Over the counter pain relief

[Smudgecat1]

Hi, first time poster here.

I am in the process of getting diagnosed with either IBS or colitis. I had diarrhea and pain for around a month and ended up so dehydrated that I was admitted to hospital for a week, colonoscopy and CT scan showed some inflammation but not a lot, so they need me to come back for more tests. This has all been delayed because of Covid (I was discharged from hospital a week before the UK went into lockdown). I was put on steroids and after a week or so I was back to normal... I felt great! A few weeks later, I had my first known flare. I am six-seven weeks into my flare now with no end in sight.

Obviously I am waiting for an appointment, but has anyone (ANYONE!) got any advice on abdominal pain. I can cope with every other symptom but this one. It feels like someone is stabbing me constantly, and my tummy is just rock hard to the point I feel like I want to pop it like a balloon. I am in so much pain and not sure how much longer i can deal with it, I am in tears most days which isn't like me.

I have tried colpermin, buscopan and silicolgel, and nothing is giving me relief. Has anyone found meds that help?

I must admit I have some pills (mesalazine) left over from when I was in hospital, would I be stupid to take those? I went to the hospital recently as I was dehydrated again, but they wouldn't give me pain relief as I am in between diagnosis.

[edwangy]

Hi, I know how you feel! Have you tried alverine citrate (on prescription) It relaxes intestinal muscles, helping to stop cramps

[Hidden]

Hi that all sounds dreadful. Sorry you are going through that. I can only report on buscopan which I find can help my much milder symptoms but only sometimes. At other times not much works but then I haven’t needed to take anything much stronger. However have you been prescribed an anti depressant such as amitriptyline or citalopam not for depression but to settle the bowel down? I have found this has helped a great deal.