Heavy cold vs IBS

[Edgar77]

I'm nursing an awful cold right now and my lungs sound like a pair of bag pipes. Everyone is being very helpful and sympathetic. When I tell them this is nothing and I'd rather have this than IBS. They think I'm Mad and I don't think they believe me. Anyone with IBS would know what I mean. I can still go out with this unlike with IBS when I may need the loo urgently at any time a d feel too lousy to do anything. I just wish people were more aware of the awful symptoms of IBS and how life changing it can be.

[Starfush]

Electrolytes, get some magnesium spray, salts for baths whatever you fancy.

[Luisa22]

I totally understand. In early Spring 2020, when Covid was a new thing and the Wuhan version had already arrived in the UK, I managed to catch it. Yes, it was pretty dramatic, like being hit by a truck. I was lucky though because apart from a 3 day high fever, dreadful weakness, and a cough which lasted no more than a week, then disappeared overnight, my IBS took a back seat ! My gut felt normal !

So that made me quite happy. I have no idea how that happened but it did, and during my recovery from Covid which took a few weeks (my body was very weak and I had lost so much weight) -my tummy was happy as Larry. It was great because I could eat all my favourite comfort foods loaded with nutrition, like lentil stews with onions and garlic....etc.

I could eat all kinds of fruits and nuts too (which I miss now.)

Covid actually felt like a holiday, and when the worst of the symptoms eased up, I remember feeling really happy.

Weird, or what?

I hope your bad cold goes away very soon anyway. Olbas oil or steam inhalations might help your breathing.

[Misspomfrey]

If you can suffer the effects of IBS then I should think your cold will be the least of your worries. Take care though and keep warm.

[Pollyboo]

Hi, I hope you feel better soon. I totally understand where you are coming from. I hate these awful things my tummy puts me through and how it changes the way we can enjoy our lives,All we can do is be kind to ourselves and manage the symptoms as best we can, at times I feel so bad when I have to let people down.

I am really lucky to have a good understanding husband and close family.

Take care Pollyboo

[buggins55]

oh my goodness you've really said it , a lot of people don't realise how difficult it is and how life limiting it can be to deal with IBS! If I have a cold I feel I am allowed to take time out knowing it's a rare occurrence and i will recover but with IBS (a constant in my life for many years) I am expected and( expect myself) to try and keep going whilst struggling with the incredible anxiety and low mood that comes with the other nasty physical symptoms while also feeling guilt and FOMO for cancelling things yet again and not being able to travel far for fear of sudden illness rearing it's head (the random nature of IBS is fun too!) hope your cold gets better soon 🙂

[Jackie1612]

I feel that IBS is so much to cope with that with another health problem added , it can be very difficult.

When it’s a horrible cold, you know that the cold will pass eventually. With IBS you feel that you are stuck with it. It’s good that you have sympathy for your cold and your chest. It is difficult for people to understand how awful the effects of IBS can be.

[Dudders123]

I am in agony having broken my back - offered and used morphine for nearly two weeks, all the old issues of constipation, laxatives, stomach pain brought such anxiety and fear - I’ve come off that and struggling with only paracetomol. That is how badly my dysfunctional bowel is for me - I’m no hero just better off with the spinal pain - can’t deal with the nightmare that is my toilet issues - good point made, few would understand my decision x

[Starfush in reply to Dudders123]

Need some magnesium and electrolytes to help