Hello to the Group :)

[Shelterwalker]

Hi, I have had IBS I think for quite a few years not realising what it was. I think the root problem was Anxiety through Stressful situations. I am early retired in Turkey. Hoping to live a Healthier Lifestyle. I still have IBS and am on Citralopram. I think my Flare ups are a little bit of Anxiety but more of what I eat. I exercise well and just want to see if I can pick any Tips up from other people who are suffering with this too.

[b1b1b1]

If you have not tried the Fodmap diet that would be something to try. It is a change at first, but it has helped a lot of people. Is it easy to find a gastroenterologist in Turkey? Just curious. x

[Shelterwalker in reply to b1b1b1]

Thank you for your reply, I will see if I can try the Fodmap Diet and see if that will help. A bit of a minefield here to find a specialist that is more concerned about your Health than money!!

[Hetchins1946]

Hi welcomeI have anxiety related IBS which was diagnosed over a decade ago I had been living with it and getting on with life until a major flare up last summer.

I've had some good, and not so good, help from the NHS to deal with the issues that have arisen.

I've found - with the help of the hospital - that diet has no effect whatsoever on my symptoms. I've been taking Sertraline for a while which may have helped, but the jury is still out on that (I was on Citalopram a few years ago and I withdrawal was horrible).

CBT doesn't work for me, although I understand that it is great for most people with anxiety - it may be worth trying in your situation (the Neevo app gets positive mentions).

For *me* it's a case of recognising my triggers, managing them, and managing the issues - proactively if possible, reactively if not

The important thing, from my perspective, is that IBS is different for everyone. What works for someone else may make you worse. You need to find your own path. Professionals can help if you get the right team!

There are a lot of 'snake oil' pseudo-treatments & supposed diagnostic tests around, so beware if something sounds too good to be true

[Shelterwalker]

Thank you for your reply

[xjrs]

I would try Alflorex probiotic, which has been scientifically studied for IBS, before trying the FODMAP elimination and reintroduction diet, since it may make you more tolerant to different foods, so you don't end up eliminating some foods unnecessarily.

There is also the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app to consider.