New to this

[GrandsonGene]

hi I’m new here.

I’ve had ibs for around 12 years but last few years been so bad I had to give up my job.

Was a hairdresser and felt so embarrassed that I had to keep dashing to the loo.

I have terrible problems with incontinence.

how do you deal with this. It’s terrible

[Linley]

Suggest you get a check up with your GP.Check your diet try the FODMAP.

There is no shame in wearing incontinence pants to help with the anxiety.

Good luck 🍀

[GrandsonGene in reply to Linley]

thank you.

[winfong]

You might also just want to search around the site. It's a complex issue, and can be very individualized as well. And there's definitely tons of info here. You might find something that will make you say, "That's me alright," or "Hmm, maybe I should give that a try," or "So, that explains it."

[Maureen1958]

Hi,

Some people (if you have diarrhoea) actually have something called BAM (Bile Acid Malabsorption). You may want to take a look at this:

gutscharity.org.uk/advice-a...

All the best

Maureen

[xjrs]

Many people's IBS is due to a gut bacterial imbalance. The first thing you can try is a 3 month trial of Alflorex probiotic, which has been scientifically studied for IBS.

Failing that ask your GP for a referral to a FODMAP trained dietitian to take you through the FODMAP elimination and reintroduction diet. Best to try Alflorex first since it may make you tolerant to a wider range of foods and you don't want to eliminate any unnecessarily.

In the mean time you can also try the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app.

Once things have settled, you need to eat as broad a diet as possible. This is to feed your microbiome helping good bugs to grow, which helps to guard against IBS. The best diet for the microbiome is the Mediterranean diet which includes whole grains (of different sorts), nuts, seeds, pulses, oily fish, olive oil and small amounts of lean meat like chicken. In fact, there is a goal of eating 30 different plant sources of food per week - this increases bacterial diversity in the gut - those with IBS often have low bacterial diversity.

[GrandsonGene in reply to xjrs]

thank you

[Dollymae06]

I am exactly the same it is so disabilitating and causes anxiety and depression. I have been taking Alflorex chewable tablets before bed it has really helped with the incontinence. I wear Tenna pants when I go out for piece of mind just incase of accident. I take Mebeverine before meals and Loperamide half tablet daily but it is the Alflorex that's helping the most. Try it Precision Biotics make it hope this helps you too give it time it does work for many people. X

[GrandsonGene]

hi thank you for your response. Yes I do suffer from stress. I worry about silly things and often have sleeplessness.

[Daz1113]

I am really sorry you’re suffering. It’s an awful thing to have. But this group is really helpful and can offer great advice as well as being a place for you to vent your frustrations.

I also lost my job (I was a crane driver) I am guessing you have had all the normal tests, colonoscopy, stools, bloods and such like?

I found going on a low residue diet and going lactose free has helped with the diarrhoea. I have just started taking Amitriptyline so I am hoping they work.

Stress is a big one with IBS. But IBS makes your stress levels rise. I had to make adjustments to my life and the people who were draining on me and also very needy I had to sort of cut of contact with them.

I really hope you get some relief from this. My only advice is just keep trying and hopefully you’ll find something. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful

[Dolly38]

Dear Grandson Gene,

I gave up my job. Long story but could not cope there is help available. Do you live in UK lots and lots of health web site. First stop always your GP

Get back in the workplace ASAP. You have acquired all those skills be brave put on your brave boots. Go get um.

Lally lubs