Buscopan daily?

[Tronson]

Hi everybody,

I was told I have IBS about 8months ago and to try fodmap. I've had stool (once) and blood tests (twice) which were all clear. I've found fodmap incredibly hard to follow as it's so limited and I never seem to get a long enough period of time to really try it I.e. a month where there are zero events in the diary. I can do it very strictly for 4 or 5 days but then it seems to waver and I repeat. Not good.

The pain is almost daily on my right and usually under the ribs. I can go days with 'normal' toilet habits and then I can go weeks with constipation even though I feel the real need to go. I've recently (10 days) started taking Optibac daily so I'll see how that goes.

My question is, Buscopan does seem to help me somewhat (discovered after talking to a friend), is it safe to take this regularly please? I.e. daily or several days a week? I've tried researching on here but no real clear indication

Thank you so much

[XDjames]

I never heard you shouldn't keep taking buscopan, if it works for you keep doing it!Low FODMAP is actually not so bad after a while: just look at the things you CAN eat. GF bread is horrible -only palatable if toasted- but GF is not necessarily the same as low FODMAP. I found spelt sourdough (you can find in Waitrose and from 'artisan' bakers) is good.

[Tronson in reply to XDjames]

Thank you for your reply. Seems that maybe the way to go!

Agree 100% on the GF bread. They are all pretty ghastly as bread (either super sweet or just fall apart) but yes, the ocado spelt sourdough is the winner so far! I've been GF for 6 months now, I've found the GF pasta is fine. I also went lactose free for 3months but that didn't make any difference

[Andann]

Buscopan is given to us in New Zealand along with another laxative , glyco prep as preparation for colonoscopies so I'd say its pretty strong and shouldnt be taken too often . However it depends on what strength you have access to. I'd ask a medical professional or nutritionist. Also you will find you'll get accustomed to low fodmap if you persevere and there are more specific low fodmap meals available recently and presumably that market will expand.

But if constipation is your main problem ( not food sensitivities) then focus on those remedies and hopefully those that are healthy.

A lot of us have had help from eating green kiwi fruit each day, 1 or 2 , or using frozen kiwi pulp or taking kiwi based tablets. But there are other foods and some people mention senna.

[Tronson in reply to Andann]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I didn't know about kiwi being a relief aid, I'll definitely be looking into that today

[bluecat65]

Hi,

I have had IBS for 25 years & l have now been taking Buscopan for 22 years & it has helped.

I did speak to a specialist because I also have Reactive Hypoglycaemia, so l can’t follow some of the diets for IBS.

He told me that it is safe for me to stay on it every day & it was given to me as a permanent prescription.

Just check with a medical professional to make sure that it is ok for you too.

Hope this helps x

[Tronson in reply to bluecat65]

Thank you so much for replying, really helpful

[Catty1234]

Hi have you ever had an ultrasound to check for gallbladder problems as this typically causes pain where you describe ? X

[Tronson in reply to Catty1234]

Morning, thank you for coming back.

No, I had a CT scan (via a&e) probably about 12months ago when my inital Dr's telephone appointment believed I had a ruptured appendix so sent me there! CT scan came back all clear (I check the discharge letter regularly to help relieve anxiety about it) but there's no mention of gallbladder being checked, it was bowel, liver, kidneys, spleen and pancreas.

[Catty1234 in reply to Tronson]

I would’ve thought the scan would pick it up and if you’ve had liver function tests too any abnormality there would indicate gallstones as well . The pain could possibly be trapped wind ??? I get it stuck under my ribs right and sometimes left and I take simethicone for it x

[Inksplat]

My GP recommended it to me, but it is contra indicated if you have glaucoma, so just be aware of that. Someone in this group recommended Renni deflatine which has simeticone , so I’m currently trialling those.

[Tronson in reply to Inksplat]

Thank you for coming back, I'll look into those

[Inksplat]

Re Fodmap foods - there is a group called -A little bit yummy- worth looking at for good advice and recipes

[Boxroad]

I have taken three times a day for about four years now, prescribed by my doctor

[Tronson in reply to Boxroad]

Thank you for taking time to reply, that's really useful to know

[265599]

Hi.Over my 69 years I suffered with bowel problems.

In the last 10 years I've had 29 colonoscopies and have been told that I have diverticular disease.

I started taking buscopan about 11 years ago after a severe bout of IBS, prior to that I was prescribed mebrevine for two weeks.(also a anti spasmodic)

In my particular case, I've been taking buscopan for years now as and when needed with no side effects, I would suggest that you speak to your doctor,before long term use in any case.

You can find more information on the NHS website on buscopan.(and the patient information that us provided with it)

There are certain medical conditions it seems when you should not take it .

Once more look at the NHS website.

Good luck.

[Tronson in reply to 265599]

Thank you for replying, yes I think I'll make an appointment just to check with my Dr

[Frasina]

If you buy Buscopan over the counter it will state that you can only use it for 2 weeks; I asked my gastroenterologist about this a couple of weeks ago as I have IBS and more recently colitis. He said it is ok to take Buscopan for more than 2 weeks (in fact, many take it for much longer) however - perhaps you should check this first with your GP or some other medical professional.

[Tronson in reply to Frasina]

Thank you for taking time to rey back, really appreciate it.

[Jmcgrath]

I’ve been taking buscapan for years alongside peppermint oil tablets and not had any side affects!

[Tronson in reply to Jmcgrath]

Thank you for taking time to rey back, really appreciate it

[Saraia]

I have the GF bread from Warbuttons, its not bad i think, lightly toast the other breads, to keep their structure when eating. I take buscopan, and think its lovely, until it decides it doesnt want to work, so i have a break and then start it up again.

Try adding some anti-bloating foods drinks to your diet; e.g. cucumber, avocado, banana, asparagus, peppermint.