A little guidance

[Spurdog1]

I'm not new to this site, but new to this diagnosis. I have read away from this website (NHS) etc,

Is this something to be scared about, or to treat it kindly (Fibre and chew food more) and you'll be fine? I'm still to see the consultant!!!!

[Hidden]

You have presumably been given a provisional diagnosis of IBS, and are awaiting a consultant referral. You don’t state your age, but, in general, anybody over the age of 40 years, needs to have a full work up to ensure that a correct diagnosis is made. If it turns out to be IBS, you need have no fear- IBS is not associated with any increased risk of cancer of the bowel, and requires you to modify your diet, including considering a FODMAP’s diet for a while, and definitely taking a good reputable probiotic- I would start with Ferrocalm. You are in good company with up to a good 20% of the adult population similarly affected. There are symptomatic treatments which your doctor can prescribe . I would also suggest, that if the diagnosis of IBS is established, you read Professor John Hunter’s booklet, Irritable bowel Solutions, which is obtainable through Amazon. You can see into which type your IBS falls. I,personally, would suggest that, if you find little benefit from allopathic remedies which your GP might prescribe, homeopathy and herbal remedies might help. Enterosgel is also worth a try if you have IBS-D. It was developed to help reduce symptoms with infective diarrhoea, but has been shown to be useful in patients suffering with IBS-D. There is also Iberogast, a herbal remedy, which might help Good luck and don’t worry !

[Spurdog1]

Oops. Diverticulitis

[Hidden in reply to Spurdog1]

Again, you need a proper work up to establish a diagnosis. Chronic diverticulitis, or correctly diverticulosis, is not a pre-malignant condition but needs dietary manipulation, and possible antibiotics if the diverticulae become infected. Investigation will likely include colonoscopy, but having, actually, had this procedure myself, there is nothing to fear.

[Spurdog1 in reply to Hidden]

It was a colonoscopy that diagnosed this. But thanks for replying (nothing to fear)

[Hidden in reply to Spurdog1]

That’s good. Do try a probiotic even if you don’t have IBS, providing you are otherwise healthy. A disrupted microbiome, a balanced one being essential for good health, is very common in a large percentage of the population due to poor lifestyle and diet. Individuals over the age of 65 years, have been shown to be particularly at risk from lack of “ friendly bacteria”.

[Spurdog1]

One thing i do like vegetables, recommended to take. I have noticed synptoms of diarhoea increasing. Wife says im now eating too much greens (though my intake has not changed). It seems contradictory, whether i should increase intake.I tend to think "change nothing" dont rock the boat.

[Hidden in reply to Spurdog1]

It might be a good idea to increase the amount of fibre in your diet slowly. There is also the possibility of choosing sources of soluble fibre , rather then insoluble. Ask you doctor to provide suitable suggestions, or refer you to a dietitian.

[Superzob]

This sounds more like a suspicion than a diagnosis, because IBS is a "diagnosis by exception" so, if you have not yet seen a consultant, then the chances are you won't have had the appropriate tests to eliminate the possibility of a clinical condition. True IBS is a dysfunction and affects people differently - what works for one doesn't necessarily work for someone else. There is a lot of trial and error involved in trying to manage it, which can be very frustrating, but many people manage to control it, at least to some extent. If it's any consolation, IBS does not lead to any serious clinical condition, though the symptoms can change unexpectedly; over 10% of the population live with it in one form or another.

xjrs has some very helpful guidance on the subject, but I would wait until you've seen a consultant before making any major dietary changes.

[Spurdog1 in reply to Superzob]

Th ank you. noted

[Luisa22]

If it does end up being diagnosed as IBS, then I can tell you from my own experience that eating more fibre and chewing food mindfully may probably not give you the results you hope for.

It might! Every single person with IBS is different. But I have also discovered that high fibre is not good for me personally. Now it is for some! It's not for me.

I am always a slow careful eater, eat alone mostly and in a quiet environment and that hasn't helped me either.

That's not to say there aren't a range of approaches to management, things you can take etc, which can and do help IBS symptoms. And some people do get remissions of it from time to time anyway. I do, sometimes for weeks or months,

Best to maybe wait for your diagnosis, but in the meantime you could perhaps experiment with your diet, a food and drink diary, to see what things are easier for you and which upset your gut more. I started with an extremely bland diet and when that did seem to help me slightly, I gradually added to it, starting with one steamed vegetable at a time until I could find a working balance generally! (yes, boring) But even that doesn't work when my belly decides to get very temperamental sometimes.

[Spurdog1 in reply to Luisa22]

Hi Louisa. I am particularly grateful to people who reply in detail, knowing for all people time is precious. Yours seems a very good plan, but i still await the consultants appointment. Given that urgency (cancer) has been ruled out, i presume i have the proverbial long wait, and for a dietician. Thank you all, i'll still listen and gather more ideas for a way forward, but the food diary is a "must"

[LFHell]

Not scared but just try to eat right and work out if you have food intolerances or if its stress causing? A food diary helps. And seeds are good, particularly chia and linseed!