Good To Be Here

[oobadeedee]

Hi, I am a newbie (older gal) here with over 45 years experience of chronic IBS that has caused an isolated life for me. I have had every test in the book done and been told that nothing is wrong with me. So, I have been on a long and expensive journey of trying different diets, supplements, vitamins, therapies, and so on. For years I was IBS -D but now in my Golden Years, much more IBS -M and very unpredictable. Isn't it fun not being able to commit to invites or participate in every day activities? Anyways, I do the best I can and now I hope to learn more from this group and who knows, maybe I just might come across something that will be of help. Thanks for listening.

[Maureen1958]

Hi, welcome, your story is very similar to mine. I'm a little younger than you (63) and have had IBS for 35 years. Mine was more IBS(D) when it started too but has gradually changed over the years, to looking more or less normal but still just can't seem to find the stop button! But I live in hope!

[oobadeedee in reply to Maureen1958]

Thanks for your response Maureen. I know we are not alone in this. So nice to hear from others that can relate. Helps to calm my anxiety especially when having a flare up. Hope, humor and pawsitive 😻 thoughts are what help keep me going. Hope you are having a lovely day.🌻

[Readingnana]

Hi and welcome to the group. I'm similar to you as well. I've had IBS d for many years and I am now 62. The last 3 years have been difficult and it's hard to stay positive at times. I've currently using the Nerva bowel directed hypnotherapy app, which is helping me to cope with the symptoms. It's the pain I struggle with most. I suffer from anxiety, which makes everything worse, so it's an endless battle. Hope you find the group useful.

[oobadeedee in reply to Readingnana]

Hi Readingnana, I have struggled with anxiety since childhood. Back in the day, anxiety was not recognized as it is now. So I was told that I was just too shy and too sensitive and basically, snap out if it. Is it any wonder that living with a label and trying to hide it for years would not compound into something else? Hence, IBS. Living with IBS and it's unpredictability is very stressful and only worsens my anxiety especially, if I have to go somewhere. I too, struggle with pain and when it is very bad I feel so defeated at times. Frankly, it is exhausting. You are so right, it is an endless battle. I have rescued many cats over the years and in nurturing them out of their trauma and receiving their unconditional love, helps me greatly in easing my anxiety and distracting my thoughts from my ongoing IBS. Anyways, that is my therapy. I am curious to know if you do indeed find the Nerva program worthwhile and if so, how long you have been using it? Thanks a bunch.

[Boxroad]

Hi I have had IBS for 30 years, one of the biggest things I found was drinking tap water, I had to change to bottled spring water, it took a while to find one that agreed with me tho, when I spoke to my dietitian about it she said it was common for people with IBS to have intolerance to tap water due to the fluoride that is put in it to kill the bugs. I use Sainsbury hubbards bottled water that comes from sheply springs in Yorkshire,

[HowNowWhatNow in reply to Boxroad]

Interesting. Showing my ignorance here - does boiling the water (tea / coffee) do anything to filter out the fluoride, or not?

[Boxroad in reply to HowNowWhatNow]

I found that it didn’t help by boiling it, I now use fluoride free tooth paste as well. Fluoride is a very high in my area of Essex a village not far from me has or used to have one of the highest levels of fluoride in the country. If you google it you will find conflicting reports on it, but I know it affects me.

[Batteria]

I’m sure everyone is fed up hearing my story and I’m fed up relating it but I no longer have gut problems after 42 years of being arrested by police for fouling in the wrong place, knocking over children and knocking out my own two front teeth running for the loo. I will just say for the last time that if I fast all day and eat only between six and eight pm my body seems to like it and behaves like it should. I hope you all find relief from your horrendous troubles especially you oobadeedee. I’m going to get on with my life now and I am grateful for all the nice things I’ve read here from you lovely people and I send you all my good wishes. Arrivederci Buona fortuna e con amore. Bx

[HowNowWhatNow in reply to Batteria]

Not fed up and the first time I’ve heard it, so thank you! I had to drink lots of mannitol last week in order to have a CT scan. That bulks up your bowel but also causes evacuation of everything in your bowel afterwards. My stomach pains have been much less ever since that happened. Night and day.

[Gypsy67 in reply to Batteria]

Also first time I have read your story. Thank you for sharing. I have been dealing with IBS- D many years too. Same scenario as you with accidents in very embarrassing situations. I find a “solution” and then it only works for a while. I just keep trying.

[Maureen1958 in reply to Batteria]

Does this mean you are leaving the group permenantly Batteria, if that is the case may I wish you all the best for the future. ❤️

[Poorlypatient]

I am very similar to you although older at 75 and have had IBS for 22 years .Like you I started with D but now changed to mixed and never know how the day will pan out.It is very difficult to have any kind of social life and I take Imodium if going out for the day.All we can do is keep going and hope for the best.Best wishes to you and everyone on here.

[oobadeedee in reply to Poorlypatient]

Thank you so much for your well wishes. So sorry for your many years of suffering. I totally can relate. I am so glad to have come across this group. It is very helpful in not feeling alone in dealing with this insidious IBS. I am always amazed at the tenacity of the human spirit. Look at us dealing with a life altering condition and we keep on searching and fighting for answers. At least now, in this day and age, we have groups such as HealthUnlocked, where we can find different avenues and support to keep giving us hope. Have fab day! 🌻

[mommieb in reply to oobadeedee]

Hello!I am 64 was diagnosed with IBS - C 6 years ago. I also have panic/anxiety disorder which causes flare-ups. I am learning to live with it. I drink as much water as possible, use a daily probiotic but still have to use either a stool softener, laxative or both. Staying positive is the hardest part. I find that people who do not have IBS do not understand what our bodies are going through. Constant bloating, gas pains, fatigue. I do not post hardly at all but reading the posts of others has helped tremendously on really bad days.

[oobadeedee in reply to mommieb]

Hello Mommieb! Learning to live with IBS is extremely stressful which in turn, adds to our anxiety which in turn, contributes to our IBS symptoms. We have no choice but to live with it as there is no cure for this disease. How lovely it is to have a group of like minded people to interact with for support and other avenues to explore in dealing with IBS. If only people outside of the IBS loop would be able to be more understanding of what we go through. I find this is where the isolation starts as it is too painful to keep explaining to people why I can't eat this or why I cannot commit to making plans. Often, the response is dismissive and judgemental which also adds to my anxiety so I have learned how to navigate lightly with folks. I am finding this group to be very supportive and informative and it is a bright light amidst the IBS chaos. Thank you for responding to my post and please know that you are not alone in this. Pawsitive thoughts being sent your way.😻🌻