What’s your longest flare up??

[Cimmy]

Hi all, just out of interest how long has a flare up of your IBS lasted?, I’m into 7 months of horror now and don’t know how much more I can take. I’ve had so many test colonoscopy, endoscopy, ultra sound, stool test, blood test, ct scan of stomach, chest and pelvis and though I have some issues discovered they are all to do with Ibs, can IBS make you feel so rotten for so long is my question I guess and if so how do you deal with it mentally and physically. Thanks for reading

[Hidden]

Hi Linda, one of my flare ups lasted 3 months last year. I really feel for you at this moment sweetheart, but please be strong and think it will get better at some stage ..

I promise it will

Lots of hugs and kisses

S xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Vamvakou]

Omg, can I ever relate to this!!!! I just went through a similar experience...my symptoms started around March and only now am I feeling better. I had been dealing with stomach issues as a result of an hpylori infection for about a year and had all kinds of tests done including an endoscopy in February. which pretty much came back normal except for a bit of gastritis in my stomach....I have anxiety issues and am a huge hypochondriac so when my flare up began and lasted for so long, I was worried...I too had every test done and everything came back clear....my doctor attributed everything to stress and she suspected that it was causing my IBS like symptoms..I really didn't think it was ibs cause my bowel movements were normal and I had no bloating..Plus, I've been on an antidepressant for about a year so I didn't think I was that stressed out...My main symptoms were pelvic and pain and really bad lower back pain...I really thought something serious was wrong with me. 7 months in and I was desperate for some type of relief...I excercise, eat well and do all that I can to lead a healthy lifestyle......Finally my doctor suggested I try Align for about a month and see what happens..I was really skeptical but gave it a go...Well, a month later, I feel soooooooo much better!!!! My pain is gone!!!!! Its unbelievable how this probiotic has changed my life...Every day for the past 7 months was a struggle...You should try this too...Who knows, it may work for you too...Remember, everyone who suffers from this has different symptoms and results to treatment.. Give it a try and hang in there!! You are not alone!! Good luck and let us know what happens!!!

[Viklou]

About 6 to 8 weeks. During which I eat liquids and a soft diet. Lose a few pounds but that seems to work for me and not had a major flare since June. I'm usually loose but minimal pain going upto 3 times a day when not flaring. This is my new normal I still can have some urgency but I usually make it. Sometime I have a few bad nights which is again my new normal. No point in going to GP unless mouth ulcers and palpitations start then I realise I'm low in something. Colonoscopy normal, mri normal just inflammation in stools is high. If anything changes, like I start being sick then I go and get fluids and anti sickness in A&E then it goes away for a bit.

[Beth673]

For me, I’ve had significant issues since Nov 19 when I had some sort of virus. From Mar 2020, I had constant IBS D and have only just started to get closer to my ‘normal’ - which still isn’t great. Had various tests now, all delayed due to COVID. It’s been awful. Biokult has helped a bit, as has cutting caffeine down (I’m loathed to say that).

Any progress is progress. Have a FODMAP group session coming up, hoping this support will help.

When it goes on months it is so draining and I felt like

I was existing not living.

I hope you see some improvements soon. Even little improvements can boost you when you feel like this. X

[Cimmy in reply to Beth673]

Hi Beth, Thankyou for your kind reply, I too have cut out caffeine, just waiting to see if it resolves some of the issues like nausea, my nausea is the worst thing, some days I just can’t function. I tried the fodmap but just couldn’t get on with. Your right it is to ally drawing and all consuming when it goes on and on, I’m so down with it all, just want a normal day whatever that may be. Thank you again for your kind words, I hope your feeling better. Take care.

[Beth673 in reply to Cimmy]

Hi Cimmy, sorry for not responding, began a reply and got caught up in things.

Thank you for your kind words too. I hope you’re having better days now. I think the only real thing that seems to work in the long term is reducing stress, taking time for self care for yourself. For me, I’ve had lots more time recently than I would usually but I’m not doing things I really enjoy it really get anything out of. I know I need to get into a routine which includes things for me. I have done a few more bits, it hasn’t stopped the pain/uncomfortable feelings but it distracts me for a bit. X