IBS and hypermobility syndrome

[kiwimiwi]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone else on the network has IBS and also hypermobility syndrome. These two conditions are linked and it is reckoned that what causes the joints to be extra mobile is what causes the gut to act abnormally.

[Ajlee]

I was assessed for this a couple of years ago - the rheumatologist who examined me said I was borderline hyper mobile and it may have a link to the chronic IBS-D I have suffered from for many years. Solution-wise this has not helped me get any closer to a remedy and I'm still as disabled by the condition now as I was previously. Would be interested to hear if anybody else has found a successful treatment as a result of their hypermobility

[kiwimiwi in reply to Ajlee]

I personally haven't found anything to help the hypermobility; there's pain relief but I can't take the medications. They're unfortunately two annoying, uncurable things that seem to occur together in some cases!

[Fi8828]

I have both too but never realised they were connected before; does anyone know how one effects the other?

[kiwimiwi in reply to Fi8828]

It's assumed that the collagen problem that makes the joints lax and over flexible also causes the gut to be weaker or not function correctly.

[Socialite]

Yes, I and my family have both conditions. also Dyspraxia and ADHD. Special strengthening exercises help hypermobility in joints and the core strength abs exercises does help with IBS.

[kiwimiwi in reply to Socialite]

I've been doing exercises for the past two years with my physiotherapist, mostly for my knees but most recently for my lower spine as I have two slipped discs due to hypermobility and have found that while my core muscles are much better, unfortunately I'm still in a lot of pain, spine and IBS-wise. I've taken up hula-hooping actually which seems to be somewhat better!

[Chaobaby7]

I have Aspergers, dyslexia and Dyspraxia, I have very, very flexible hip joints and sit in the lotus postion with great comfort, apparantly people like me have this in some joints and muscles if thats the same thing. I was told alot of Autistic spectrum people have bowel trouble too.

[Chaobaby7]

can you tell me about core strenght abs excersise? I bloat very badly and suffer so much with cramps it might help.

[Hidden in reply to Chaobaby7]

I have received Pilates exercise book this morning in the post.. physio recommended it.. £2.81 from Amazon second hand.. I understand that they are good for anyone with HMS chronic pain.. I always find exercise releases win trapped. OK if you are in a place you can release it.

[Hidden]

Yes, I had hypermobility when younger but now have arthritis, fibromyalgia and IBS. I imagine they are linked biochemically. I have just read in this month's New Scientist that there is evidence that physical and emotional pain or discomfort trigger the same areas of the brain and cause the release of the same neurotransmitters as well as stimulating an inflammatory response within the body. Fascinating as it does suggest connections that link to ideas about sensitivity levels and over-sensitivity of different parts of the body being connected biochemically.

I was interested in the Aspergers idea linking to sitting in the lotus position, in earlier life I had many of the symptoms of Aspergers and used to sleep with my legs tucked tightly under my bottom right into my thirties when I had children and gained weight then began to develop the joint problems. I wonder whether the bowel problems of people within the Autistic Spectrum have high levels of stress as a result of trying to cope with situations they find difficult. Incidentally with very long periods of therapy I no longer meet many of the criteria for Aspergers although I still have the same problems with many everyday social situations despite having a high level of empathy!

[kiwimiwi]

I was intrigued to see just how common it is to experience these two problems together. It makes me glad that other people experience the same as me so I'm not alone. Obviously I wish we didn't have all this stuff to deal with! Thank you to all who commented!

[Matie]

Im a 24 yo male and I have ibs and hyper mobile spine, knees, wrists and greater trochanter ( hip bone), biggest problem with hyper mobility is the likely hood of getting osteoarthritis I visit a chiropractor on a monthly basis and that helps a lot with my ibs and hyper mobility I am also on the FODMAP diet which has been a god send for my ibs and I'm on 25 mg of amitriptyline Matt

[Matie in reply to Matie]

I also have dyslexia dyspraxia and ADHD

[Hidden]

I agree with the idea that lax connective tissue could be the reason so many HMS also have IBS. Matt at least if you are diagnosed young you can hopefully avoid some of the complications.. I have just been diagnosed with definite HMS, IBS and Fibromyalgia too. Problems with cervical joints for over 15 years, pain in knees hips and hands . Came to the diagnosis via MRI of neck, neurosurgeon, neurologist and rheumatologist . It is strange to think that the way you are is an abnormality in your tissues..now have OA in hands which is difficult to live with. Seeing a physio for strengthening muscles around hips and knees but my lower back is complaining.