Really struggling : Hi all I'm 22 and have been... - IBS Network

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Really struggling

Ibs_1 profile image
12 Replies

Hi all

I'm 22 and have been suffering with ibs like symptoms for a year. Been referred to a gastroenterologist have had an endoscopy which came back fine. Due for a colonoscopy but there is a huge wait. I just cant stop googling things and reading stories on bowel cancer and how signs are so similar I am losing my mind. Recently I have been doing extremely loose stools more towards diarrhoea once a day. I just cant seem to pass normal stools. I am really in a low head space and have completely lost my appetite. I am currently fasting and even when it's time to break the fast I am not hungry one bit. I am so extremely worried. I just needed a place to let out my thoughts. Any advise would be much appreciated.

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12 Replies
WellySam profile image
WellySam

I know it's really hard but try not to focus on diagnosing yourself. There are lots of conditions far less serious with the same symptoms. IBS-D is a common one.

Stress can trigger IBS in some so can be a downward spiral. Take a look at your diet as well

Firstly IBS is a generic term when no other diagnosis can be determined. By it's very nature it has many causes and symptoms not always present in everyone labelled with IBS. So there are no hard and fast rules for IBS, it is very much whatever suits you, stick with it. It is always best to disconnect the keyboard to Dr Google until you can filter the content. Dr Google has an enormous amount of miss information, you need to be careful of what you believe and try to stick to scientific fact and not anecdotal evidence. As you are finding it is a mine field of information. Anxiety can be your worst enemy at this time feeding the already upset stomach. I caution you that continuing to not eat causes you to not want to eat and it gets worse the longer you don't eat. Been there done that. You will have to force yourself to eat. While you are not eating it might be a good opportunity to take a course of pre and pro-biotics while the yeast based enzymes in the stomach are weakened. Usually around a 3 months course. It can't hurt you but might help until you get a diagnosis and if it is IBS you have you have just had a jump start on the road to managing IBS. Stick with bland foods and drinks until you can slowly build up your ability to eat more varied foods. If I believed everything from Dr Google, not only would I have some horrific health issues but I'd be writing this from my grave!

First stop your Dr, is always the smart option.

Ibs_1 profile image
Ibs_1 in reply to

Thank you so much for your response. Do you have any recommendations for the pre/pro biotics?

in reply to Ibs_1

There are some natural foods that are prebiotic. Dare I say, google them! As for probiotics stick with ones that do not need refrigeration as mostly those that do require refrigeration are dead before you buy them, through incorrect shipping and stocking. Don't bother with yogurt as the cultures are generally damaged in the manufacturing of it, despite the claims. I used raw onion as it is both a natural pre biotic and a digestive enzyme. Some people can't tolerate it but there are other pre biotics. My IBS has become manageable through going to a kidney safe diet and getting off highly refined or man made foods or substitutes. I stick with natural and fresh for the most part and resist pre mixed shelf foods. Means I had to learn to cook my meals but I actually feel better for it.

Lizg1991 profile image
Lizg1991

Sorry to hear your going through this, I too hsve been suffering for about 3 months nowhere near as long as you but it is horrible, I had bloods and all were clear and I’m currently suffering with a lot of stress and anxiety and I have found when I have better days my ibs is a lot calmer and if I’m having a bad day I’m on the loo most of the morning into the afternoon, my doctor prescribed meMebervine 135mg to take 20 mins before each meal and that really helped slow down the spasms and the upset stomach maybe ask the doctor to see if you could try them, I’m due an ultrasound in the next 4-8 weeks to rule out my gallbladder as I also lost all all appetite and lost about a stone however since the mebervine and I am taking probio 7 capsules with breakfast and they seem to be helping I haven’t managed to stop the upset stomach completely however I deffo feel it is more settled than it was, try not to over Google I’m terrible for this, try to think of the colonoscopy as more of a ruling out than trying to find a serious problem which is a step closer to getting more support for the ibs. Take care.

It’s extremely unlikely you have bowel cancer at 22Your worries will cause your problems due to fight or flight mechanism in your body

Boxroad profile image
Boxroad

Have you tried not drinking tap water? I can’t tolerate tap water it’s due to the. Fluoride in it

NOTHINGBUTPAIN76 profile image
NOTHINGBUTPAIN76 in reply to Boxroad

Now that’s a thought huh

Boxroad profile image
Boxroad in reply to NOTHINGBUTPAIN76

I struggled for years then one day someone said your always worse after you get a drink of water, they didn’t know I had IBS, so I asked my dietitian and she said oh yes a lot of people with IBS have issues with tap water. I didn’t understand why I had not been told this

Bass20 profile image
Bass20

hi ive had this for almost exactly the same amount of time ive had diarrhoea for almost 7 months constantly and been off work ive had blood in my stools I even had a couple of bouts of blood in my pee . My doctor ruled out cancer almost immediately with blood test and stool samples i found its almost like a frame of mind if you constantly worry about what it might be it brings it on worse i know its easier said than done but I got my self in a position where I don't worry about what might be and concentrated on what I know i changed my way of eating cut out all the rubbish I loved im not sure fasting is going to help you much look up some diets specific to this and go with them. Please don't sit there thinking it could be this or could be that or you will become a prisoner in your bathroom trust me ive been there i find getting out having a walk even close to home helps or finding something to do helps take your mind off it and you will find the less you think about it you really do feel that much better

NOTHINGBUTPAIN76 profile image
NOTHINGBUTPAIN76 in reply to Bass20

I’m happy your feeling better

This is my downfall I google and always come out with the worst case scenarioAnd my anxiety becomes worse.

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