Persistent Symptoms

[Willco28]

Hi all,

First time posting but looking for some help as really struggling to find anything that works.

For almost 2 years now I have been struggling with gut issues. It’s not clear how and why it started, but I have two theories;

1) It is a reaction to having a strong antibiotic to clear up a fungal infection which has been made worse by further antibiotics to tackle my gut issues at a later date.

2) It is a reaction to either having COVID or my last COVID injections.

My symptoms are not severe in the sense I cannot do my job or day to day life but they are persistent, uncomfortable and continue to impact my physical and mental health. Generally my symptoms are; bloating, lots of gas, inconsistent stool, very regular stool, never feeling fully relieved after passing stool, lots of gut movement and noise and a tightening feeling across my abdomen (almost like an internal belt due to the bloating).

I have a very sedentary job (office based) which increases the feeling of uncomfortableness when very bloated and become hugely self conscious due to the noises my gut makes - especially when within a meeting with my colleagues. I do exercise frequently but struggle with this as I always feel tired and lack energy and motivation.

When researching IBS it would be described more as IBS C than D but it’s not like I am blocked and struggling to pass stool it’s just the lack of full relief that makes me think it’s more C than D.

I have seen my GP and privately had consultation. This has resulted in antibiotics (to ensure no gut infection), cutting out certain food groups e.g. lactose as well as completing Low FODMAP for 2 months or so. I also carried out a course of hypnotherapy which just made me fall asleep..

I am now at a loss. My clothes are getting harder to wear, I have tried so many types of antibiotics, probiotics, diets, buscopan, mint tea etc but nothing seems to work.

It’s really getting me down, I dread going to work as I don’t know how bad I will be and feel tense as I try to manage my gut movements and noises. My consultant said there’s no cure and things may just settle down but I struggle to follow that.

Hopefully some of what I have shared will resonate with others and I welcome your thoughts and ideas. I just want to feel comfortable again to feel more confident and to not worry about my gut everyday and have a clearer mind to focus on enjoying each day again.

Thanks

[XDjames]

Yes, it resonates for sure. Keep making the effort to work and don't worry what people think.

Get up and walk around as much as you can.

One GP I spoke to was thinking my bad IBS could have been kicked off by a Covid vaccine, but it's just circumstantial. Antibiotics are risky as they muck up your 'biome'.

[Campoverde in reply to XDjames]

I definitely think my IBS was caused by too many antibiotics for urine infections. Got them sorted but now left with IBS. I am sure stress makes it worse.

[711debbie]

My IBS was much more manageable until my Covid injections; I only saw my gastro in June and January. After the injections and boosters started, it seems I was going to see him much more often, but the tests showed nothing had changed. He said he thought I was "looking for trouble," i.e., that I was a hypochondriac. Two weeks after my third booster, I could no longer drink real coffee and even have problems with the caffeine in decaf (more diarrhea, loss of electrolytes). Now it's been nearly 2 years since my third booster and things have stabilized or at least I've grown use to what happens with my body since I insist on still drinking 2 cups of decaf a day. So, I'm certainly not "cured" but at peace with the daily diarrhea, bloating and loss of electrolytes (all worse in the morning and lots of bloating at night but not many problems during the work day).

[Alpinelover]

Hi, really sorry to hear about your problems. I have had IBSD for many years and my last flare up was shortly after I had Covid and lasted for several months. Have you tried Colpermin peppermint oil? And active charcoal? I find both of these do help my bloating and wind; maybe worth a go? Really hope you feel better soon

[PinkPenguin96]

I can relate to much of what you have described. I work at home so the gut noises are not so problematic, but the wind and bloating can be pretty fierce. Have you tried a course of simeticone for the bloating? Recently for a bad bout I took Windeze regularly 3 or 4 times a day (after meals and at bedtime) for several days and it seemed to help, though it's always hard to tell for sure since these episodes come and go on their own too.

[Mutleyforever]

it sounds more like slow transit of the gut, with incomplete evacuation than constipation to me , which allows more time for fermentation of bacteria , causing this build up of gas. I have a similar problem, and have found (eventually after 4 years) that eliminating some foods that are high fodmap culprits and taking Symprove every day can help enormously to help your gut function better. Best wishes and hope this is helpful.

[xjrs]

Have you tried a good probiotic such as Alflorex? That worked the best for me.

precisionbiotics.co.uk/alfl...

Bloating can also be down to trapped gas caused by poor abdominal muscle control so working on the core (such as with Pilates) may be helpful - any form of regular exercise may also help shift the gas and help the bowels to move.

Sounds like you may need to increase fibre. Alflorex may help increase tolerance to fibre since it also helps to digest complex carbs and suppresses gas producing bacteria which may also help with the bloating.

Good luck.