Hi, these questions are mainly aimed at people who have been suffering for ten years or more. Do you think there has been any change in the way that IBS is viewed both by healthcare professionals and by the world at large within the last 10 years? Have you noticed more people talking about it in the media? Do you think there is more research devoted to it now then 10 years previously ( if you keep up with that sort of thing?).
I'm pretty new to IBS (diagnosed 3 years ago), and one of the things that keeps my morale up is the hope that things will eventually get better in terms of attitudes and treatment. But I would like to know whether you have noticed any positive changes that have already happened over the last decade (or indeed since you were first diagnosed)?
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Fencinggirl
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Hi Fencinggirl I've been diagnosed 28 years ago and I thought things would change but I am still waiting GP"S seem to be the same still not many knowing much about IBS when I see a GP they never seen to now much about the gut stomach trouble of IBS in these days u would think they would know more about it as more people are suffering from IBS now a days don't get me wrong some professional r good at there jobs and help alot but most still don't have a clue and just fob u off with it could be this or that. So I don't see any positive changes at the moment but like u I keep hoping they will be one day.
Saw a gastroenterologist last month they think I could have BAM gave me some meds for bile acid and said to see how I go and I would have follow up in 4 months time it seemed like they just thought I was making it up and didn't even offer any test or anything as said all my other bloods and stool samples was ok
To many people like myself get fobbed of with ibs. Long term suffering and meds like omeprozole. Turns out I had h pylori which has same symptoms as ibs in many ways. Now, considering 40 percent of people carry this tummy bug, by the time they found it and I was treated it had made my tummy and bowel sensitive know as post infection ibs! I suggest everyone get a pylori test even if you have no symptoms. Especially if you work with others in schools and nurseries etc
Hi I been IBS for 30 years, there is only more talk about it if you look for it. A lot of people if you say you have IBS pretty much have the attitude of oh get over it it’s only stomach ache, that how I have found it but it could be, it could be because I am male I am note sure. Not much has changed with the medical treatment of it either, different diets come and go, the new one is low FODMAP. The problem is everyone has different triggers and symptoms it’s a very complex illness to have and the best person to help you is yourself by finding what your triggers are, keeping a daily diary of what you eat toilet habits ect ect and if you have a flare up go back three four days to see what you ate that might have caused it write it down and if that happens a couple of time leave it out of your diet. Stress is a big issue with IBS try and keep stress levels low.
Thanks boxroad. One of the reasons I asked about this is I was unsure if there had actually been a shift in terms of more research etc or if it was just because I was actively looking for it.
The problem is that IBS is a fall back general diagnosis when other causes are ruled out. So I suspect the attitude of some medics is that we should be relieved that it’s “only IBS” regardless of the ongoing difficulties we face. I read an article once by a doctor who treats people with anorexia, bulimia and other food related issues and he said that doctors should take IBS much more seriously as it has ramifications far exceeding what goes into and out of our bodies. He saw a lady diagnosed with anorexia but it turned out that she actually had IBS and was too afraid to eat because of the pain etc. Since following the FODmap restriction diet for 8 weeks with a hospital dietitian many foods caused problems when I tried to introduce them when they hadn’t done so before so now my diet is very limited and can well understand someone being afraid to eat because of the consequences!
I think GP's should take everyone's symptoms a lot more seriously! I was told I 'only' had IBS for the best part of 20 years. Nine years ago when having a really bad flare up that lasted many weeks, a GP thought perhaps I should have a couple of tests but nothing major showed up. However, recently I have been diagnosed with UC and although the medics say that having had IBS is not linked to IBD I am not so sure... My opinion is that stress genuinely is a trigger for many gut issues but most of us do lead stressful lives to some extent. For anyone who thinks they may have something other than IBS, it is worth getting checked out (even if it means paying initially).
There does seem to be ongoing research, but compared to the number of sufferers the actual amount of research seems small. Also, because it’s seen as a syndrome that is chronic and 'manageable', there doesn't seem to be much impetus to go much further. IMO the total focus on treating IBS as a collection of symptoms to be managed individually is not a good use of NHS resources and is leaving large numbers of us struggling to manage tests, meds, diets and everyday life. Its all just exhausting. Sorry, thats so negative, but after decades of this thats how I feel. However, I must say that the doc that was on Channel 5 recently gave more exposure to IBS than Ive seen in ages, so that was positive-we need much more of that type of programme.
Definitely! Many positive changes. I have had severe IBS since I was 26 (now 70) and in the last five years I have found so much research with treatment options that have had a positive effect. Prior to that, I never had a doctor offer anything that consistently helped me. The research on FODMAP’s (Monash University in either New Zealand or Australia, I’m not sure which, and the University of Michigan supporting research) has been life changing for me. Not a cure: yet has had very positive effect. My gastro Doctor supports the use of that approach ). Have hope behj
I have suffered with ibs for around 20 yrs,seen no change in way drs approach it,but last saturday on breakfast news there was an article about it regarding genes,and how theyre gonna start looking at treatments different,interesting to watch and hopefuly a breakthrough
I have had IBS for 35 years. When I have been to the Doc she says there is no cure and I have to manage the symptoms. I think the trouble is they can't just write a prescription as we are all different. I would love to take a pill and it all be OK . They say stress can make it worse but if you live with IBS and have to plan each day carefully, what can I eat today, or will I have to cancel meeting up with my friend that is stressful to start with.
I’ve been a sufferer for 20 years and it’s got steadily worse. But I’ve obviously been very lucky with both my very sympathetic GPs and excellent consultants.I know that it’s incurable and all they can do is to help me manage my extreme symptoms. I follow the fodmap diet strictly and am also vegetarian ( animal protein is very constipating). It is ruining my life but I’m 78 and it was bearable until 5 years ago.. I believe that there is definitely increasing awareness of this disease and one day things will improve but sadly not in my lifetime. Friends and family are sadly not very understanding or helpful.
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