help!!

[Roryheidi]

I have had symptoms on and off for many years Omeprazole for acid reflux which has settled now thankfully and now I swing between constipation and urgent diahorea. I’ve started a food diary and milk seems to be a trigger food along with some others. Does anyone know if this will eventually settle without seeing a doc as not been formally diagnosed could it becIBS ?

[winfong]

Sounding that way to me. Definitely see a doc, though, to make sure - and make sure it's not something serious as well.

[xjrs]

Always best to not assume anything and get things checked out by your GP. They will run some tests - see here:

nhs.uk/conditions/irritable...

[eyeofthetiger123]

note there are some herbal remedies that you can try but you should go to a doctor just to check. The problem is if it is a nhs doctor then they will just seem to deal with your symptoms only. You can try a low-level anti-microbial for a few months (such as garlic and celery seed) in order to see if there is any improvement. Furthermore, slippery elm is great for people who have suffered with acid reflux as it acts to sooth the digestive tract. I would also recommend making a list of foods that trigger your IBS also and keep a diary. Often using an app or an artificial intelligence to do this is a good start as it can detect things that may not be obvious.

[Superzob]

You might look at the possibility of Omeprazole altering your gut flora. Because it reduces stomach acid, more bacteria pass into the gut and could upset it. It’s a difficult balance but, if you could get away with a reduced dosage of Omeprazole, then it might help

[Penneystar]

Sounds like lactose intolerance, I can’t have anything made with milk at all. Milk was giving me bad upset tummy , so ice cream , custard, soft cheese, and now I don’t have milk in tea or coffee.

Just try excluding it for a week and see. I was diagnosed with IBS in my late twenties I’m now 70. The FODMAP diet has been a life saver you just have to try and give it time .

[debwhit]

I also swing between constipation and diarrhoea it's a nightmare I've been on Omezprazole for years and it does help keeping a food diary to try and work.out if there's a foodstuff that triggers unfortunately I haven't been able to find any triggers for myself good luck. Oh and if I have a particularly bad day with stomach cramps I take buscopan which helps xx

[Roryheidi in reply to debwhit]

thanks for reply

[Luisa22]

Are you sure it's not lactose intolerance? Can you try going completely dairy-free for a while, and see if that stops your symptoms? Lactose intolerance causes IBS-like symptoms.

If it is that, the good news is the doctor can prescribe Lactaid which is a natural enzyme which is lacking in people with lactose intolerance.

Of course it might not be that simple, and be IBS anyway, But to know if it is definitely IBS, you will need to see the doctor and get some tests. Unfortunately, IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion of every other possibilty. Your doctor might start with stool tests and blood test neither of which are terribly invasive. Other conditions can act like IBS you see.

[Roryheidi in reply to Luisa22]

thanks very helpful

[Lamly]

What mg are you taking a day, I have just gone on them and they have made a big difference.

[Minette53]

I am in the same exact situation. I have been on omeprazole for years and tried others too but still suffering with gut problems. Now it’s a month since my digestive system is upset. It goes from constipation to diarrhea, cramps, gas, gurgling and upper stomach heaviness and nothing I tried seem helping. Saw the GP, blood and stool results came back thankfully normal. Now will try a food map and stick to it, hopefully it help with this misery. It’s always good to check things out with your GP to be on the safe side