Ibs advice

[Starfly13]

Need some advice Had a phone call with doctor that I might have ibs and got to have a blood test and stool sample. But I’m worried they won’t find anything and if they will do anything about it

[Winnie78]

Hi. They don’t always find something with ibs and it’s usually diagnosed in the absence of anything else. My consultan advised me to look at FODMAP foods following my tests. I cut out dairy and my symptoms improved loads.

[dwtriaxles]

Hi Starfly13. Having any kind elements and don't why you having it is a worry on it's own as well as the symptoms adds to more stress which cause more problems but the basic blood and stool will eliminate any thing else which might not be ibs. The best news you get from the doctors that they can't find anything wrong and then you have something to work from.I'm afraid Ibs like acid refux has no magic tablets which help , there's a fine selection of tablets you can take to help to relieve the symptoms but it's down to your diet. Your gut has taken to dislike something you eaten you just need to find the trigger .There's apps which help you what to avoid and start a food diet . Your trigger is unique to you and you not on your own there's load of information out there on this , I have had it for 30+ years and when i want a tread I have one and live with the consequence. Don't worry to much Starfly13 and good luck.

[Starfly13 in reply to dwtriaxles]

Hi will I have to speak to a doctor for my results and I wasn’t really told what happens next will

I have to keep contact with them

[xjrs]

I agree with Winnie78. They diagnose IBS from you having IBS like symptoms and testing negative for anything else. Testing negative for anything else is a good thing. If you have a diagnosis of IBS, there is loads that can be done to help your symptoms either on prescription from your GP and through self help, probiotics and diet. It all depends on what your set of symptoms are since there are different types of IBS. You can read up about how to help yourself here:

theibsnetwork.org/the-self-...

[Starfly13 in reply to xjrs]

What happens next when I get my results they won’t just leave me and would I need to speak to a doctor again

[xjrs in reply to Starfly13]

If you get a diagnosis of IBS, you can speak to your gastroenterlogist or GP about your specific symptoms. They will be able to try you on specific medications for instance. If you feel that you are not getting the support you need (you should and you are entitled to it), please check back in here with what your symptoms are and those on this forum can give you guidance on what assistance you should be getting or what questions to ask your GP.

In addition, if you join theibsnetwork.org, you can get advice from IBS specialists such as gastroenterlogists. However, in the first instance your support should be coming from your health care team.

Whatever you diagnosis, please remember that you are not alone in this, your health care team, members of this group and theibsnetwork.org are here to help you. Good luck.

[Starfly13 in reply to xjrs]

Hi

My symptoms are trapped wind pains in stomach consipation. Not able to go. And when I telling my doctor about it she said it might ibs but also it could be functional thing. But I’m worried even when I get my results and if they do anything as I might be pain still

[xjrs in reply to Starfly13]

Your symptoms are similar to mine - IBS-C (if you are diagnosed with this) and pain.

I have been prescribed Linaclotide for IBS-C and intestinal nerve pain and I am also taking Alflorex probiotic which has been scientifically studied for IBS and is available on a free 2 month trial on joining theibsnetwork.org. These in combination have reduced the pain I am in considerably and I have been able to tolerate more foods so that I am able to consume the extra fibre I need to have a BM without laxatives including 4 tablespoon oatbran, 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, 8 prunes, 2 tablespoon chia seeds and 3 shredded wheat (or GF version: Nutribrex) for breakfast, plus quinoa, wholewheat bread and whole grain pastas at other meals. These fruits are particularly high fibre and can help with BMs: hard pears, dried apricots, raspberries, oranges (contain a natural laxative) & 2 kiwi. In some people the Linaclotide also helps a lot with BMs which is its primary purpose.

There is some good advice about constipation here:

theibsnetwork.org/constipat...

theibsnetwork.org/constipat...

Exercise can help with BMs. The government recommends 150 mins of moderate exercise (e.g. walking as if you are late for an appointment) or 75 of intense exercise (e.g. jogging) per week. I also have a bit of a walk around straight after breakfast to get things moving.

You need to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids (2 litres of fluid per day but ideally not tea or coffee).

Since you are also suffering from pain, you may be suffering from visceral hypersensitivity (functional abdominal pain) - there is info about it here:

iffgd.org/lower-gi-disorder...

It is where the brain interprets the normal activity of the bowel as pain - this is due to a wearing down of neurons in pain control centres of the brain which can be caused by PTSD, neglect or abuse in childhood, extreme stressful events etc. The first line treatment is nerve pain agents such as low dose amitriptyline. There is a theory that being on something like amitriptyline for 6-12 months can help the pain control centre neurons to regenerate so that you don't need to be on them anymore. Note that amitriptyline can cause constipation though. Unfortunately I couldn't tolerate these. Linaclotide (for IBS-C only) & Alflorex have helped me with this intestinal pain.

Obviously you will need your diagnosis first, but if you are diagnosed with IBS-C with pain there is much that can be done to help you, so you don't need to worry.

[Starfly13 in reply to xjrs]

Hi

That was mentioned it might be a function issue but I’m worried that my results will be fine and I won’t be diagnosed and I will still get pains

[xjrs in reply to Starfly13]

Which country do you live in? In the UK there are set protocols for a IBS diagnosis and for dealing with this pain that the GP or gastroenterlogist will assist with. If this doesn't happen in your country all you can do is fight for getting help with your symptoms. If you feel that you are unable to assert this pressure yourself, then ask a relative or friend to help you.

[IBSNetwork Partner IBS Network]

Have a look at our website and do not look at the FODMAP diet until you have had a diagionsis -theibsnetwork.org/have-i-go...