After some advice- is it IBS?

[Lastboyscout6]

Hello.. I have found this forum by researching various symptoms that I have been experiencing. I have had a long history of digestive issues including gall stones, subsequent gall bladder removal about 15 years ago, gastritis, bouts of indigestion, changing bowel habits etc. so I’ve had numerous tests over the years and been prescribed lots of different medications. I will be fine for months at a time but always have flare ups. I’m in the middle of a particularly bad one and have lots of horrible uncomfortable symptoms that include: upper abdomen pain that feels like a tightness ( so in the middle of the night feels like it’s a heart atttack which leads to anxiety/panic/ sweating/palpitations) gnawing hunger pangs when not hungry, bloating, occasional diarrhoea and generally fatigue. It started Christmas Eve this time and still here today. I’ve always been told that my symptoms are more likely gastritis but reading some previous posts I can relate to a lot of other peoples experiences who have IBS diagnosis. Does this sound like it could be IBS because I’m just so sick of having these episodes that really impact on life. Not sure if I’m barking up the wrong tree though so any thoughts/ advice would be appreciated … Thank you

[Misspomfrey]

I suffered a lot of these symptoms when I started the menopause 16 years ago. IBS symptoms seemed to follow and although I am through the menopause now, I still get the palpitations, sweating, nausea, and usual digestive issues. I've spent years trying to manage it, trying this and that. I have no gallbladder either, and I think this plays a big part. Diet has to be kept very low fat, no more than 40 mg of fat a day, good fats that is. Anxiety is another huge problem which went worse during the menopause for me. I never sleep until I have things settled in my mind. Sometimes I wake with dread, and I never know why. I've come to accept it all as a part of my life which will always be there. Exercise helps a lot, walking or something you like doing.

[Lastboyscout6 in reply to Misspomfrey]

Thank you for your reply. I have thought about menopause being a factor as I am 48 now so the right age I guess and from seeing friends of the same age they all seem to be in peri menopause at least. I do enjoy exercise, walks, running and more recently yoga. When I'm in a good routine, I generally feel better but I’m in a bit of a rut at the moment where I don't feel the best so don’t feel motivated to exercise. I know I need to break the cycle - probably not helping that it’s Christmas so all routines are different. I’m going to try concentrate on my diet and keep a food diary to try find my triggers because I’ve never been able to pinpoint anything specific which sets off a flare up for me. Thanks again for advice.

[Misspomfrey in reply to Lastboyscout6]

That's the spirit 😊 I don't suppose any of us feel motivated at the moment, with short dark days and rotten weather but if you can get out walking it really does make you feel better doesn't it. I've fell in love with Flaxseed and Physilium Husk recently, and I put it in my bread, I make my own. It's really been a massive help to my bowels and most days everything is normal, apart from the odd blip. I'm not having bad flare ups like I was, it's been a life saver and when I'm out walking which can be for 5 or 6 hours, I'm not worrying about needing the toilet. I'm also not getting the depression that comes with the flare ups and the fatigue isn't as bad although I do still get tired. I never get complacent though, constantly watching my diet, keeping away from processed foods as much as possible, make my own meals so I know what goes in them, I never eat out or eat takeaway food. Basically, eat healthily, low fat, fresh food, 🍓🍎🍍🍐🥕🥦🥒 as much fresh fruit and veg as you can tolerate and keep the bowels moving. Wishing you All Good Health and Happiness for 2024

[fodma]

Hello, I'm sorry you are suffering. I have IBS and by following a low FODMAP diet, it has really helped me. If you are not familiar with it then Google 'Monash low fodmap' and get onto their site, they are a university who have done loads of research into IBS. if you have a good search arround the site they have lots of info.... it may help you.

Happy new year

[Lastboyscout6 in reply to fodma]

Thank you I will have a look 👍

[Catsandsunsets]

Hi I'm sorry you are going through this

I'm especially familiar with the gnawing hunger pangs when not hungry 🙋🏻‍♀️

Have you seen a GI? Have you had a colonoscopy done?

[Lastboyscout6 in reply to Catsandsunsets]

Hey … I’ve been under gastro consultants over the years and had several endoscopy cameras, last one was only few months back all clear really except for some inflammation on historic ones. Not been referred for colonoscopy but have had bloods and stool tests all clear too. My usual symptoms are higher up my stomach on the whole although this last episode seems to have moved farther down with more bloating and urgently needing the toilet. I went to doctors today and have been put back on famatodine which I was on earlier this year for a while and did seem to help. Will have to see how that goes.