Bug or flare?

[JT1992]

Hi everyone.. sorry I know I am a broken record on here! But can anyone tell me their thoughts on this please..

Had a stressful week in court with work last week. Really proud of myself as I managed to get through it with the help of Imodium and enteresogel, was lucky as we didn’t have to meet until 9am each morning.

also had a wedding at the weekend that I got through.

Now I’m back I’ve either picked up a bug or going through a crazy flare. D every time I eat with nausea (the D is quite yellow), weird stomach pains that aren’t like the usual cramping but more like I’ve been punched in the stomach. Tender and sore. The D comes out of nowhere..

People are telling me it’s a ‘relief’ of ibs after the stressful week, but I’m going away on holiday next week and it’s making me anxious about that now. I am hoping it’s just a bug but never know how to tell the difference ? Normally with a flare I feel a bit better after an hour or so once I’m ‘empty’, but this has been going on a couple of days ..

[b1b1b1]

It could be a stomach bug. Since you are going on vacation, I would suggest the BRAT diet for a few days and perhaps a doctor visit.

[Eliana5 in reply to b1b1b1]

Perhaps the Doctors appointment or gastro appointment should come first. No one should be trying any medication or "diet" without first consulting with their Gastro or Doctor! 😊

[b1b1b1 in reply to Eliana5]

Yes, you are right, although doctor appointments are sometimes hard to get. That is why I suggested the BRAT diet while waiting. This is a very bland diet, and the letters stand for bananas, rice, apple juice and toast. Basically a stomach virus diet. x

[Will1234]

Sounds like an IBS flare up to me . Possibly stress related . After using meds to get through what you felt were events where you just could not have IBS issues . For whatever reason the mind, or brain / gut relationship , is I think having some effect .Sort of like your system saying I have got through that and now I can relax and don't have to keep it all together now . I am no expert and don't understand it fully but I have experienced similar situations.

I would bet you are probably thinking now , what would have happened if this current session of D had happened when at court or at the wedding. Now you are worrying about travelling on holiday .

Anyway , it all struck a chord with me and I thought , this is life with IBS . Try to just stay calm and let things calm down , Imodium will get you on holiday if required .

Interested to hear how it goes and I think you will be fine , or at least whatever is normal for you .

Good luck

Will

[JT1992 in reply to Will1234]

Thank you for your response and advice. I was still going to the toilet everyday, if I wasn’t then I would assume it was overflow from ‘bunging up’. I wouldn’t be so worried if it was only a few nights holiday, take immodium and worry about what happens when I get back.. but it’s a 12 hour flight to Brazil and almost 3 weeks away. I am petrified of having days like the 2 I have just had! :/

[JT1992 in reply to JT1992]

sorry when i say 3 weeks away i mean the holiday is 3 weeks .. i'm going on Wednesday!

[Dollymae06 in reply to JT1992]

I am exactly the same it is so hard not to be anxious especially when flying or going on long trips. I take imodium and use Rescue Remedy drops they really help to keep me calm.

[JT1992 in reply to Dollymae06]

Someone has suggested i try beta-blockers for pre-flight anxiety, have you ever tried them? I have only tried more longer term meds like Citalopram and didnt like the side effects

[Dollymae06 in reply to JT1992]

I have never tried beta-blockers but I do take Sertraline but doesn't really help.

[Eliana5 in reply to JT1992]

Please see your gastro for an exam or colonoscopy before going on any meds! People should not be telling you this stuff. They are not gastroenterologists..

[Will1234 in reply to JT1992]

Totally understandable . I could not contemplate a 12 hour flight . From what you say , the anxiety aspect , which is totally reasonable , is probably making things worse . If I am going on holiday , I get my dotctor to prescribe a few 2mg diazepam tablets just for travelling and take Imodium also for the journey . Maybe worry less after you get there and have time to regulate things . Not easy - I know .

Recently I have found some success with a powder called GI Nutra from Natures Plus , probably available from Amazon . Greatly improved regularity and stopped the dreaded D. You could maybe use that once you get to your destination.

IBS is such a nuisance and spoils so many things so I can fully understand your worry , I have been there many times !!

Will

[JT1992 in reply to Will1234]

Funny enough i spoke to my Dr today asking about Diazepam but he said they are advised not to prescribe it.. so going try some beta blockers instead. Very weird. He also said 'you could try immodium'... Yawn!!!

[Will1234 in reply to JT1992]

That is a pity . About 8 or 10 pills would have zero long term effects.Will

[Icanchangethislater in reply to Will1234]

A benzodiazepine like diazepam is the only thing that works to cut that gut-brain connection when I’m anxious. The only thing. I think it’s cruel when doctors refuse to prescribe it. How would they feel if they feared crapping their pants in public?

[JT1992 in reply to Icanchangethislater]

I know! They don't care.. maybe I will be able to buy some in Brazil for the way home haha

[Icanchangethislater in reply to JT1992]

Good idea! Wishing you the best on your trip. Let us know how it went.

[Eliana5 in reply to JT1992]

No..no..and holy God..no. First of all you can't get that without a prescription at least here in the states. People should NOT be telling you to go on any med without getting a rectal exam or colonoscopy by your gastro..this can be dangerous and irresponsible..

[JT1992 in reply to Eliana5]

Was only joking about the diazepam hence the 'haha'.. i have had every test under the sun and the DR ruled it all out to be IBS years ago.. but thank you for your advice.

[Februarygirl]

Go to your doctors and ask for Amitriptyline. They’ve worked wonders for me, although I still carry Imodium with me ‘just in case’. The10mg worked for a month but 25mg are still working well after nearly five months.

[JT1992 in reply to Februarygirl]

Is that a type of anti-anxiety pill? I think I might have tried it before and it made me feel drugged so i had to stop!

[Eliana5 in reply to JT1992]

Please have an exam done before you go on any medication! Here in the United States that medication is used for people with depression. It is completely ignorant that people tell you to go on this medication without checking with your Doctor..! I'm surprised these people are not reported for making possible harmful statements..

[JT1992 in reply to Eliana5]

Hi thank you for your advice but i have already every test under the sun. People on here are only offering their support and advice and their own experiences of what has worked for them, which I am extremely grateful for, as I am sure other users are too. Positive vibes only please.

[Februarygirl in reply to JT1992]

Yes, in larger doses it’s used as an anti depressant. The larger the dose the more tired it makes you feel. 25mg is relatively low. Despite being called ignorant by Eliana5 which is extremely rude, I would still say to anyone who is very anxious and has to travel to give it a go. Maybe her ibs has never been as bad as mine was. In the end I stopped going out. I was so scared that I wouldn’t make it to my destination without an accident. To be honest I would have tried anything at that point. Amitriptyline is used for many different conditions. I know people that have taken it for migraine and fibromyalgia. I’m sure your GP wouldn’t prescribe it for you if they thought that it wouldn’t suit you. Good luck.

[Eliana5 in reply to Februarygirl]

It's probably not wise just to tell people to go on an antidepressant or anxiety medication for another situation. They should always consult with their gastro first..you don't know this person or their history.. allergies...etc. 😊

[Eliana5]

I suffer from the opposite problem but I can try to do my best here. Have you ever had a digital rectal exam done? To rule anything out or an upper or lower barium follow-thru done? Have you officially been diagnosed with IBS? Many people confuse IBS with diverticulitis, dumping syndrome, ulcerative Colitis, Chron's disease, etc. The best thing to do instead of fretting or guessing is a rectal exam..such as a sigmoidoscopy..and digital rectal exam. What you have sounds like a stress flare up. That happens when worrying a lot, anxiety, etc. Maybe when you get back try to make an appointment for a complete exam. Good 🤞😊

[Fefe09]

normally when I have stomach issues it isn’t yellow. The only time I’ve had yellow is when I’ve been sick and have a bug. That may not be the case for everyone but that is what I have experienced. Hopefully your better since the post. I know where I live a lot of viruses are going around. Get well.

[Laxmi_kook]

hi. Hope you are feeling better. I have found my IBS D can present with different symptoms at different times. The stress and anxiety definitely doesn’t help me. By nature I am an anxious person. My gastro told me my IBS D was caused 50% due to my stress levels. Deep breathing helps me. But as with all things with IBS. It takes time. I will say don’t worry. Just go and enjoy your holiday. What is the worse that can happen. Don’t let IBS stop you from making good memories.

[JT1992]

just to update you all, my GP prescribed me beta blockers.. I tried one before bed, woke up with horrendous D, thought I’d give it the benefit of the doubt, tried 1/2 of one 30 minutes ago and can’t get off the loo! One of the side effects can be D. So looks like I’ll be writing off the beta blockers! Thought maybe I’ll go back on the citalopram.. just read they should be prescribed for ibs c not d because it speeds up motility. God help me ..

[TINKBELL1]

Hi JT1992

Don't be sorry this what we all are here for, support, help, listening. I hear you and your not alone. I have had a week and a half of (D), which I like using the (D). something is trigger you monitor what you are eating and how long after eating do it take you to head for the rest room. If it a multiply of things you will have try increment of 30 mins time watch. There is many of things to trigger you off. 😳