabsy in reply to Emhill123]

OK, what was the blood test for? jbrking's suggestion of keeping a food diary is a good idea to help pinpoint what triggers your symptoms. If you feel you are not being taken seriously, see a different GP at your practice if possible. I had to do this before I got a referral. Can someone go with you for a bit of moral support?

[jbrking]

Hi sorry to hear you’re having issues. I started suffering with diarrhoea quite badly about 25 years ago. For years I was told IBS (no test back then). Then told it must be what I was eating. Most common things are wheat and dairy so I stopped them but didn’t make a difference. Went gluten free. Did low FODMAP diet to see If I could figure out what was setting my stomach/bowel off. There are also conditions called SIBO and bile acid malabsorption, as well as coeliac or crohns. Anyway long story short, and many tests later, I was finally sent a few years ago to a gastro consultant who knew straight away it was bile acid malabsorption (bam for short). Said it’s very misdiagnosed. And is only diagnosed with a sehcat scan. Quite costly so they only do when sure it is that to test your retention percentage. I’m now on binder medication. Unfortunately you may have to go through many tests until you get a proper diagnosis as there are so many things it could be. I suggest you keep a food diary. I wrote down everything I ate, times, any pains, toilet habits, sickness, exactly how I felt etc. Because we all go to the doctors and say this hurts and I keep having these issues but it’s better when you can show them the frequency. Then I literally sat in the doctors office and cried and said I can’t live like this. I was constantly going to the toilet, including for many times during the night and sometimes being sick. Anyway I’m rambling. Good luck, I hope you get some answers x

[debb13]

If you have been been confirmed as being coeliac then regretably a smallest intake will trigger your symptoms and must avoid at all cost

[debb13]

Truly feel for you and you seem to be doing the right thing. Never feel you're rambling on, as we're all suffering from IBS. Being here and sharing has helped me try new things. Try one thing at a time so you know what's working. Take care.

[Emhill123]

I'm getting new symptoms like severe stomach ache , Back ache and my whole body feels heavy .. yesterday I just laid on the sofa crying and I also threw up which I don't normally do .

[HealthAnxietyGuy]

Hello Emhill123, I had severe ibs-d for years. I really believe now that it's our gut microbiome that's messed up which affects our immune system, etc.

What has helped me is, 50B probiotics daily, with psyllium husk capsules to help feed the probiotics. I've been through 3 different meds this year which hadn't really helped much, some made me worse. I had also tried diet and exercise but with no results and usually felt worse for hours afterwards. I also went through a lot the past 10 years with anxiety and panic. But last year was the worse for me. The probiotics also seem to make a difference during colds and flu.

My anxiety is pretty much nonexistent now, and my energy levels are still problematic at times but I'm gradually recovering of years being unwell. The gut and brain connection plays a huge role and the probiotics helped me tremendously and might do the same for you. It took a few weeks to finally notice a difference and a few more to really see a big difference.

I use Ultimate Flora Critical Care 50 Billion from Renew Life. They also have 30, 40 and 90 billion. Here's what strains you should try to get if you can't find it:

Bifidobacterium bifidum (HA-132) 25 Billion

Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA-122) 10 Billion

Lactobacillus casei (HA-108) 8.875 Billion

Bifidobacterium breve (HA-129) 4 Billion

Bifidobacterium longum (HA-135) 1 Billion

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HA-111) 250 Million

Lactobacillus rhamnosus (HA- 114) 250 Million

Lactobacillus plantarum (HA-119) 250 Million

Lactobacillus fermentum (HA-179) 250 Million

Lactobacillus salivarius (HA-118) 125 Million

other companies have similar ones but I know this company worked well for my mom and I. Their capsule is a slow release so that more can reach the large intestine. Multiple strains are being studied and are theoretically supposed to help your immune system, anxiety and convert vitamins more effectively. Hope you find a solution. God Bless.

[KirstyIs]

I'm a bit older but have had IBS since my teens but worse since I was pregnant, happy to chat

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Hi there,

Sorry to hear you're struggling. If you need help and support we are here theibsnetwork.org

We recommend working with a registered dietitian.