Any tips or advice for IBS-D?

[bent_chorals]

I've been suffering with IBS since I was diagnosed at 14 or so. Over the years, I progressively gotten worse and is now landing me in a pit of depression. As sad as it is, i feel like i can't go on any longer and I've only just turned 20. I'm scared to work, I'm scared to continue my ambitions all because of this. My flare ups are more common, I'm always changing medication and nothing works. I'm sick of having to take loperamide. I want to be relatively normal, I want to be able to eat with fear of being in pain. I can't even eat a meal with my partner these days. If anyone has any tips, please tell me! I'm desperate to reclaim my life. I just hope it gets better.

[Laxmik]

Hi. I can understand what you are going through. I have IBS D too. It can get too much at times. First thing I would suggest is get a good gastroenterologist who understands iBS. Get all related tests done. Try the FODMAP diet. IBS is largely trail and error. What works for me may not work for you. I know it feels miserable sometimes. But remember it’s temporary. It gets better. Don’t get scared of doing things.

[mick2k9]

I can totally sympathise with you as I also have IBS and it was getting worse, I was in a flare up for 2 weeks, I will suggest the low FODMAP diet, this has been a life saver for me my symptoms have improved massively, the low FODMAP is a nightmare to get used to but I feel so much better, my doctor recommended i try it and to be honest I did expect much but it proved me wrong, The best of luck ~mick

[Carlettejaque]

I'm so sorry to hear of your plight. I've had IBS for 40 years and yes it can stop your enjoyment of life and your career. First of all, I suffered horribly for y year before I discovered I was lactose/dairy intolerant. Removing all traces of that made such an improvement for such a long time. I've become intolerant to yeast, dextrose and sunflower oils since then. Intolerances can cause a lot of problems. I would expect that your doctor has already had you on a low Fodmap diet? But even with that you should avoid tomatoes and fruit particularly banana. Medication can cause pain too. Omeprazole is one. Medications for IBS often contain lactose or slow the function of the gut and irritating foods remain in the gut longer causing prolonged pain. It's worth keeping a food diary to help find intolerances. Good luck.

[xjrs]

Sorry to hear that. I have loads of tips that might help you. I will pm you separately since there is a lot of detail. Hope that's OK?

[Susan72]

Have you tried the low FODMAP diet? It's recommended for IBS, especially D. You can get more info here: casadesante.com/pages/low-f.... If you are looking for an IBS specialist you can search & connect with one here: marketplace.casadesante.com/en

[Tmouse]

I recently read that as many as 30% of people said to have IBSD may actually have bile acid malabsorption. It is not a widely recognised condition among our GPS. It might be worth checking out. There is a very straight forward and definitive test for it called a sehcat scan.