IBS help needed

[Louiise_27]

I’ve had IBS for years! It is affecting my life tremendously! The pains I get in my stomach are awful! I never want to go out incase I need to use the loo it’s sent my anxiety through the roof!! I’ve tried changing my diet, cutting things out, only eating at certain time, etc! I feel like I’ve tried everything and still no change!

Does anyone have any ideas that could possibly help? I’m really at my wits end!

Thank you in advance

[winfong]

What kinds of meds are you taking - prescription & over the counter (incl. probiotics & laxatives for the latter)? Finally, do you have diarrhea, constipation or mixed?

[Jackie1612]

I’m sorry that you are going through all this. I have found that exercise helps – walking and swimming – and also meditation. There are loads on YouTube, Tara Brach is good.

At present I am trying amitriptyline for the pain. It is helping, but it causes bad constipation, so I am taking stool softeners – Dulcoease - for that. However, my life is better with the amitriptyline.

Have you read “When the body says no “ by Gabor Mate? There is a helpful chapter about IBS in this book. Bessel Van der Kolk “The body keeps the score” is also helpful.

[xjrs]

Have you tried any probiotics like Alflorex, which has been scientifically studied for IBS or Symprove?

Have you tried the Nerva gut directed hypnotherapy app?

[Soira]

would support Jackie1612 . For me stress is a factor so as is a very sedentary job. I find exercise and meditation really supports what I do with nutrition. On doyogawithme.com you can find yoga classes at all levels to help with digestion. Good luck x

[Luisa22]

Do you have IBS D (with diarrhea or loose stools)? Or IBS C (constipation) or mixed?

I have IBS D predominantly, and have found I did manage to calm mine down to some extent by following a very bland diet at first, feeling my way along what suited my tummy and what didn't, and cutting out things that didn't suit me (inititally at least)

Then over time, I gradually introduced some of the foods I'd cut out, a tiny bit at a time. waited a couple of days to see the result, and if okay, continued or upped the amount until I got to my tolerance level if there was one.

Quite a few things I am able to eat now with no bad effects. and some things I still have to stay away from. But it's a constant balancing act. I don't mind doing that but have no pressure on me to "eat out" or to eat the same things as everybody else does! I cook my own food at home.

Plus I don't listen to much popular advice about "what is healthy for the gut". I just do my own experiments and use my own wits with my own body.

[LFHell]

Have you tried cutting out wheat and dairy? Dairy gives me awful colic pain but i always though i only had lactose intolerance but it turned into full blown allergy.

[tryfan004]

Hi Louiise27 . Have you tried buscopan. you can get it over the counter or from your doctor for longer term use. I was suffering with a really bad attack and these tablets have helped with the pain and also feeling sick. I feel so much better now. will gradually cut down when the stress levels settle. Good luck.