Really bad IBS attack and monthly cycle

[Hpaddict]

I was diagnosed with IBS in 2014, I also suffer with asthma, anxiety, depression and EUPD and gastritis for which I am on omeprazole.

I can on my period today, and since last night I am in a really bad IBS attack with really bad abdominal cramps and diarrhea. I don't know what to do, as can't calm the diarrhea down or the bad cramps and am scared to eat anything in case it makes it worse, the pain is horrible and can't calm that down either and don't know what to think or do. Plus it has made me have problems with urinary incontinence and feeling cold, shivery and low temperature. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do please?

[dinghy]

That sounds more like you caught a chill? Did you get very cold, particularly round your lower back and kidney area? The symptoms you describe happen to me when this happens. I end up with a day in bed all feverish and diarrhoea. In the lead up to a period I am sure I have read that hormonal changes can contribute to diarrhoea too or softening of stools. I can be affected by needing the loo more at this time. Try silicolgel as it is not only good for ibs-d but calms general nausea and stomach pain if it is digestion related. hope.you feel better soon.

[MrAddy]

Hiya, sorry to hear this and sounds much like me a few weeks ago. Although being a bloke I do not have "the cycle".

For me, it's a panic attack. No idea why, but I panic and IBS-D kicks in for a few days. Every time I eat, within 40 minutes with some times less than 10 minutes I am on the loo with green loose stool. It was about 4 days before it started to get better and that was with Buscopan just before I ate. One tablet three times a day before food. Then I started to get sold-ish stool. So that worked for me.

Everything you described I had, the chills is normal after you empty. The stress on your body for doing that much work is huge. The best remedy for me is Sleep, and ReSet.

This resets your mind, and calms the body and although you will be sore, you need to get up and walk around. Do some gentle exercises, YouTube is great for them. Do not drink coffee or tea for a week, just water or juice, and binge on Netflix. Also make sure you keep warm and keep your mind active, puzzles are great. When you start to eat, eat small amounts, Pasta, Scrambled Egg, and toast. Also ginger biscuits helped me.

Even with all this, it's horrible, confusing and mentally challenging, but with what I did above I managed to get to the other side. Still sore mind, but that's normal for me, and I can eat relatively well, but still a little nervous if I eat too much.

Hope this helps, but I do feel for you and hope you can pass it quicker than me. Stay safe

[BabsyWabsy in reply to MrAddy]

Have you considered Bile Acid Malabsorption? Needing to 'go' shortly after eating is a key symptom, as is greenish stools. gutscharity.org.uk/advice-a...

[MrsMouseSJ]

Try to keep yourself as warm as possible: layers, blankets, whatever it takes. A hot water bottle on your abdomen may also help - it does me. Basically I have to warm up before things settle at all. Have you any chicken stock available to take warm to hot? Otherwise warm to hot water helps me. In terms of what to eat: I find white rice ok, plus toast (careful with what is on it) - gluten free, boiled potato (no skin), steamed/boiled carrots and green beans, small amount of protein - white fish, perhaps eggs. But it's an individual thing. Are you aware of the FODMAPs diet? Tried and tested for IBS. Google if not and your local dietetics service can also help (you may be able to self refer).

Are you on anti-spasmodics e.g. Buscopan and perhaps Mebeverine? If not, ask your GP.

I think your period is probably causing this flare - and so hopefully things will calm down as your period abates. All good wishes.

[Sunshinefordays31]

I’ve just come across this post - I seem to be trapped in a cycle of IBS flare ups the week before my period and it’s debilitating so i feel your pain. I am hoping to pursue some private investigations on the hormone front to see if there’s anything that can be done with them to improve my IBS - seem to have reached the end of the road with the NHS as to what they can do (latest thing was suggesting an SSRI inhibitor which I’ve seen very mixed reviews for on here so not very keen). I am convinced my cycle is playing a role anyway, alongside dietary triggers probably. Might be worth looking into if it’s an ongoing problem?