Is there a way to stop the cramping?

[Mommy_of_2]

I lean towards IBS-D pretty daily. My problems start around 630am every morning where I feel cramps in my lower abdomen and then I have a Bowel Movement and I feel better until the next wave. Sometimes the BM is solid and sometimes its more loose.. I had a colonoscopy and the doctor didn't find anything.

I'm a bit of a hypochondriac and starting to wonder if he missed something. Does anyone else get this cramping in lower abdomen before a BM? Is there any way to stop it? Its almost as if I can feel my bowels moving but it isnt a good feeling!

[BabsyWabsy]

Yes I am like this. As soon as I am awake in the morning, I get gurgling and some cramping. No lie ins for me any more as I need to get up straight away. Again a short while later, and always after I have eaten breakfast, sometimes after lunch too, then normally it settles until next morning. Unless I am having a flare up, then there is no obvious pattern. I have largely learned to manage it with Loperamide if I need to go out somewhere, and I allow myself plenty of time. More difficult for you with two children I should think.

[amanda6168 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Hi. This is exactly the same as my pattern. BM as soon as I get up. Again after breakfast. Sometimes mid-morning, then after lunch. After that I'm usually fine until next morning. I have had difficulties managing when and how much loperamide to take. How many do you take to manage going out and when?

[BabsyWabsy in reply to amanda6168]

As an example, I am going out tomorrow, so I have taken a loperamide this morning, and will take another this evening, and another first thing tomorrow. I also allow an extra couple of hours to allow my guts to do their thing, so often get up at 5.0 am to be ready for a late morning appointment. I used to not eat before going out, but now find I can have a light breakfast if I do it early enough. If I get cramps/wind, I take Buscopan sometimes.

[amanda6168 in reply to BabsyWabsy]

Thanks. Do you take the full dose of 2 x 2mg each time?

[BabsyWabsy in reply to amanda6168]

No, I find taking one at a time well spaced works for me. Taking 2 is a bit harsh and can contribute to cramps for me.

[E3178]

Have you looked to see if some foods affect you? Try a food diary.I have problems with fructose which flares up if I eat too much fruit and veg.

I have gut problems anyway so have pain and discomfort many times after eating.

Some of it is caused by anxiety.

I think us fibro folk feel everything that goes on in our bodies much more than others. I seem to be more sensitive to all sensations. I use either mebeverine or spasmonal or bicarbonate of soda to help

[Maureen1958]

I think you will find what you are describing is classic IBS, I have never found anything to help the cramps. As you have had a colonoscopy, I would doubt very much if something has been missed.

[glochessum]

I swear by buscopan, it really helps my cramps better than any thing else I’ve tried.

[Mommy_of_2 in reply to glochessum]

Is that a prescription?

[auntiesally]

No you can buy it