Painful distension

[theomus]

Although I am now post-menopausal and my pain is therefore much reduced, in my younger days I was in agony every day of my life, partly because of my period problems (dysmenorrhea and endometriosis) and partly because of IBS and/or cœliac disease. i never knew for certain which condition was causing the non-stop cramping pains and distension. My life was terrible: latterly I was bleeding throughout the month!. The distension was such that I looked permanently eight months pregnant. I could not stand up straight, and even sitting was uncomfortable. Removing my clothing and going to bed with painkillers helped a bit: then the whole thing started up again the next morning! In 1997, on the advice of a friend, I gave up all gluten. Although I still have the symptoms of IBS, including bloating and alternating constipation and diarrhoea, my life has been transformed since giving up gluten. When I have severe pain, I find two Buscopan usually work within 10 or 15 minutes. I recommend Buscopan.

[Hidden]

I gave up gluten too which stopped all my bloating and cramps. I have Ibs with constipation which I manage with a stool softener 3 x a week. I still wish I could figure out why I get constipated though.. I am trying a dairy free diet for awhile now to see if it helps..

[edwangy in reply to Hidden]

I too have IBS c and have to take stool softeners.I eat a well balanced diet (I'm also diabetic , managed with diet only) but no matter what I eat I get constipated. Protein and fats can cause it as they're hard to digest. I've put it down to a slow gut transit and have given up on doctors.

[Hidden in reply to edwangy]

Yes.. It must be a slow transit.. Probably because I have anxiety.. Runs in my family.. I worry about taking stool softeners 3 x a week but they are a life saver. And from my research they don't cause lazy bowel..

[edwangy in reply to Hidden]

I also take alverine citrate anti spasmodic and windeze usually before bed, they help but not always