How can I relieve IBS pain? And how do I find what caused it?

[Tinkypete]

Hi, I'm not sure if anybody will be able to help me with this but any ideas would be helpful.

A bit of backstory: On the 1st October 2020 I woke up in the night with a sharp stabbing pain on my left side. I could barely move and tears were running down my face it was that painful, I managed to roll over onto my back and the pain soon stopped. Ever since then I've had constant cramping and bloating and suffered with constipation. I'd had a lot of bread that day so assumed it was related to that.

I have been to the doctors and was told "it's probably IBS, look it up on the NHS website and it will tell you what to do". I've been tested 3 times for coeliac and deficiencies, had an ultrasound and done a stool sample.

I've tried laxatives, peppermint oil capsules and mebeverine all prescribed by doctors - none of these helped with cramps and bloating and the laxatives ended up causing diarrhea. I've tried buscopan which seemed to make it worse. I now take gripe wate every day to help with the bloating, and suprisingly Rennies seem to help settle my stomach when it feels like its churning.

I cut out wheat and dairy for 2 weeks (as told by the doctor at A&E). I've slowly introduced wheat back in but still haven't dared to eat any bread since. Dairy wasn't a problem and if anything yoghurts help.

I've cut back on spicy and fatty foods, I'm drinking more water than ever and I'm TRYING to exercise regularly. I've heard that stress can be a trigger but there's not much I can do about that I have to work.

If anybody can think of anything I could try to relieve the pain it would be so greatly appreciated. It's really been getting me down and the doctors don't seem to want to help.

Thanks in advance

[BlackIsleGirl]

Hi, you sound like me a few years ago.

Let me answer your second question first, there can be loads of causes (chemotherapy for me) and sometimes you never find the original trigger. It's frustrating and totally pants but there's really no point in driving yourself nuts with why. The hard reality is that the scientists don't know. It's a functional issue but also linked to emotion and mental state. Sorry that's not helpful.

Controlling the pain is a bit harder because every IBS sufferer is different and controls their symptoms differently. For me it's mostly diet for others it's medication or combination of both or stress control. Unfortunately it's one of those suck it and see situations and unfortunately GPs tend not to have the time or the training to be much help. It's up to you to keep pushing to find the combination that works for you.

If you're not doing it already start keeping a symptoms diary. There's loads out there but a spreadsheet with columns for date, time, food/drink, symptoms and stress level. From that you might be able to spot your triggers and work towards avoiding them or at least deciding if they're worth it.

You mentioned stress so it might be worth looking at stress relieving techniques. I've found yoga really great. YouTube has loads of short gentle workouts and even some aimed at reducing bloating and constipation. I also find walking really helps get things moving.

I know it's tough but it can get better and with work and determination you will get there. This forum is a great support and source of information so I'm really glad you've found us. Keep us posted with how you're going.

[Pajarorose]

Hi Pete, My intolerances are most fruits, but for applesauce, six grapes and pears canned in full syrup. Also, I eat white bread, which has made the last big step towards feeling normal again. If I have pain, gas, cramps, I take Meclizine; it relieves the spasms which allows the gas to escape. It is my understanding that most so-called IBS with constipation is intolerance to fructans in breads and some vegetables.

[juniepoonie]

My best advice would be to ask your doctor to refer you to a clinical dietician with an interest in the low god map diet you can google it but you really need the advice of a dietician. It took me about 6 wks to get relief so don't give up

[Plumt]

I was in a similar position to you and tried various diets, saw numerous specialists and had numerous tests. I was then told time and again that it was IBS, which in my opinion is a name that the medical profession give to an abdominal pain which they can not attribute to any known cause.During the course of my visits to various specialists I met a chyro practitioner who was confident that my problems could be attributed to pelvic floor dysfunction. Willing to try anything to release the tension in my pelvis, abdomen, upper thighs and buttocks their suggestion made sense

I now regularly do a thirty minute stretch program which is slowly but surely providing relief.

Look the exercises for pelvic floor dysfunction up on Google and U tube and do them every morning and every night, it will take time but if your problem is similar to mine stretching and relaxing the relevant muscles will work

Good luck