IBS? Triggering anxiety

[ajt007]

Hi I have had tummy issues for a few years now and tried many holistic pills and potions but nothing helps really long term.I take modified release morphine every 12 hours for pain and have for a few by years now

I was told by doctor that I have IBS but not sure myself.I do not suffer any loose stools and pass a stool most days as long as I keep well hydrated to combat morphine dehydration..I do at times suffer with bad wind and bloating..

I went lactose free for a month with no difference same with gluten I have tried everything I can think of but get no rest bite from it and at times the loud gurgling really scares me especially at night and triggers anxiety as I start over worrying which starts the anxiety negativity going..

My symptoms are that I suffer gurgling in my tummy at all times of the day some days worst than others and seems a lot worst after eating and when I drink my tea or any fluids I swallow there’s a second or two wait and then I seem to burp internally and gurgling as it goes down

It can at times be very loud and I feel like I have a scuba diver in my tummy or a air pump pumping air in my tummy..

If anyone can give me any help and advice I would very much appreciate it.

[Catatvet05]

Gosh I wondering the same about myself.

I haven’t had gurgling symptoms though I’ve come across a few people on this site that have. I get really bad reflux symptoms including terrible bloating and pains if I eat, nothing seems to help get rid of my symptoms at all. Supposedly it’s down to anxiety? I do feel for you. Herbal remedies didn’t do much at all.

Maybe could try slippery elms? Or organic Indian tea? Ashwagandha really helped with my mood but had to stop as it worsened my reflux over time. Shame really.

Currently taking both mebeverine and Landoprazole which don’t stop any of the symptoms. However it has calmed down which I think it’s down to a very simple diet? I’ve experienced really bad heartburn today, think it’s due to mebeverine?

How long have you experienced your IBS symptoms? could it be reflux or even h pylori? Maybe get a stool test to confirm?

I do not suffer with loose stool either, and from what I’ve read on this site there are 2 types of IBS c and d.

[ajt007 in reply to Catatvet05]

Hi I have had gurgling many years now..I remember i seemed to notice loud gurgling when I lay down years ago but very mild but nowadays seems a lot worse and almost constant in one way or the other ..one strange thing I noticed or could just be a weird thing but if I lay down on my left side the gurgling is much worst than when I lay on my right..I have seen go a few times about it but just get fobbed off with its IBS and given mebeverine that does nothing at all...also I have problems with anxiety and panic and have problems going to see a gp or just going out so trying to get help in other ways..I have tried so much but had little success unfortunately but will keep searching..

[Catatvet05 in reply to ajt007]

Mebeverine works if you take it 20 minutes before you eat. Not sure if that is what you followed? It’s no easy tasks!I do agree, it’s not always helpful and I believe it’s down to my easy boring diet. Still I get reflux symptoms.

Now I think about it, I’ve had gurgling when I’ve lay down.

Anxiety is such an annoying problem and it’s annoying me that doctors can’t do anything else to stop my reflux. My teeth are ruined as a result.

I do feel for you going around in circles thinking of ways to find your own solutions. Doctors just tick the box. Unless you go private, something I can’t afford personally.

If you don’t mind me asking, what tests have been done? I’ve supposedly had it all according to my gp. Ph test, 2 endoscopy, stool tests, recently blood test. Most of my tests have come back clear. I am tempted to ask for another stool test - my stomach issues is driving around the bend. Do you feel any bloating or stomach pains?

[ajt007 in reply to Catatvet05]

HiNot had any tests per say the doc did a physical examination feeling around tummy etc and just gave the IBS and then prescribed mebeverine and took as per instructions but I did not see any improvement as the gurgling/griping is there prior to food..Yes I do occasionally get tummy pains and feel bloated and put this down to trapped wind which I get quite a lot but after a good trumping session things always feel better..I seem to make a lot of wind no matter what I consume..

I think I have found things like most fresh fruits or fresh fruit juice can make things worse or when I take extra fibre this seems to make me even more windy..fresh figs or prunes seem to fuel the pumps and make gurgling worst..also it sounds like there is water splashing around my tummy at times?

[Catatvet05 in reply to ajt007]

Ah, I’ve read that fruits especially with the skin on can cause IBS symptoms. I’ve noticed that I’ve got to eat in very small stages. I can eat banners, big dates and a little bit of figs (without the skin). I practically eat baby portions.

Take a look at the FODMAP diet, I tend to follow it but it varies from person to person. Too much fibre can cause havoc! I can eat green beans but definitely not too much corn. Also IBS sufferers can have issues with pulses. Personally, if I soak black eye beans for over 10 hours I can eat it with spinach. Lentils is not too bad, but again it’s soaking it for as long as you can. X

[ajt007 in reply to Catatvet05]

Yes I have over the past few years cut out things one by one to see if it helps..I need to go back to gap and explain I’m at my whits end but that’s easier to say than do..just that thought sets off the anxiety a bit..

[Catatvet05 in reply to ajt007]

I just don’t if it is all down to anxiety? Though I’d admit, my symptoms all happened when my dad died. Apparently a shock to the system can cause havoc?

[ajt007 in reply to Catatvet05]

I don’t doubt my anxiety don’t help me..I think this is why I can not get help as anxiety triggers all sorts so you get the blanket diagnosis

[Catatvet05 in reply to ajt007]

I really dislike doctors throbbing us off with pills when really they could think outside the box a bit. I had to completely push my gp for many of the tests and treatments. What I supposedly have is called Functional Heartburn- not in true condition with GERD but associated with anxiety. I have all the symptoms of a GERD sufferer just with out the damaged to throat. I believe my stomach lining is damaged hence why this has happened . Yes my endoscopy seems clear but don’t believe my stomach is all fine.

[b1b1b1 in reply to ajt007]

You might want to see a gastroenterologist to see what he thinks.

[ajt007 in reply to b1b1b1]

Yes I need to get something sorted..

[Catatvet05 in reply to ajt007]

I saw a few, two prior to Endocpy treatment and one to one consultant. 2 of the doctors suggested Amitriptyline which is an antidepressant.

[ajt007 in reply to Catatvet05]

Really..I did read somewhere that they are prescribed forms of antibiotics for tummy issues.

[Catatvet05 in reply to ajt007]

I think for h pylori you get given antibiotics. I had the infection last year. Your can get a stool test from your gp to confirm it or can go privately for a full comprehensive test. I don’t know any other symptoms that antibiotics would be used for?

[ajt007 in reply to Catatvet05]

Sorry meant to say anti depression meds..

[Catatvet05 in reply to ajt007]

Ah, okay. Yes I was given Amitriptyline which is antidepressant last year . For several months I was on it, unfortunately did nothing than gave me constipation, weight gain, nighttime, moods, etc. I tried 2 others and they didn’t go down well. I guess it’s trying brands that work for you?

[Jayneelizabeth]

i've heard that warm drinks are the best; the tummy does not digest cold drinks, it waits for them to warm up before digesting properly

[ouch421]

...My stomach is extremely painful when the gurgling stops. I can almost predict that I might have a pain free day when my stomach gurgles ... seem for me gurgling means the stuff is moving through. Send your gurgles my way please

[Carlettejaque]

Hi, if it IBS then you need to follow the low Fodmap diet. (find it on line) I was adviced by a dietician to cut out all fruit. The very worse fruits you can eat with IBS are the high fibre ones such as figs and those with skins. The Fodmaps diet explains which fruit you should not eat. I can't eat any! Avoid oats, nuts, pulses, lentils and beans. No alcohol or fizzy drinks. Fizzy drinks are really bad. Carrots and spinach and potato are safe veggies. No fatty or greasy foods.You said you have gone lactose free but ate you totally dairy free? I am lactose intolerant and intolerant to the protein in dairy. You may have unknown intolerances. The biggest on the list is dairy, then yeast and wheat. You have to try exclusion diets along with the Fodmaps diet if you still have problems. Keep a food diary.

Some medications can cause excruciating cramps. I have found that Omeprazole and other similar Proton Pump Inhibitors prescribed for acid reflux can cause a lot of pain. I had agonising cramps worse than Labour pains but they disappeared when I stopped the PPI's. Some medications for IBS have lactose in them. I dont take these medications because while they relax the bowel, if you have an irritant food in the bowel relaxing the bowel slows the bowel and the irritant just stays there longer.

Morphine isn't good long term I hope with a new diet your IBS may improve and you'll be able to come off it. Good luck.

[ajt007 in reply to Carlettejaque]

👍

[Catatvet05 in reply to Carlettejaque]

I’ve got a FODMAP app and says I can eat oats just not quick oats? Maybe mine is old?

[Carlettejaque in reply to Catatvet05]

Yes, it says you can but I have found that oats are an irritant.

[Catatvet05 in reply to Carlettejaque]

How comes doctors prescribed PPI if it’s only IBS that you have? Or you have both?

[Carlettejaque in reply to Catatvet05]

Many people with IBS have GERDS and they prescribe PPI'S for that. I went o to take Zantac which was brilliant but then they withdrew them and stopped making them. Now I do without.

[Catatvet05 in reply to Carlettejaque]

I see. Yes Ive heard about Zantac. Really tough having IBS. Seems doctors don’t really understand about IBS and FODMAP is helpful. It’s not completely helpful for me because of my reflux due to anxiety - everything affects me - even supplements. I’m using Landoprazole but no change to my reflux symptoms.

[Carlettejaque in reply to Catatvet05]

Lanzoprazole is PPI. I have found that there is something in all the PPI ingredients that causes me agonising stomach cramps. I suspect it is the manitol in them. They also made me lose my sense of taste. After giving them up completely, my taste came back and the cramps stopped. But, if you stop them you get really awful reflux and acid for a couple of days while your body returns to normal. To combat that you have to buy over the counter antacids or eat toast or something bulky to beat the acid. I eat Farleys baby rusks as they dont contain milk or yeast. They are lovely. Your reflux may not be due to anxiety. It may just be a symptom of your IBS.

[Catatvet05 in reply to Carlettejaque]

I get more reflux symptoms than IBS. Regurgitation is constant even when I sleep. It all started when my dad died. It’s been 4 years and all sorts of prob have accrued. Had h polyri last year, Candidas supportey from my inhaler in 2018. No idea.

[Catatvet05 in reply to Carlettejaque]

I don’t eat much not even wheat. Just concerned what’s it’s doing to my teeth as well. All has affected me. I’ve been using ppi for a month. Got another 2 weeks or so. Then I will stop. No point of using it after a month if I still got reflux symptoms.

I supposedly don’t have reflux- that’s what specialist say.

[Carlettejaque in reply to Catatvet05]

I have various other problems too. I have an over active immune system so I'm on steroids to suppress it and the condition causes itchy rashes and all over skin pain for which I take maximum dose Gabapentin. I also have arthritis. I can't take pain killers. So, over the years ive tried hypnosis for panic attacks and for the IBS and acupuncture. You could try hypnosis that does seem to help with anxiety. It stopped my panic attacks, helped with coping techniques.

[Catatvet05 in reply to Carlettejaque]

Is there remedies you could take for rashes like homeopathy?

My dentist just said to try hypnosis treatment. Hopefully that could wing off reflux symptoms?

[Cats15]

On your point about anxiety causing GI problems, I’m convinced this is true. I’ve also just read this so it seems more evidence is emerging to confirm the link. Have a read psychologytoday.com/blog/mo...

[Catatvet05 in reply to Cats15]

I guess that’s why doctors prescribe antidepressants? Once they have tried all avenues?

[Cats15 in reply to Catatvet05]

I suffered acute anxiety for the last year which is when a very bad flare up started. I bit the bullet and started on Citalopram but a low dose. It is good for anxiety with the least side effects. I know people that have been on them for years. After two months, all my IBS issues are subsiding. It takes a while but its finally happening. I am very grateful and have stopped having anxiety attacks too.

[Catatvet05 in reply to Cats15]

Fantastic results for you. I’ve tried 3 different types of antidepressants to no avail. Seems to have worked well for you. I’m worried trying another antidepressant incase I don’t react well to it. I’m considering hypnosis.

[Cats15 in reply to Catatvet05]

Believe me, I powered through three weeks of side effects to get here!

[Catatvet05 in reply to Cats15]

My reaction was not normal.

[ajt007 in reply to Cats15]

Yes I’ve been on citalopram 40mg pd for a long while for the ptsd etc after coming off mirtazapine.

[ajt007]

👍

[jox1]

To understand the root cause you can try several approaches. One is an elimination diet - it's harsh because you remove practically everything and then add things back in one at a time. I'm not sure your previous diet restrictions have been that structured? Second is a cdsa test - private comprehensive stool analysis - this is leagues ahead of any NHS testing and will tell you if there any bad bacteroids or overgrowth going on - expensive though. I wouldn't even consult nhs gastros- they'll run you around in circles - I've been there.....

[Iesgobdafydd]

I was diagnosed with IBS in spite of having neither diarrhoea nor constipation but just a lot of gas, and loss of appetite, and fatigue. I tried the low FODMAP diet and it didn't solve my problems. I was unable to identify trigger foods or find anything I could eat that completely eliminated my symptoms, though eventually I did settle on a very small number of foods I could eat that minimized them and provided a reasonably balanced diet. Eventually I worked out that the underlying cause of my problems was that my connective tissue was in a mess, and figured out a way to work on improving it. Along the way, I learned a few things about dealing with anxiety, because the over-tight connective tissue pressing in unusual places often caused physical symptoms associated with anxiety, which then seemed to stimulate my brain to hunt up anything it might possibly need to worry about, whether that was productive or not. One thing I found really helpful is learning that when we experience something that might be dangerous, the conscious mind gets a red flag alert and then has a brief window of opportunity to evaluate the situation and either accept or reject that red flag. Someone may have startled us, but it could turn out to be a family member or a burglar. If we realize there is no danger, everything calms down inside us; if we evaluate the situation as genuinely dangerous, we go into high adrenaline fight or flight mode. I found it helped me gradually get out of my over-worrying to keep telling myself in my head "Everything's ok right now" each time the anxiety trigger first came up.

I think IBS is not itself a cause of anyone's health problems, it's a set of symptoms that can have multiple possible causes - anxiety, food intolerance, imbalance in the gut microbiome, TMJD, bile acid malabsorption, and probably others. I hope you can work out the cause of yours, and a way back to good health.

[BmwBill]

Full disclosure, I am the CEO of Goodpath.com. It might be worth trying out Goodpath's Digestive Program. We provide an integrated approach to dealing with digestive issues. Take a look at goodpath.com/conditions/ibs

[HealthAnxietyGuy]

I had severe IBS-D myself for decades been tested for most of everything regarding bowel issues but was negative. A relief, yes, but still had major issues. Finally probiotics made the difference by a lot! I'm not sure about probiotics and morphene, however, I suggest you look it up. But really try probiotics and give it a good month or 2 before your system adapts. I take 50 billion slow release capsules daily and am only getting a flare up once a month for 1-3 days instead of daily severe symptoms.

[Catatvet05 in reply to HealthAnxietyGuy]

Has it helped with any of your reflux issues such as regurgitation? Could you recommend a brand? Thanks

[HealthAnxietyGuy in reply to Catatvet05]

Actually yes it has. It has helped with reflux and heartburn. Now it's not totally gone but I've gone from taking tums 1-2 times a day to 1-2 times a week. I've been slowly transitioning to a more vegetarian diet and I believe this will help as well as I'm reducing sugar and greasy foods. I believe the probiotics have been helping with digesting veggies much better as I had trouble with many veggies. What I've also researched is types of foods that helps with producing enzymes to digest better. Bitter herbs, pineapple, papaya, lettuces in the family of dandelion leaves and astragalus type lettuce.

[Catatvet05 in reply to HealthAnxietyGuy]

What’s the probiotic brand? Yes I’ve heard of some of the foods you mentioned especially in digestive supplement forms. The prob with me is hypersensitive too most foods. I’m going to try a probiotic again , hopefully this time it will work? Thanks.