IBS C / Fibre problems

[Gardener]

Hi, I have suffered from and struggled with IBS predominately C for many years, but since Christmas everything has got significantly worse, a lot of pain, inability to get my bowels moving naturally and then incomplete, which leaves me with trapped wind, pressure and hemorroids. Any bulking laxative has just made the pain intolerable. I take Mebeverine which helps the pain a bit. The Dr has referred me to the Colorectal clinic at the hospital, but first appt date is in May! Dr suggested Dulcolax, but I’m nervous of that because of the pain and sometimes IBS cramps.Anyone tried it? This is keeping me at home as I’m in too much discomfort to go out and living alone it gets very depressing. Any suggestions gratefully received. Ros

[Lovemylippy]

HelloI've been experiencing similar. I took Duculax for a week. It can increase spasms but only briefly before you go to the toilet. I found the liquid gentler. I went to GP and prescribed Movocol 8 sachets a day for 10days. Still bad. Went to walkin clinic and sent for X-ray. Prescribed microlax enema which seemed to help a little. Have just ordered more as not fully resolved. If going on that long maybe try going back to GP or walk-in clinic. I've also asked to be referred to dietician. It's horrible. Good luck x

[TedsMum247 in reply to Lovemylippy]

Hi, a GP prescribed FyboGel to me several years ago to "bulk up" the fibre in my diet. I have IBS D and I had always regarded FyboGel is a solution to constipation, which I rarely have. I take Fruit and Fibre with sliced banana and either red grapes or some blueberries in the F & F every moring. My IBS has got worse but it's triggered by my severe anxiety, which is only just after I waken up in the morning. I am not anxious any other time in the day. My mornings are awful and it goes on for about 2 hours after I waken. I really hope you get sorted out very soon, it's a horrible condition to have, good luck!

[MyStar86]

Have you seen a gastroenterologist? There are specific medications that can help with IBS C and slow transit. They would need to do some tests first but it sounds like you need to see a gastro not just the colorectal clinic as a gastro would be able to find out the cause and treat that. Yes laxatives will help and certain ones can be taken longterm but the gp is not the best to advise on this it should be a gastro. Big hugs

[Iggls in reply to MyStar86]

I’ve had severe IBS C for over 20 years now, and quickly found that any of the fibre mixtures really didn’t suit at all, owing to the bloating and pain they caused. My gastroenterologists switched me to Senna, which causes very little pain, plus Milk of Magnesia at bedtime. Sadly the doses have risen over time ( I’m now 81) but the medics say not to worry as the vital thing is to keep the bowels moving. Give it a try, and good luck !

[gussmithy]

Hello Gardener. In my experience, as well as what I've read, herbal laxatives may cause worse constipation contrary to what we're often told, better to try something like Milk of Magnesia. However, we're all different; the most important thing is that you get professional help asap albeit easier said than done unless you can afford private consultation.

[xjrs]

My original advice here:

healthunlocked.com/theibsne...

In terms of the pain with IBS-C, Linaclotide together with Alflorex probiotic have helped me the most with this including making me more tolerant to different foods and fibre.

[Musicbox]

milk of magnesia is really good gentle….l have had IBS -C can’t tolerate much fibre only porridge..tried all different laxatives but gives me gas & pain ..taken before bed start with cap full increase if necessary a little till you find what does the job without getting diarrhoea..👍🏻

[Jackie1612]

sorry to hear that you are going through this, Gardener.

I found that Dulcolax caused bad pain for me. I am trying Dulcoease, the stool softener, which seems to help a bit.

I am grateful to posters here recommending milk of magnesia, which I will try

[wendyjudyjohnpeter]

Hello I am from Canada, I have had constipation my whole life, I am 66 now, I beleive stress / anxiety may be causing my IBS C that has been bad since November for me. I have taken many things over the years for constipation and for the last several years have been taking Magnesium Citrate. I was taking 4 150mgs at night before bed, and would up or down the dosage as needed. When I had my IBS attaches I was taking up to 8 pills which freaked me out. The Dr had me also take Restorlax which over a few days did help. I read somewhere magnesium oxide is good to now I take one mag citrate capsule150mg an one mag oxide 420mg, It has been working for me well. I have currently been referred to a gastro Dr and am waiting for a colonoscopy and endoscopy. Hope you get an answer for releif.❤️

[Harrisonford]

Don't have an answer for you but just to let you know you're not alone with IBS symptoms. Hope you get some help.

[Krisbetty]

My gastro put me on linaclotide and I take Alflorex with calcium bizarrely i had a colonoscopy end of Jan after years of constipation i now go regularly following the procedure and byvtaking both tablets in the morning.

[Gardener]

Thank you all for your comments and help. I found anything with Macrogol in drastically increased the pain and bloating, likewise fruit and fibre cubes. I’ve taken magnesium citrate for years but doesn’t seem to help now. However interesting about Milk of Magnesia as I tried a capful recently and was woken at 6 am with diarrhoea, which didn’t ease the discomfort, but last night I took 2 tsps and things were a little easier this morning, so I will experiment. Ten plus years ago I had tests with Gastro and colorectal, given pelvic floor exercises and dismissed! Didn’t want to go back again but I don’t think I have any option. People who don’t suffer with these awful symptoms really have no idea how much it affects your whole life, good thing we can all empathise on here.x

[Gizmo6]

I've tried ducolax I didn't like it all. One tablet did nothing 2 tablets caused awful gripes. It did the job but for me the side effects aren't worth it.