Where do you start if you have just been diagnosed with IBS???

[noahdog]

Hello,

I am new to this and have never been on a forum before so don't really know what I am doing.

I have been to the doctors today and he said is pretty sure I have got IBS. After talking to him about it he said I could go one of twp ways. To try and find out whats causing it or to take tablets to control it. I am really unsure what to do or where to start. I would like to find out what causes the pain so I don't have to rely on tablets. Do any one know how to go about this???

At the moment I am feeling a little overwhelmed about it all and how it is going to affect my life.

Any hints and tips are welcomed

Thank you

[Ibsr]

Hello. Have you checked out the other posts on FODMAPS?

[Ibsr]

Ps Am sure YOU will be controlling that pain soon. Theres lots of useful info here.

[robrascal]

Hi, there is loads of advice out there. But maybe try reading about Ibs on a reliable site,so that you can try and identify, what symptoms you have,or don't have. There are diferent types of IBS and the answer to some is taboo to others. Some require more high fibre but if like me,when I tried this several years ago,I discovered that it was the reverse for me. It's good to have some helpful medication by you. so that your life style is not affected more than necessary. I hope you can "get on top of it"

[Hidden]

Ask your GP to refer you to a dietitian who will have lots of knowledge about the different diets you can try, you don't want to rely on pills unless you really need to. If you've got IBS with diarrhoea then FODMAPS will probably be a really good bet for you. As ibsr says in her reply, check out the rest of the blogs on here about FODMAPs, it works extremely well for lots of us.

Roz

[noahdog]

Thank you will have a look at them now. I think I have got IBS mixed because I go from one to the other on a weekly basis. I will have to talk to my GP about a dietitian but knowing my GP that will take months. He has said to try and cut food out to see if they are causing the pain. Any suggestion what to cut of first???

[Therapist1]

Wheat and any chemical additives such as sweeteners, flavoured crisps, processed foods. It can be very trial and error as to what works for you but you will get lots of help on here. Also recommend a good quality non dairy probiotic supplement

[noahdog in reply to Therapist1]

Thank you, thinking about trying the FODMAP diet but only just starting looking into it.

[Hidden in reply to noahdog]

Hi,

The best FODMAPs info outside of the NHS is at med.monash.edu/cecs/gastro/.... This is the site for Monash Uni in Australia where the diet was developed. There’s a lot of info on there, plus if you have an iPhone there’s a really useful app you can download. Patsy Catsos's book 'IBS - Free At Last' (available from Amazon) also gives excellent guidance, food lists, recipes and a plan to follow.

Roz

[katekatekatekate]

Hi,

When I was first diagnosed, I found it helpful to keep a food diary of what I ate and symptoms to see what food was causing the problem. I found that my symptoms were set off by wheat, caffeine and alcohol. That has helped me manage my symptoms better because if I steer clear of these things (which isn't always easy to do, I do love bread and wine!!) I have a lot less discomfort. Also, peppermint tea is good for easing digestion.

[PatV]

what kind of tablets? I'm on a trial of Linzess. I tried one Amitiza and it was so painful I did not try another. All suggestions above are good. Keeping a food diary is a huge chore. Wish there was an ap for that Wish I had an iphone Keep us posted.

[thehappytummy]

I have a blog where a lot of IBS sufferers contribute if you want to check it out! We post a tip everyday and I have lots of tummy friendly recipes. I think it could really help out a newbie if not, here is a great place to start too!

[noahdog]

Thanks for all your replies, I have started to make a diary and cut down on the different types of food i eat, very plain food. After a couple of weeks I am hoping to slowly reintroduce foods to see if I am ok with them

Thanks for all your tips.

[Hidden in reply to noahdog]

A food diary can be useful, but only if you remember that what you ate yesterday may not be the cause of feeling ill today. It can take anything up to 48+ hours for food to go right through your digestive system.

Roz

[kaggi123]

I was really having bad pains in my stomach but have been given some peppermint oil tablets off the doctor very helpful take them half hour before food three times a day.