I've experienced painful trapped wind before, which seems to have lingered for a few days, but this time (after a flare IBS-d, ) has been ongoing for about 6 days. Mebeverine helps up to a point, and occasionally Paracetamol. Just when I think it's gone, I find out it hasn't. My IBS is triggered by anxiety/stress and I do seem to letting myself worry in case it's something else potentially more serious. Is this usual for IBS? Also have been looking at Visceral Hypersensitivity.
I have Health Anxiety, and at the moment am lurching from worst-case scenarios to "mild symptoms" and hope I'll be OK. I'm 73 ,female, and live alone.
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asenath
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Yes, it's difficult to be 73, live alone and have health anxiety. I am the exact same. I am not a doctor, but I don't think gas is a symptom of serious problems. Are you due for a colonoscopy. I am just about due, and starting to obsess over it. You might consider making an appointment for one as it would give you some more peace of mind. I have to do the same.
Hello b1b1b1, Thank for replying. I am in the UK, my GP would have to refer me for a colonoscopy, and up to now, he has never mentioned it. I have always had good health, and even now in between bouts of wind pain, I feel absolutely fine, provided I don't catastrophize about my health. I'm hoping this will go away by itself, as I do get very stressed when having to see a Dr. I think this flare began after being recalled due to a slightly abnormal blood test, and I have to take another test in December.
I wish you all the best with your colonoscopy, and hope you cope with it without too much stress! I feel for you.
I can and do catastrophise about health matters, so I understand what you mean, and waiting for a test or retest is very stressful. This can certainly make any IBS symptoms worse. I am not a doctor, but I do think the fact that you feel really good when you don't have an IBS problem is a very good sign that you are basically healthy. x
Thank you so much for your helpful comments and advice b1b1b1, the replies off you and the others have certainly helped me this evening, wishing you well.x
I am nearly 70 and live alone too. I get trapped wind sometimes. I have IBS -D generally, but the trapped wind can happen whether I'm having a bad time with loose stools or not.
I had it today but it was more of an annoyance than a real pain. Little niggles and gripes. For a bit this morning I worried in case it was my liver because the twinges were under my right ribs, but I don't think so as my blood tests are always ok. They wouldn't shift almost all day. They did ease slightly just before dinner though. I'd just been for a short walk, maybe that helped.
We are inclined to think worst case scenario, I do know. I haven't really got "health anxiety" I don't think, but when bodies are giving us unpleasant symptoms it's easy to get concerned and think "what if"? and try to self diagnose via Google!
IBS itself can put me in something like an anxious state when it's a flare up. It feels like just the body giving anxious feedback to the brain, rather than an anxiety condition in itself.
I found that a warm bath helped me somewhat, and a walk., and a cup of tea.
So far it's gone since eating my dinner 6pm. But I think it might come back as it has done for over a week now. Even passing some wind doesn't stop it coming back frequently. But I know IBS always has some tricks to play. And then it will just stop dead. and not be back for a while.
But if you feel the pain is getting to be serious you must ring 111 for advice I think. They were very good with me last year.
Have you tried strong peppermint tea, a warming pad, shifting position to hopefully let out wind, or moving about gently?
Hello Luisa22, Yes, my flare up has subsided I think, and the pain I was having with the wind 5 or 6 days ago has greatly improved both in intensity and duration. It is for this reason I am not a complete basket case. The thing is I am so focused on my gut I feel every twinge/gurgle etc. I have never had so much discomfort with my IBS.
I have been going for a walk and going up and down stairs a lot more and I think it helps, if only to take my mind off things. I also do crafting which also helps. A cup of tea Luisa22, just what the doctor ordered, plus a hot-water bottle and a few Polo mints.
Thank you for your advice, I don't feel so alone now. Please stay well, all good wishes. x
It's good to hear your flare up has subsided, It sounds like yours are brought on by stress?
Yes, I have also become more sensitive to what is going on in my guts. In the old days I would hardly have noticed a twinge of wind, or feeling something moving inside. I am also slightly inclined to catastrophize, which is only based on some bad flare ups in the past. It's like the feelings that led up to them are forever printed on my memory! I often think I would benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy but I can't afford it. I do try to grasp the concepts and try my own DIY at home....lol
You sound very much like me Luisa22. I can say, I didn't think Ibs could go on for days and days, particularly when it's not really a flare. Ibs is a lot more complex than I ever gave it credit for.
I was told last year I could have CBT therapy over the phone, (due to Covid) about my anxiety plus Ibs. It was such a disappointing experience, the therapist didn't have a clue about gut probs, and I cancelled when I heard dishes being washed during our counselling session. I no longer have faith with this particular company used by our NHS.
A lot to be said for self help, good luck and thank you. x
Yes, my own version of IBS seems to have three moods. One, a real flare up, which doesn't usually last me more than a day or two. The second is a low grade kind of daily discomfort of one kind or another plus frequent loose-ish stool. That can have gaps in it of a day or so of relative normality. But one of those can drag on for weeks sometimes with me.
The third, is the most confounding of all but I am grateful for it. That's when my IBS just "goes away"!! I am completely normal, energy okay, eating just fine (but I'm still a bit careful with food and don't experiment too much) Bowel movements normal and healthy, and no tummy discomfort. The longer that lasts I start to forget I have IBS. Earlier this year I had about 2 months like that. I got my hopes up but they were dashed again for no obvious reason.
Your counsellor didn't sound quite right, I agree. I have heard of people doing telephone consults from bed , wearing their PJ's. That's forgivable I think. But they should be giving you their full attention.
Your own description of Ibs is so very similar to mine , a flare I recognise by a couple of days with frequent small bm with dull continuous ache lower abdomen, sometimes moving on to a day of "stubborn" stool. Never had this before with the trapped wind, really painful and not being able to find medication to relieve it. Good to know I'm not suffering alone. (Sorry) hope you know what I mean Don't think I have it as bad as you though, but I'm a "cry-baby", Lol!
Anyway I had a pain-free night and still Ok up to yet! All good wishes Luisa22.X
Most of the time I have about 3 bms a day, sometimes 6 or 8 when having a flare, as the flare subsides my gut slows for a day maybe 2. So I can't really complain as reading how others are suffering puts me to shame. Plus I have been going for months and months with no flares, since I started taking a probiotic, but all good things come to an end. Lol
Food is not really a trigger, never has been, just anxiety/stress. x
Oh don't talk to me about wind its the bane of my life. Learned to accept my bouts of IBS d, but the wind pains happen at the most inopportune times. Area RIF bottom-right and top-right. If I am going out take anti spasmodics before I eat and hope for the best, other times at home warm pad and disappear to another room to release as it can happen sometimes when we are eating our meal. Do understand 🌹
Oh dear! Linley, How on earth have you coped with the sudden wind pains? I've only just experienced them this last week....I'm not a fan! I've begun taking Colofac which are helping me a little at the moment. Trouble is when in company not all are very understanding are they? Thank you for your reply, it's appreciated. x
Ok, Linley, thanks for that, I'll ask him about "time release mebeverine", willing to try anything right now. was awake at 4 am this morning with pain, which lessened after a small toilet visit. (thankfully) x
Thanks SusieGee9, I do apply heat to my tummy it's very soothing isn't it? Have only "flirted" with peppermint tea in the past, but am willing to try it again as so many people have recommended it. Wishing you well too! x
Hi Angie11, Thanks for replying. After taking Buscomint, decided to give up on peppermint oil as I seemed to get heartburn after, particularly lying down. As I'm getting desperate at the moment, I will try the tea again. I appreciate your advice it's kind of you. Who knows I may go back to try the oil caps in the future. It's all trial and error isn't it? x
I’m not a fan of busopan it slows down my gut too much. Colpermin is taken a least an hour before food or lying down , that might help with the indigestion issues.
At 4am I was waken with awful pain, After a bathroom visit, (small poop) + wind , the pain went away for an hour, then returned at 5 am, repeated the "visit" and feel quite relieved. Thank you for your concern Angie11. You've made me smile. x
There are many of us who are experiencing pain either by wind or some unknown reason. I hope you feel better soon. Have u looked at supplements that absorb wind like charcoal apple cider etc.
Hi 010646, I've never tried either of those you mentioned, apart from Cider vinegar uses for other things. Can you drink it? Doesn't it make you cough/choke? How do you take it?
Oh yes. I remember seeing a post about this recently. People thinking there is a problem with obtaining products containing simethicone. I've just checked Rennie's own website and clicked 'buy now'. It seems Ocado has some (though depends on if you shop with them or not), there is also a search for local stores:
I want to thank all of you for coming to help me, such kindness shown and I appreciate it. Will keep you posted, and hope it's better news soon. X
Back from hairdressers, was fine but just as I was on my way home the old familiar twangs started, however, they didn't stick around once the deed was done. Lol!
Hi Dollymae06, I have tried both, I found they work better some days than another. This makes it harder to decide which is the best option at the time. Can you take these together? x
Thanks Dollymae06, May have to try it, nothing much seems to be working at the moment. Trouble may be that I don't give them long enough to work, and end up jumping from one medication to another. Does that make sense? x
At the moment my anxiety over this is winning, and find myself getting more and more upset/worried. It was better yesterday I think, and today I've lost my appetite with overthinking. My own worst enemy Dollymae06. All my replies have been tremendously helpful, but I'm just having a not so good day, and finding it hard to feel positive. Dr. Google should be banned. Lol x
Sometimes when I'm anxious I just think I've had Ibs for many years and if it was something more serious I wouldn't be here now. Also I don't loose any weight I should be a lot thinner the amount of time I use the bathroom.
My dear Dollymae06, I feel for you, I really do. Your advice and words to me have been invaluable and I'm grateful to you for finding the time to help me. Thank you. X
I feel your pain. Iv had what I think is trapped gas for 6 days now. I do have IBS but haven't had anything like this for a long time. Iv tried buscopan, windeze, gaviscon, nothing is relieving it. The pain in my ribs and back is awful. Constantly got a wheat bag glued to my stomach. Been to the docs today and she said she isn't concerned and thinks it's an IBS flare
Hi KB08, That's interesting to hear you've suffered this pain for 6 days. (me too) Feeling more relieved to hear what you say about your Dr. not being concerned.
last evening I managed to physically relax, even managed a small bowl of soup, after, I noticed my pains had subsided and went on to have a pain-free night's sleep. Yaaay!!
(Fingers crossed) Onward and upward. Wishing you well.x
Sorry, forgot to say, I take bisodol too, I've got terrible bloat now, some pain too, hopefully the bisodol will work again in about 15 minutes or so. Hope you can get some relief soon. x
Thanks Bluestones1, I have had a better day today, windsetlers haven't worked but luckily the pain is less. I've never taken Bisodol, I always thought it was more for acid/indigestion. Sorry you're suffering too, hope you feel better soon, and thank you for your advice and suggestions. x
Hi..I really do empathise with you..I have been suffering the same thing for a couple of months now...Its very depressing and seems to be going on forever...I take Merbeverine, and although Im not sure that they help, Im afraid to stop taking them.. Its low down , intestine type pain and usually gets worse as the day goes on.. I too have chronic Health Anxiety, and have finally decided to pay for a Scan privately.. I need peace of mind..It helps to hear that other people have the same symptoms and it probably is IBS.I wish you well. D.x
So nice of you to share with me, thank you. Yes, it's miserable especially when it's gone on for so long as it has with you. You have my sympathy debbiejayn.
Mebeverine is ok but like you say, it doesn't always work, makes life even more difficult!
I hope you recover soon debbiejayn, wishing you well. X
I have been trying Homeopathic remedies, and I'm with a practitioner. There has been some good improvement with me (though not a 100% cure) over the time I've been with her. Not everybody believes homeopathy works but it does for me ....sometimes it's amazing with some remedies, and with others, less so.
But the other day a week or more ago I had terrible trapped wind and I remembered a remedy she gave me a little while go. I still had some, so thought I'd try it. I started to feel better within an hour. I took some more when I woke up the next morning. It seemed to stop the wind problem (for now anyway)
The remedy I took was called "CARBO. VEG." and the potency I took was 12C.
Homeopathic remedies either work or do nothing, and it depends on whether it's the right remedy for a person, and lots of things. But they are safe to take, no side effects etc.
So pleased this worked for you, Is it only available through your practitioner? Or can you buy from herbalist? Trouble is you have to know what you're doing don't you. Not sure I could afford to see a homeopath but I'm not adverse to alternative medicine, it's brilliant that it works for you, well done!
My practitioner gave me that remedy, but I do believe Carbo. Veg. might be available via Amazon, possibly Holland and Barrett (not sure about that), Weleda? and Chemists. Whether they would have the 12C potency or not I don't know. But the 6C one might work. I'm not sure. I haven't tried that one.
It costs me £65 a month for my consultations and remedies. I haven't got a lot of money, only my state pension coming in, but at least I don't have the cost of central heating. I burn wood I collect myself etc. So to me that £65 is worth it as I have seen some improvement compared to what I was like at first, so I'll keep it up for now at least.
Sounds like money well spent Luisa22, and not as dear as I thought. I'll keep my eyes open for this, and google it too. It's good to have options.
I'm totally jealous of your wood burning, I wish I had a wood burner but I live in a council house, lived here all my life, and we used to have a coal fire and a big black grate with a couple of ovens in too. Then the area became a smokeless zone. It all went down bank from then. Lol!
Hope you continue to do well, and thanks for the info. x
I hope if you try it, it might work to help a bit. It might, or might not, but is worth a try maybe.
I have a multi fuel stove and an open log fire. There is no other heating. It is very nice but involves a lot of work. I have to work from March to September every year on the winter wood supply.
My brother and his wife have a wood burner and a coal fire. Nice to have but hard work as you say and expensive. Will have to go and do some "wind" shopping to see what works best for me. Am considering making an appointment with the Dr. on Monday just to get more reassurance, put my mind at rest. I'll see how it goes over this weekend. Warm wishes Luisa22. x
Good luck if you see the doctor on Monday. I can't remember if you said you had tried Rennie Deflatine? I haven't tried that, but it's supposed to really help trapped wind.
Feeling less painful this last 2 days, so we'll see! Good luck to you also Luisa22 and thank you for all your words of wisdom and encouragement, so kind and helpful. X
An update on previous gut problems from 8 months ago. Did a stool test, came back positive. Had a CT Colonoscopy, then a further test which was a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy. After these tests they found a diverticula and a haemorrhoid, no polyps. So glad I can't tell you. Plus, I have had no more IBS symptoms, GP says it was more than likely caused by Anxiety. Thanking everyone for their advice, concern and support. xx
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