Feeling helpless

[Littlemiss79]

Hi all. I've had IBS since I was 16, I'm now 42 and the past year has been the worse. I feel like I've tried everything and I just don't know where to turn anymore. I have IBS-C and although I have a bowel movement every day I still get terrible upper cramps. I've had all the tests and gastroenterologist has just said to take movicol everyday and use epsom salts once a month. I've been on low fodmap for much longer than I should be too and I just don't know where else to turn, I'm so fed up with it running my life but nothing seems to work. Has anyone found anything that helps? I'm even contemplating going through private health care but I'm assuming they would just do the same thing as the NHS.

[b1b1b1]

If you have had all the tests there is probably no need for further tests unless you are due for them. You should probably keep in regular touch with your gastroenterologist. I am in the US so it may be easier, but I see mine at his request at least every 6 months, and every 3 or 4 months if things are particularly difficult. If you can afford it you might see a private one every so often. This would at least give you a little peace of mind.

[xjrs]

I will pm you some tips.

[rustydog]

Oh I feel your pain. I’m 48 and have had this awful complaint for 25 years. I too have had all the tests, tried endless diets and now am ‘stuck’ on low fodmap as I’m petrified of high fodmap foods! The NHS gastroenterologist I saw basically told me that as the tests had come back clear he couldn’t help me and to go back to my gp! She doesn’t seem to be able to help either. I paid to see a gastroenterologist privately last year, £250 down the drain because all he suggested was probiotics and stress relief! Yesterday I had a free consultation with a function nutritionist she said she could help but her fee for a 12 week ‘package’ was £1000 plus £500 for tests and supplements, argh, I’m just going round in circles. Sorry I can’t offer any advice but know exactly how you are feeling.

[rustydog in reply to rustydog]

The past year has been much worse for me too x

[NOTHINGBUTPAIN76 in reply to rustydog]

Me to

[Littlemiss79 in reply to rustydog]

Its a nightmare...I'm the same as u and stuck on low fodmap...I've been on elimination for 3 months...everytime I want to reintroduce something I can't because I have a constipation flare up...I'm sorry you're suffering to. It just ruins your life!

[Kdw1]

The only thing that seems to be helping me is obifibre mixed in warm water , i tried everything else also so its worth a try.

[Littlemiss79 in reply to Kdw1]

I'll have a look, thank you.