Introductions

[JudithS]

I thought I should start with an intro.

I am a long time sufferer. I first saw my GP with IBS symptoms, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, nearly 30 years ago when I was 22. I had childhood constipation issues before that. I remember being treated for that and now I wonder if the laxatives my mother gave me to keep my bowels regular made things worse later.

I had various checks and tests, first in my 20s, including sigmoidoscopy and barium enema x-ray and more recently bowel transit time, colonoscopy and proctogram x-ray however none gave me any answers, although some relief that nothing was wrong. In my 20s I had a hideous interaction with a male doctor he had my test results - explained that there were no bowel obstructions, and lectured me like a little girl on diet and lifestyle, making clear he thought I was wasting his time. Now I make sure that i see a female GP, finding one who would explain things to me and treat me as an intelligent adult.

I have learned that is the nature of IBS, or my IBS at any rate. The best diagnosis I have had is that I have a 'lazy bowel'. The most useful treatment i have had was a bowel training program.

If I am careful with my diet and eat what I know I should I can now manage my bowels - getting this' far so i understand that works and what doesn't work took a lot of wrong turnings if that makes sense. I use fibre supplements and I drink plenty of water. I have my 30 min bathroom time each morning (important leson from bowel training) and I avoid laxatives as much as I can, but if i do need to stimulate a bowel movement i use a bisacodyl suppository.

Judith

[Ladybug9]

The intestines are something else aren't they? I have the opposite problem which is diarrhea. I've had it daily for nearly 2 years. I've had 3 colonoscopies and 3 Endoscopies. I've lost count at everything they have found wrong!!!

[Rozzy46]

Dear Judith,

I too suffer from obstructed defecation and it's very bad at present. I'm 74 and have had IBS C for the past 12 years (after food poisoning) and I'm in a vicious circle of anxiety because of the misery of it and the anxiety of course makes it worse. I just wondered where your pelvic floor physiotherapist lives because finding one is really difficult. I live in London.

I hope you've continued to do well - it sounds like you've found a good way to manage the issue. I'd be very grateful for any information. Thanks

All the best

Rozzy