Don’t know if I have IBS?

[Prettywoman73]

Hi good morning, I think I suffer from IBS my bowel movements change and I get stomach cramps/ pain sometimes bloated and a bit gassy, when I went to my GP they said it sounds like IBS without doing tests. I suffer from anxiety which also brings on these attacks but they seem to last for a few days or more so don’t know how long anyone else has the IBS flare ups for as I feel sick sometimes too, my GP has prescribed me with anti depressants ( I’m not depressed) but she said these can help with IBS

[JudithS]

I had a disinterested GP for over 20 years. I nagged them to give me the tests I thought i needed. In those pre-internet days i found a couple of books on IBS in the library, so my knowledge of IBS was limited.

I had regular flare ups that were severe enough to keep me from work, which probably have damaged my career. I was constantly constipated because I was warned not to be dependant on laxatives, but to drink water and eat fibre, which was not enough to deal with my lazy bowel.

More recently i have had a GP who took the time to listen, and a practice nurse who has helped no end. I have had tests to understand what going on. I take regular supplements to keep my bowels moving and know when to use a laxative and what type. With that the bloating and cramps are managable.

So to cut it short, if your GP is not giving you what you need, find a new one that will.

[edwangy in reply to JudithS]

What supplements do you take?

[winfong]

That all sounds pretty familiar. Scout around the posts on this group for advice on medications, diet, psychology ... There's a ton - much too much to reiterate here.

[Hidden]

Has h pylori infection been ruled out. It’s very common and you show all the signs. Anxiety is also a symptom because the bug lowers the serotonin in your body. Symptoms of pylori are

Gas, wind , bloating, anxiety, loose smelly stool, air pockets in abdomen, gripping feeling in stomach

[Bumpity in reply to Hidden]

Hi, that's interesting, have been unable to see GP as referred to nurse. I suffer with anxiety and am currently awaiting an urgent Colonoscopy and ultrasound to find out what is going on. No mention of h pylori, your description seems to fit my problems, will ask for a test. Thank you.

[Hidden in reply to Bumpity]

Plenty on YouTube etc. It took my gp over a year to test for it. I was just fobbed off with buscopan and told to live with it. The bug can also cause acid reflux. 40 percent of us carry the bug without knowing. Over time it can damage the lining of your stomach so alway worth a test

[Prettywoman73 in reply to Hidden]

Hi morning

Thankyou for your reply, I have never heard of that before, I have just been drinking water with lemon in it, my appetite is not as it should be either , but I know my GP will not test for H pylori again thanks

[Hidden]

Ask for a re test. It’s a breath or stool test

[Prettywoman73 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou