Agonising stomach pain

[Ethel99]

Does anyone have any tips for soothing agonising stomach pain triggered by stress? I’ve had IBS for many years but never had stomach pain like it. Usually things like hot water bottle and stretches work for me but nothing touches it this time.

[Loz009]

DO YOU HAVE ANY PAIN RELIEF LIKE PARACETOL OR CODEINE. I WOULDN'T ADVISE IBUPROFEN. BUT ALSO ANTISPASMODIC MEDICATION LIKE BUSCOPAN OR MEBEVERINE ARE A LIFE SAVER FOR THIS, ASK YOUR GP FOR HELP.

[Loz009 in reply to Loz009]

Also a nice hot bath can help and breathing exercises

[Ethel99 in reply to Loz009]

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I've tried all of those medications - nothing really helps. Plus I prefer to avoid drugs if possible.

[Hidden]

I'd recommend yoga. Yoga with Adriene on YouTube if you can't get to a class. It could help with the stress but also some of the postures and breathing might help with the stomach pain. You don't have to stick your legs in the air and balance on your pinky toes, just do the basics and focus on breathing. Peppermint tea and also ginger.

[Ethel99 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - will certainly try the peppermint tea, not heard that one before. Not sure about the yoga - tried in the past and it didn't really do a lot for me. But maybe I could re-visit.

[xjrs]

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. Note that amitriptyline can cause constipation, but this can be helpful in people who are diarrhea dominant. Unfortunately I couldn't tolerate these. Linaclotide (for IBS-C only) & Alflorex probiotic have helped me with this intestinal pain.

You may also find assistance with anti-spasmodic medication such as mebeverine (Colofac) or enteric coated peppermint.

[Ethel99 in reply to xjrs]

Very helpful, thank you

[tansy-ann8]

Ethel199. Hi, your post could have been written by me. I am currently having the most painful flare up I have ever had. Don't know what to do with myself... Like you, I have had IBS for many years...40 or thereabouts. Managed it for most of the time. Tried all the diets people keep plugging, none of them work and in some cases made it worse. I have just taken Paracetamol and Mebeverine and have my fingers crossed...this has been really painful for a week now, Dr. says, (not my usual one,)all seems okay. I lead a healthy life and have a good diet, not overweight either. So you and I seem to be in the same situation. If the Mebeverine works I will let you know if you would like me to... Oh, how do you know it's stress? Have you been checked over, colonoscopy and so on? Have you been prescribed something for stress? Good luck.

[Ethel99 in reply to tansy-ann8]

Thank you for your comments, very good to hear from people who know what its like. Yes, I am certain stress is the trigger. Stress has always been my primary trigger but about a week ago I had a major stress event in my life. Within a few hours, the pain started. It doesn't help that I'm not sleeping very well, nor eating properly - I know its compounding the situation. I am generally fit and healthy, not overweight etc. But I'm usually able to get a handle on the stomach pain quite quickly when I get flare-ups.

[tansy-ann8]

Thought you might like to know, the Mebeverine does seem to be helping a little, easing the cramps, along with the Paracetamol. I have also taken 2mg of (prescribed) Diazepam for the stress element. (I am a carer for a family member). They can be addictive so I don't use them often, may be worth asking your GP as a fail-safe for when it's really bad due to stress.

[Harley1020]

Hello, when I am suffering from stomach pains, I find that Colpermin IBS Relief capsules (they contain peppermint oil which relieves pain, spasms and cramps) really help. They can be purchased from any pharmacy and supermarkets. These are really good for settling an upset, painful stomach.

Also, as someone mentioned previously, peppermint teabags. I buy mine from Marks & Spencers and they are the organic ones. Have tried other cheaper peppermint teabags but the Marks & Spencers are the best ones to buy at a £1.

Another pain relief method for IBS upset stomach is a cup of boiled water, cooled down so its just hot.

Hope these help. Take care.

[Owlsbabe63]

Hi my stomach pain has also started across my back and stomach. I have taken Buscapan since I started with it in 2017 and was fine also I can only take Paracetamol for the pain, I've tried Melevrine but they don't suit me. I do find it's worse when stressed. I even went to Hospital on Saturday and all they said that my Oxygen Level was high then went down when I was chilled out. I'm seeing my Doctor tomorrow, so I see what happens

[Hidden]

I am in Constant pain too and my legs have started to ache. Mine is just on or above waist. So fed up. Real cramping. Even wakes me up in night

[Viklou]

Hot water bottle and a nice scented relaxing bath. I also find sometimes going for a walk helps.