Struggling with loo frequency

[Popps21]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis 18yrs ago. It’s now in remission but I still struggle with my stomach. Was told about a year ago it’s IBS. Mornings are the worse, go about 3-5 times a day, urgency & I can’t hold it. Been on meds, tried Fodmap- this helped abit but then found it hard reintroducing foods. On meds still for colitis, started using peppermint oil & tea. Started Fodmap again 2 weeks ago, still going to the loo frequently! Not sure what else to do! Take codeine phosphate when I go out, helps abit but advised not to take regularly as it’s an opiate. Heard about Colafac & Meveberine. Don’t know if they would help? Does anyone have similar symptoms?

It so draining when it impacts your daily life.

[XDjames]

IBS is doing its best to wreck my life. When I have discomfort (like an alien prodding me inside) that I can't relieve by a poo I have to resort to painkillers, and codeine phosphate (30mg) takes the edge off. Not sure about addictive possibilities, I don't use that much, I'm more concerned about possible slowing down motions .....

[Popps21 in reply to XDjames]

Hi, Sorry to hear you are suffering, it’s so depilating.

I use Codeine Phosphate too only as and when. My GP said not to take all the time as it’s an opiate. Have you tried other IBS stuff like buscopan or Imodium type? I’m not sure how often you take these though. Is the pain cramps?

[XDjames in reply to Popps21]

Thanks; discomfort -when it's there- is a bit like squeezing my nuts, tends to dissipate if I pass a lot of wind that I'm sure is root cause. Buscopan has absolutely zero effect, I would not dare take Imodium as that would make it harder to get rid of stuff. So it's managing the energy sapping discomfort. It's not always like this but I'm stuck with it the last week and it's pissing me off.

[Popps21 in reply to XDjames]

Have you tried peppermint tea / oil it’s antispasmodic. Or fennel tea for digestion? Might help with the wind issue?

[XDjames]

Thanks again; I take a lot of Colpermin, I think it helps a bit. Just stated taking fennel, heard it helps, early days. With all the things I've tried nothing seems to have significant impact. Obviously I'm extremely careful with what I eat particularly during a down cycle. It's really very hard to judge what helps and what makes it worse. This one will eventually end and it will feel like being on another planet.