I’ve had IBS for over 30 years now and it’s decided to flare up big time again. Feeling so down as nothing seems to work, constant nausea and with vomiting this time. Just so fed up of all the tiredness and everything else that goes with it. Numerous tests done but nothing sinister is hiding. Just had another clear ultrasound scan.
At 72 I thought I’d be able to enjoy my retirement but that’s not the case as folk seem to think I use it as an excuse especially some family members.
My husband supports me, he worries a lot about it. Just feel as if I can’t cope with it at all just now.
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JBaird1952
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I am in a slightly similar position to you, although my flareup seems to have lasted a few years. Occasionally I feel a bit sick but I don’t have any vomiting.
In desperation, I am now trying 10 mg of amitriptyline . This is working, although it does cause constipation so I am experimenting with increasing my fibre intake. I haven’t been able to eat fibre for a couple of years.
it is helping me to cope. Perhaps it might be worth a try?
Sorry to hear you are suffering but are you seeing a gastroenterologist for your tests? If so have the mentioned gastroparesis or done any tests to check for delayed gastric emptying? Have a look into it and maybe speak to your gp as there is an antisickness pill called Metoclopramide this is also a prokinetic so it will speed up the gastric emptying and stop the vomiting. Do you have any other bowel symptoms? What tests have you had done? Don’t feel alone all of us who suffer know what it’s like not to be understood so someone will always be here for you xx
I’ve seen gastro on numerous occasions over the years but after having tests said that basically to learn the triggers and try to avoid them. I’ve had colonoscopies, ct scans , mri scan , allergy tests you name it , I have to be careful what drugs they give me as I’m allergic to a lot of things. I’m trying hypnotherapy at the moment.
Delayed gastric emptying requires specific tests for gastric emptying times these are nuclear tests not just the normal gastro tests also a shape study should also be done to check the motility in the colon. There are medications that can be prescribed specifically for this it is worth looking into here is a link to the guts charity on it:
So sorry you're feeling miserable. Try increasing fibre if you can, slowly. Strangely enough, Fibre is the first thing people cut out when IBS strikes, but it is very important and we need it for our guts to function. I did the same years ago and I suffered for it. After 16 years of it, the latest 3 months or so have been my best and I've felt so much better with more regularity and no flare ups to speak of. Flaxseed and Physilium Husk has been excellent for me, I'm able to go out walking without worrying. I even feel calmer and I suffer from anxiety terribly. I'm sleeping better so it's a combination of things. Probiotics are good too. Don't worry about what other people think, if they want to think your making excuses, leave them to it. Concentrate on how YOU feel and your day to day life.
Thanks for the advice, I’m trying to put myself first more and more even if it means cutting some people out of my life. I have thought of trying flax seed and will be looking to get some hopefully it will help. Thankyou I hope you continue to feel better.
Sorry to hear about that. Just wondering what you've tried to help your IBS? There is so much out there that can help. For instance Alflorex or Symprove probiotics plus there's the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app. Alflorex worked best for me and has been scientifically studied for IBS.
Thanks for replying, I did find Nerva hypnotherapy helped but was too expensive to carry on with it. I have tried almost all over the counter remedies, doctor just prescribed omeprazole and buscopan. Alforex didn’t help much but I guess it doesn’t work for everyone, I do take a natures best probiotic,
Wondering how long you'd tried Alforex for, since the normal trial period is 3 months? If this is the case, just goes to show how personalised IBS can be.
Hi there sorry to hear this. Have you tried Symprove? It has really helped me. They have a special offer at the moment but I can highly recommend it. Also Mabervine has helped me too with my latest flare up. I dont eat gluten or dairy as much as poss and that has really helped me alot too. Iv just had a 2 week flare up so I feel you. Good luck take care x
I haven’t tried symprove , I’ve heard it helps a lot of folk so will look into getting some to try, thankyou for your reply and good luck and take care x
Have you tried a different specialist? or even a Gastro clinic? Do you have a food intolerance? Doctors, vary incompetence and interest. Here in the US, I told an incompetent dermatologist, that she was blowing me off right to her face since I’m a retired nurse anesthetist I’m not afraid of doctors. My suggestions keep searching if you can or go private if you can. Where do you live? Are you in the UK?
Hi there, yes I’m in the uk and the state of the medical service here is appalling , trying to get seen is a problem. Private care is out of the reach of most of us. If you ask for another doctor they tend to put you to the bottom of the list. Not a lot to do other than try and find something that works yourself.
I feel for you i really do I’m the same I’m never away from my GP it’s soul destroying get so down and fell alone but I know I’m not and it’s still no comfort as I have fibromyalgia aswell ruins our life …
Thankyou for taking the time to reply especially as you have so much to put up with yourself, I have angina to contend with so having two big problems I know really does get to you take care my friend and keep safe
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How do I manage IBS? 
So much I am always so gassy!
FODMAP:elimination phase,2 weeks?or 6 weeks?Not feeling any better after 2 weeks on the diet, could it mean I might need a few more weeks?
