Just introducing myself

[DaweiLeeboxing]

Hi everyone.

I’ve been suffering IBS symptoms for around 6-7 years. I get a sudden swelling on the right side of my bowels and sometimes it hurts to stand up straight. I’ve not been able to work out what foods cause the swelling and bloating. I find this very debilitating as I’ve had to take a lot of time off work and as a result been giving warnings. My stomach makes embarrassing sounds that range from squeaks, groans and even what sounds like a machine gun going off. I need to lose around 3-4 stones which would probably help with the condition.

Nice to meet you all.

[Luisa22]

Hello, DaweiLeeboxing. Welcome.

Sorry you have that swelling so bad you find it hard to straighten up. I've had wind pains so badly I also found standing up straight hurt. But it didn't happen so often as badly as that.

I can get sudden swelling but mine is lower belly and inclined a bit to the left

My tummy makes weird noises too.

I am sorry you have problems with your job as well. It's so unfair. IBS can make us feel pretty rotten sometimes, and many non-IBS people simply don't understand or empathise.

I haven't yet found anything to "cure" the sudden swelling and bloating. It seems to do its own thing. I had that badly last night for no reason I could work out,. But tonight (after I ate broccoli AND asparagus at dinner!) absolutely flat tummy and no gurgles, wind etc. I honestly can't understand IBS.

We are all different though. Maybe some foods you eat might cause the bloating and discomfort?

[crazyladyloyd]

I also suffer with IBS and I also can't sort out the foods what to eat and what not to eat.

[BarefootMe]

Hi There, I have a pain on the right side too. I think mine might be an ileocecal valve issue which may in turn be causing SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. I find sugar and gluten and stress to be my big triggers thought not exclusively. I did an elimination diet with the help of a functional nutritionist which I'd recommend if you can afford it. I gave up alcohol too which will help all my good bugs grow and hopefully overpower the bad bugs Good Luck

[BarefootMe]

Oh yes and I'd recommend Megan Rossi, The Gut Health doctor's book - Eat Yourself Healthy where is talks you through how to figure out what your cause might be and how to treat yourself if you can't afford her clinician fees!

[Ishallwearmidnight]

Welcome - I can relate a lot to this. When I was working in an office the most embarrassing thing were the noises my stomach was making and trying to strike a balance with how much time I spent on thy toilet (which usually didn't stop the noises if I was having a bad stomach day). I find it particularly difficult in the morning and often have to go back to the toilet once or twice before I get out the door, so was often late and had started receiving warning letters too. I changed jobs because it became too stressful not to have an understanding boss (and this was pre-pandemic so remote working wasn't presented as an option except for exceptional circumstances and required medical evidence etc). I now work from home since going freelance a few months ago and it is much better - I can use what used to be commute time for the second and third toilet runs, can go to the toilet any time I like without having to worry admit disturbing other people etc. If remote working is possible for your job role I would recommend asking if you can try this, when you need to you can take a short break and cat nap as well. I used to have pain so bad that I was doubled over, but it got better after I started drinking nettle tea (though that might just be a coincidence). I also started getting reflux at that time and I think the valve between my stomach and oesophagus had weakened to the point where it was letting some of the trapped wind out as well as some liquid stomach contents (now I belch a lot, but that's better then the level of pain I had before). I still get pain but it doesn't last as long and is rarely as intense as it was before.