Severe IBS?

[Pashi1967]

Hi, first post on here, I've suffered with IBS since 2016, just wondered how severe mine was in comparison with others, during a flare up I need the toilet constantly for anywhere up to 8 hrs before it settles, each time it eases the stomach but the pain and the need to pass something returns. I estimate I must use the toilet 8/9 times in that period, is this severe?

Thanks

[Daz1113]

Have you had all the tests? I can have similar flare ups. But now the Doctors saying it’s either Colitis or Crohn’s disease. So I am now going back to hospital. I always used to wonder when the flare ups where that bad. That no way that was food related, especially when you’re already on a very restricted diet. Anyway I hope you find some relief soon. Good luck

[JulieB5200]

Hi,I’d say that’s quite severe.The most I’ve been is around 6 times within a few hours but the pain varies.Mostly the pain comes on just before I need to go and settles afterwards.However it can return within minutes if I need to go again,so annoying 🙄. I have had times of severe pain where I’ve been doubled up and that has took a good few hours to ease. Thankfully those times aren’t so frequent but when they happen they are horrible.Normal for me is going an average of three times every morning before my bowel settles down.

[BlackIsleGirl]

I always think severity is subjective. If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms that are not controlled and disrupts your life or that you find unbearable then to my mind it's sever. How it relates to other people's experiences shouldn't make any difference to how you feel and how you are treated. It might be nice to say other have it worse than me but it should never invalidate your experiences and feelings.

That said learning about other who have similar issues can make you feel less lonely and isolated.

[Maureen1958]

How many days do the flare-ups last and how often do you have a flare-up?

[Maureen1958]

My husband suggested you could take a look at his website if you are interested in how severe IBS can be. See link below:

test.frimleyphotography.co....

[Sunshinefordays31]

This is a really interesting thread…I always think my IBS is severe in that when I get a flare up (which happens every 2-3 weeks) at least a couple of days will be complete write offs. I have IBSD and I probably end up using the loo 11-15 times along with excruciating pain, bloating, smelly gas and fatigue (the reason I know the number of times is from counting on a number of occasions to try and explain to medical professionals how severe it is). In my opinion, if it’s disrupting your life (which having to go to the toilet so often and in such pain is) then it’s severe. Unfortunately though, in my experiences that doesn’t seem to have had an impact on the treatment from doctors I’ve interacted with - in my latest appointment with my dietitian, he basically said he couldn’t suggest anything else if taking flaxseed and trying therapy wasn’t working. Not sure if that’s helpful and sorry if it’s a bit of a download - but really hope you start to feel better. I’m personally waiting now until I can get private medical insurance with my workplace and going the private route as I’m so sick of years of being fobbed off!