Bloating and cramps

[catdee]

Hi there, I have suffered with IBS symptoms for 13 years, following invasive surgeries and cancer treatment in the abdomen (cervical cancer.) I had a lot of different tests etc over that time with nothing conclusive, and a suggestion that adhesions across the abdomen likely play a part.

My flare ups used to be sudden and the cramping pain would build over a few hours, usually evening. I'd be in agony for hours and it'd become so intense until I'd vomit violently for a few hours. This would eventually relieve things and would just be followed by soreness and milder cramps lasting a few days. I didn't think it was IBS but Dr's couldn't find anything else they thought it could be and with my history I think my own anxiety/stress could have played a big part in the intensity of the pain...as soon as I felt a cramp I would be very worried and it would build from there.

The last year or so the symptoms have changed and the cramping is still painful but far less severe and I don't tend to vomit. Instead the flare ups feel milder but last longer, sometimes a couple of weeks. I don't get diarrhoea, but get a large painful bloated windy belly that just feels so tight and cramps, more recently accompanied by lower back pain. I find it debilitating and can't do my job or much at all during these times.

I have only just found this network and have found it really useful to read through other's posts. I had always felt very alone with the symptoms but now see that a lot of my symptoms are likely to be IBS.

I wondered if anyone had similar experiences and any advice to reduce the bloating and pain?

I haven't found Buscopan ever to work. I did have Mebeverine previosuly which I found did help a bit sometimes if I took it soon enough, however the Dr swapped me back to Buscopan about a year ago saying Buscopan was stronger, but alas it still doesn't work for me so now I don't take either.

I have tried elimination diets over the years and just not been able to see any real links or triggers for me, so have given up! It has always seemed quite random, I can be fine one minute and then wiped out for days the next.

I am now starting a low Fodmaps diet which the Dr suggested previously, which feels hard and I'm not convinced will change anything.

Sorry for the long post and thank you if you have got this far! I'd really appreciate any advice.

[Kazzacrazy]

Hi I'm seeing a gastroenterologist as I've had gut issues mainly constipation cramps bloating for a long time which i have always managed myself until now. I had a racial hysterectomy over 20 years ago due to the dreaded c.c too. I literally feel your pain . 🥲 I've had a ct scan and scope and he doesnt think I have adhesions etc it said it would have caused an issue before now if that was the case! I tried the fodmap diet which really helped me identify some foods that I can't tolerate and I'm now taking a laxative daily to keep things moving, which has definitely helped with the bloating. Having a cancer diagnoses is obviously a massive cause for stress and anxiety and which definitely causes gut issues, even after 24 years it still rears its ugly head! Stick with the diet it's not easy but if it gives you a bit if insight into what your body does or doesn't like then it's worth it. Try to keep stress, anxiety levels down easier said than done especially with the other C word now added to the mix . Headspace worked great for me when my mum died and when I feel things are getting to much. Good luck I hope you find something to help give you a better quality of life x

[BlackIsleGirl]

Hello, glad you've found us and that you feel less alone. Cancer treatment triggered my ibs too. I found my breast cancer in 2018 and had the most horrific reaction to chemotherapy which left me with IBS. I think I was lucky to get such a quick diagnoses to be honest.

I've found mabiverine the best for me too. Medications wise I have mabiverine, gavascon and coodamol and that combination seems to control a flare up but I hate taking medication so I only take it if I'm bad. I also find ginger supliment and ginger tea to be a massive help. And I can't manage anything highly acidic like orange juice or mint. But it's the fodmap diet that has really turned things around for me.

I know you've said you've tried elimination diets but it might be worth asking to see a medical dietician and trying it. The elimination phase is hard but once you've worked out what you can eat it's not too bad.

Anyway, glad you've found us and fingers crossed you can find the help and support you need here x