HelloI'm new to this and I can't believe how many people are suffering with IBS or similar. It's astonishing! I'm 65 and have been managing it for 15 years when it started at the age of 50. I've managed it quite well with food, supplements, trial and error, and realized some time ago that symptoms vary from person to person and we have to take an individualistic approach to it. I have recently been having flare ups and bad bouts of bloating and cramps and pain which can be felt at the top of the lower stomach just below the waistline, accompanied by real smelly flatulence, heartburn and tiredness. I am used to most of the symptoms of this but the heartburn and flatulence seem to be getting worse. I don't know if it is to do with something else in the food line or perhaps a supplement. I can't do without a probiotic but I have been taking garlic capsules for a few weeks. Every time I get a spell of something, I worry that it's cancer and I experience palpitations. My toilet stuff has been normal of late and nothing to indicate anything sinister. I am fit for my age and do a lot of physical outdoor exercise. I haven't eaten meat for 40 years. I just feel these symptoms are coming on more regularly and I'm terrified of seeing a doctor who always wants to send me for a colonoscopy which I refuse. I cannot cope with such a procedure due to anxiety which I have suffered from since a child. All blood tests, faecal tests, have come back normal.
Does anyone else suffer with these symptoms as regularly as this?
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Misspomfrey
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hi, sorry to hear that you are going through this. my IBS started in my 50s, and I have had it for 20 years now, but it is definitely getting worse. I have similar symptoms to yours, but not the heartburn.
A friend of mine who was suffering, was advised to take a test for H pylori. She bought this cheaply off the Internet and the result was positive. When she was retested by her doctor, she was found to be positive and given antibiotics. It might be worth you trying a test, too.
As you are worried about cancer, it may be time to bite the bullet and have a colonoscopy. I also had a difficult childhood and I think I can understand your fears. It is not a pleasant procedure, but you can have a sedative and the staff are very supportive. It would be over and done with and then you can eliminate this worry. Many people think that the laxative preparation before the colonoscopy is worse than the actual procedure.
Hi thereI have been thinking myself about testing for H. Pylori and ordered a testing kit yesterday 🙂
I just know I'd be in a terrible state if I went for a colonoscopy, I'd be ill with anxiety. Of course, if I saw blood or anything else that's different from what I normally get, then I'd have no choice. I'm just trying to keep away from hospitals as much as possible.
Hello! Just to say that garlic can be a real trigger for IBS, even in very small quantities. Could you try coming off the garlic capsules and seeing if your symptoms improve? For me, it’s a huge trigger and I avoid any foods which have a lot of garlic.
HelloYes, I agree, I have stopped taking garlic capsules a few days ago. I know only too well that onions and garlic play havoc with my bowels, I don't know what I was thinking of. I just thought being in capsule form wouldn't have the same affect.
Yes, I was thinking too, that garlic is probably the last thing to help IBS. Well, garlic 'as it is' anyway. But I have heard that the medicinal effects of garlic are to do with "allicin". And Allicin is included as far as I know, in the herbal management of SIBO. Apparently it has a completely different effect to actual garlic and not as irritating. But that would be good only if there was some form of infection perhaps.
I swore by garlic as a brilliant healer, for umpteen years and took it very often as well as having it in food. It was great before I had IBS, but not since. It's a shame because I like it.
I agree with SingC . Try coming off of the garlic for a while. When trying anything new it is handy to keep a food diary so that you can track what has changed and notice any changes in symptoms with it.
HiYes, I agree, I have now stopped taking the garlic capsules.
It's amazing though, for 15 years I've been experimenting with foods and what triggers the symptoms. Even now, I have to be aware of everything I eat. We never stop learning do we 🥴
Yes, two years in, I am doing the same experimenting. It's a work in progress isn't it? The thing that gets me is sometimes I experiment with a food and find it's okay...and then it's okay for weeks eating it off and on. But when my gut suddenly decides to flip again, I can't go near that food. But at those times anything I eat does a similar thing. So it's confusing.
hello there, sorry you are suffering I too have had IBS c for over 20 years I am 71 it seems to get worse the older I get. Nothing shown in tests, I had a colonoscopy in which the doctor bruised my bowel he was really rough even the nurse told him to stop. I will never have another one of those. I get so depressed with it, the constant nausea is worse but stress is the big factor with me. Have read up on the Vagus nerve link which is interesting and do breathing exercises , doc gave me stemetil for sickness which helps . Take care and keep safe
HelloSheesh! That sounds awful and has confirmed my suspicions of how horrid it could be. I don't think some of these doctors appreciate that we are just flesh and bone and we should be treated with respect.
I will read up on the vagus nerve thingy, thanks a lot for answering, and to everyone else that's taken the trouble. It's actually comforting to know that we're not alone.
I had a colonoscopy a couple of years ago and it was a bit uncomfortable but painless. The worst think was having to take Moviprep to completely empty my bowels (like an enema) the day before. Mind you, it was a relief to be cleared out. I would be good if you could overcome your anxiety and have one. I do appreciate that it’s easy for me to say. Mine (plus a CT scan) revealed that I had a diverticular disease. However, I still suffer from bad constipation, stomach pain and lack energy.. So really it’s more to do with IBS. As nothing else has helped, I’ve just been prescribed the Moviprep to take once a week followed by Laxido regularly for the rest of the week (hate it). Going to pick up the prescription later. Not looking forward to the regime 😔
Hello and nice to hear from you.It sounds horrible having to take that laxative stuff all the time, you must be depressed with it all. I used to be quite badly constipated, and also diarrhea at times. Over the years I've tried a lot of things, diet, supplements etc and now, I dont get constipated so much. A good probiotic is essential and I've tried many but now have hit on the right one. I don't know why it's different to the rest, but it definitely is. I am able to eat half a dozen prunes each day and 2 dates, no more. Some people can't but I'm ok with them which help. Also fruit is essential but not citrus. Every day I eat a bowl of mixed fruit which includes, peeled apple, peeled pear, some pineapple, banana and a couple of frozen strawberries. I've tried loads of fruit and I now know which ones to avoid. Not too much of one thing mind, it really helps me. I cannot tolerate brassica vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, etc but can eat a few peas, and after years and years, I have recently introduced a bit of sweetcorn into my diet which is really good for fibre, but only a little. All these little things help and I'm sure you've tried all sorts too. No one thing suits us all does it ? Plenty of exercise is a must for me and the walking all my days has saved me as it helps my anxiety problem. I could have gone on antidepressants years ago, but I won't. The more you can take control of things, the better your life will be, is my motto.
I heard something a while ago that there is a camera thing that one can swallow and it takes pictures of the bowels to avoid colonoscopy. Surely there must be some other way of looking at the bowels and stomach without sticking tubes in either end, especially this day and age. They seem to stick to what's easiest for them rather than the patient.
Take care and do write to me again if you feel like it.
Thanks. Nice to hear back from you too. I haven’t heard of the camera thingy. Food-wise, I don’t think there’s a specific trigger. I’ve had dietician advice over the past few months and they’ve reached the same conclusion. I’m just going to have to give the laxatives a go and see what happens. The diverticular disease sidetracked me. I think it’s much more to do with IBS which I’ve had for many years. I returned from working as a teacher in Malaysia and Thailand 5 years ago. There they conveniently had hose style bidets in toilets which helped a lot. I’ve had to make my own here, but it’s a problem when travelling. I know exercise would help, but now I’m constrained and sedentary. Quite a contrast to a couple of years ago when I prided myself on keeping fit - at the height of Covid to take advantage of the opportunity! The really annoying part is that it saps my energy, physically and mentally, which is stress inducing (chicken and egg situation) as I’m still teaching and making videos, including a lot for Ukrainians. You mentioned not wanting to go on anti-depressants. They do help if you have ones which suit you. I did psychology at Uni which included counselling, but the assistance of antidepressants was well-recognised. Medication for anxiety is more of a problem, although I take diazepam now and again and never abuse it. I just recalled that years ago I also discovered that it helped my IBS, no doubt the relationship with stress. I don’t want to use it much now as I want to be alert and I get sleepy enough as it is! Lovely to chat with you. Good to talk to a fellow-sufferer. Keep in touch. Steve x
It must be a problem for you travelling. I find myself putting off going on holiday incase I get flare ups, it really does rule your life and every little thing has to be planned. All my problems started when I was 50, before then I could eat what I liked and go where I liked. I have always been a healthy eater so couldn't understand it. I put it down to menopause but I don't know really.
Anxiety is a problem and has been since a child.
We are what we are though, and can't change our make up.
Hi, I have had the capsule endoscopy 6 years ago.Yes it’s not as scary as having the colonoscopy(although I actually didn’t feel a thing so was fine with it despite my fear)but swallowing the capsule was a little daunting.They give you a slimy drink beforehand to help it go down 🤪.Then they attach a video camera around your waist and send you home for 6 hours.However I’m pretty sure it only photographs the small bowel.
Right, that's interesting, I take it the camera capsule is big to swallow. I don't understand these days though with medical technology, they should be able to scan your bowels inside out, rather than going right inside.
Hi, please don’t put off having a Colonoscopy it’s really not as bad you think more embarrassing in your head and remember Doctors do hundreds of these so it is nothing to them, it’s approximately 15mins and could really help with your symptoms and helping to find a reason for your stomach problems. Just go for it and have it done it will really help in the long run. Take care and all the best 👍
I think half the posts in this community are about people being anxious about having colonoscopies done. 😉 You should check some of them out. Lots of good arguments for and lots of people who finally took the plunge and were happy they did it.
Yeah, these anxiety and ibs go together in a lot of people, me included. Especially me. Even experiencing them both rn. I have never worried about cancer tho because ibs and anxiety are already finishing me. Statistically more of the worries about illness like cancer are just health anxiety. Just remind yourself it's most likely to be health anxiety. It's really common
Misspomfrey, you sound very much like me. I am active and an outdoors person too, and age 70. I also do my very best to keep away from medical procedures and drugs. When I was diagnosed with IBS it was 2020 so I was super lucky to get to first speak to, then actually see, my doctor. I told him I really REALLY didn't want a colonoscopy.
He was very understanding and said he'd run a blood test, and three stool tests. He said if he saw ANYTHING that was the slightest red flag in those tests, I really ought to agree to further testing (i.e. colonoscopy etc.)
I was anxious about it all, but he ran the tests and everything was fine amazingly (I felt so horrible with awful symptoms too at the time!) So there was no need for further testing in my doctor's opinion. He advised me to try the low Fodmap diet for 6-8 weeks but at that time couldn't get a dietician. So I did it myself and studied it well, I tell you! Like I was studying to pass an exam!
Long story short, I have made some improvements over time. I still get some bad times of course but I get a lot of good times too.
So I wonder if you could try that non invasive approach first with your doctor? See what he/she says?
Hello Luisa22I had the same experience, I have refused a colonoscopy several times over years and the doctor did feacal tests and blood tests, had loads of them done and after sleepless nights thinking that there has to be something sinister as I was suffering that bad at the time, but everything came back normal. I really don't want to go through such a procedure if other tests are normal including the regular 2 year test that comes in the post, always normal. If I spot anything that's completely out of the ordinary for me, then I'd have no choice but while the goings good, I'll leave it be.
I've heard of the low Fodmap diet but never tried it. Strangely enough, I have a problem with eating rice which they say is easily digestible, but it makes me ill. Like you, I have days when I feel dreadful and flare ups can last anything from a couple of days to a week. Even when I'm feeling rotten, I keep going and get out for a walk which always helps, as long as I'm not glued to the toilet seat that is 🙄 I won't speak too soon as I've been not too bad lately
It sounds as if your approach matches that of my own doctor, when he said if there are no signs of red flags or anything suspicious, further more invasive testing wasn't needed. I was surprised that my Calprotectin was absolutely normal, and my blood test, as I felt so rotten.
But of course he did advise that if there were changes that concerned me, or much worsening of my condition, to go straight back. I would certainly do that.
Yes, there are a few foods for me too that are supposed to be ideal, and yet they don't suit me at all. I didn't even get on with all the low Fodmap foods. I naively imagined, when I started low Fodmap, that anything on that list would be soothing for my IBS-D. Not so! I struggled hard with some of them before realising we are all different, and understanding I couldn't eat all those foods, but weirdly I could eat some of the high Fodmap ones quite happily.
Your quite right to tailor your diet to suit you, I do the same. It's amazing what some experts recommend we eat, only to find its the worst thing. I think we all find out the hard way don't we? Some people can't eat fruit, yet I can eat most fruits except citrus, which I'm glad of as I have to restrict other things. It's weird though dont you think, that there are a few foods that we can eat when we feel ok as long as it's in moderation, yet when I'm feeling rotten, I wouldn't even attempt to eat those same foods. They call them, feel good foods.
I've come to the conclusion that smaller meals are better for me as I dont get as bloated and windy 😳
We just have to take the rough with the smooth and try and make the most of our days dont we.
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