Irritable bowel syndrome

# 36

Posted: 11/08/2006 12:31

wow..i have to say having read over these messages has really made me feel better about having ibs. i was only diagnosed when i was 22 (i'm 26 now), although my problems had occurred for as long as i can remember. but i always felt it was an older persons illness and an extremely embarrassing condition to have as a young adult. as with most sufferers, i have found that dietary changes have helped a lot (i find that eliminating as much processed or frozen packaged foods as possible has helped no end) but stress definately plays a major part. one doctor in the past told me not to take tablets at all for diarrhoea, as it makes your body reliant on them..i took his advice until the day i couldn't get to a toilet in time (i was in a shop with no customer toilets) and i leaked diarrhoea all over myself..it was possibly the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to me and really upset me that i can have so little control over the ibs at times. so now i never leave the house without tablets..just in case. although they do stop the attack, i always find they give me bad stomach pains the next day. the other thing i have found in the past..upsettingly, is the viewpoint of some that it's all my own fault for not having a good enough diet - as i'm sure you'll all agree a very frustrating assumption..if this could be cured by just eating something different dont you think i'd put myself out of my misery!!

# 35

Posted: 16/07/2006 01:07

Countryhag As a Crohns sufferer Don't hang about take your child to the doctors tell them your suspicions of Crohns you can not leave it untreated or undiagnosed Always go with your mothers instinct seek out the answers but don't self diagnose or self medicate.

# 34

Posted: 04/05/2006 01:19

hello my name is countryhag,
my 5 yr old has either chrones or ibs im pretty sure he has ibs though
he is constantly constapated or at least thats what we think it is as he is constantly pooing himself, is there a natural solution or a medicane that i can give him that will stop this as its very embarresing for him at school?
any help would be greatly appreciated

thanx

# 33

Posted: 07/04/2006 15:11

i used to get IBS and still suffer sometimes with stress related trips to the toilet before a big journey or event. i took aloe vera cactus juice from the health food shop and the ibs just went away after about 3 bottles. its worth a try. also keep of wheat and dairy. hope this works for some of you all

# 32

Posted: 20/01/2006 23:40

I have IBS and im takeing buskapan tablets the cramps are terrible i also have MRSA for the past year. Im so tired and every second day i feel terrible .
If anyone can help please do.
Mary

# 31

Posted: 23/11/2005 21:06

I was recently diagnosed with coeliac disease having been told by my doctor for years that i had I.B.S. Ireland has the highest rate of coeliac disease in the world. Many people think they have I.B.S because their doctor tells them this.usually they will advise on including more fruit and fibre blah!blah!blah!, when actually this makes it ten times worse.There are hundreds of people suffering with c.d and don't even realise that they have it.For anyone who is not aware, coeliac disease is an auto immune disease that causes an intolerance to gluten, which is a component of wheat.it attacks the lining of the intestines and can cause severe damage and this can lead to other illnesses if not diagnosed in time.My main symptoms were bloating,constipation,fatigue,headaches,leg pains and pains around my abdomen.Though others symptoms can differ slightly.
Anyone suffering with long term constipation should get to a bowel specialist A.S.A.P by referral from their doctor.I insisted on getting a referral from my doctor despite the fact he was not all that concerned.In the end it proves that doctors can be very wrong at the best of times.I feel like a different person since i have been on a coeliac diet.I can't remember ever having a non bloated stomach like i do now or having so much energy or better still being able to go to the loo.I am generally a happier person.I would seriously advise everyone to get checked out properly.You will have to get a blood test and then a biopsy for a definite diagnosis.If anyone suspects they may have it, why not try the diet for a month and see if they feel any better.it takes at least two weeks to feel better so persevere!make sure to do it right..even a the tiniest crumb eaten will cause a reaction.so do a little research first as its not just wheat,its rye,oats,barley etc.
Dr.Barbara Ryan is the bowel specialist at tallaght hospital and i found her a great help.
The coeliac society of ireland is also a great organisation and source of information for anyone looking to find out more. hope someone finds this of some help!good luck everyone.

# 30

Posted: 19/10/2005 11:05

You might want to think about Colonic Irrigation in conjunction with dietary changes. It has worked wonders for my wife who has suffered for 4 plus years.

# 29

Posted: 22/09/2005 10:13

I've had IBS For many many years (similar symptoms to everyone else - including the preganancy lookalike) and it was only when I had all those yukky tests done and they came back clear that my specialist sent me to a dietician and boy what a change when I follow the regime. It's hard, particularly if you eat out a lot as I've had to do the past couple of weeks as my house is being renovated! The stress of that hasn't helped either. Basic tenet is fibre. Definitely 5 fruit & veg a day, bran/porridge with a banana in the morning. Switch to brown bread, brown rice, wholemeal pasta where you can. Walk for at least 30 minutes a day and drink lots of water. I was afraid this was going to lead to lots of diarrhorea but it hasn't - things are just more stable and a hell of a lot less painful. It's a life long condition, so just has to be managed. I don't think there's any cure, but if you can control it then you can live with it.

# 28

Posted: 15/09/2005 10:57

Hi,
Ive had IBS since the day I was born I feel and that's over 40+ years ago.
IBS is different for everyone. The last lady asked about Medication. I wouldnt take any long term(please ladies be aware that Osteoporosis is a factor with IBS, not to scare you, but just be aware as I found out I am a candidate, from a Bone Density Scan.
Best bet I found and was told by a doctor many moons ago, is plain over the counter, "Peppermint Oil" tablets. They kill the spasm, forget Colpermin, you might as well be taking Smarties!!!
Also, Lots of Water and Walking after Your meals as this cuts down the discomfort and the tiredness.
However I have no answer for the bloatedness I look like I'm carrying triplets ALL THE TIME.
Flax seed is mighty on porridge for constipation however.
If anyone can Cure the Bloating Please let me know.
also the extreme tiredness late in the evening. I'm zonked. No answers to that I'm afraid!
Thanks,
Marie

# 27

Posted: 20/07/2005 23:04

Has anyone any comments on Colofac and how usefule they found it. I have been taking it for 1 week and my symptoms have got worse.
Anne

# 26

Posted: 30/03/2005 00:45

hi,not sure if i have ibs but for the last few months i get constipated every evening which keeps me awake.I am fine in the morning or by lunch but iam bloated an uncomfortable by evening.I would feel silly going to doctor over this but I eat well,exercise etc,not sure what else to do.Any hints

# 25

Posted: 03/01/2004 02:19

Hi
I have had a long long history of illness and for most of my life i was put on antibiotics by a doctor who just brushed me off and said it was a bug - that went on from when i was a baby. I got a gasteroscopy 6 years ago as i could not put up with the cramps, vomiting every 2nd night without fail, bloating, chronic tiredness and general feeling of being unwell. The results of the gasteroscopy - HERNIA - was told it was very small and nothig to worry about so they put it down to irritable bowel syndrome, didnt bother to put me on any medication and sent me on my way. I am 23 now and have gone from day to day going to bed at night praying that i would not be awake in a few hours vomiting til the early hous of the morning and be too lathargic to get up for work the next morning. In the end i demanded to see a gynie as i would be dying every month with cramps and seriously heavy bleeding.(oh ps. the doctor politely suggested it was all in my head :( ... so i went to the gynie in november of '03 and told her all my symptoms she siad straight away she was 99% certain it was endometriosis - she booked an emergency laparoscopy and suggested i get a gasteroscopy and dnc done at the same time. When i came round from the anesthetic i was told i was full of endometriosis and she had to remove a cyst during the op.And that the flap going into my stomach doesnt work, i have a huge hernia (which i was told sould have been treated seriously years ago) and my oesophagus is all wobbly and not working properly and both that and my stomach are seriously inflamed. I am going on decapeptyl 3 montly injections and am awaiting my next consultation with my gynie to see wat the outlook for my future health is like and wether i can concieve etc. Im angry and confused as to why i went from doctor to doctor and not taken seriously. I now have to face that i have a lifelong ilness and am just wondering if any of you are on decapeptyl injections and are they working for you???? if you have managed to read all of this then THANK YOU!!!!!

# 24

Posted: 25/11/2003 23:36

Hi all,
I am 30 and was diagnosed 3 months ago with IBS after having a colonoscopy and a gastroscopy done. My doctor sent me for these tests as I had a lot of bloating and very bad indegestion. the doctor then put me on colofac but I found it to be of no help whatsoever. I wake up a size 12 and by bedtime I am a size 18. I suffer with bad cramps also but find I am not bad with diarrhia or constipation. I see a chiropractor once a week for back problems and happened to mention it to him and since then he has treated me weekly for this condition and I find it very helpful. The bloating starts again about five days after having the treatment but at least I am getting some relief. I suggest to those that can not take anymore go and see a chiroprator and see if you get good results. It will take at least two visits before you notice a difference. If anybody has a diet that works for IBS I would be very interested. Hopefully in the near future, somebody will come up with a cure so we can all end this nuisance of a thing.... keep well

# 23

Posted: 26/09/2003 12:34

recently I have been experiencing a lot of constipation after being diagnosed with arthritis in my back. But my Doctor does not think this is related. Has any one have simalar problems.

# 22

Posted: 07/05/2003 22:20

I haven't been diagnosed with IBS by a doctor, but i have alot of the symptoms bloating, excessive wind, cramps, 6 months pregnant every night unable to eat 3 meals a day due to feeling nauseus most of the time a friend advised me to seek help with person who does allergy testing, without telling him about how i was he told me that i was allergic to gluten i am not a coeliac as i suffer with severe constipation which movical does not work. He advised me to have linseed on my cereal -cornflakes/rice krispies and avoid bread, wheat bases foods, pasta and after 1 week i do notice that my stomach is n ot as swollan so i will keep going for another while and see how i go.

# 21

Posted: 07/05/2003 19:36

Tea is high in fluoride. 72% of Ireland is artificially fluoridated. There is real evidence that IBS can result from fluoride exposure. Check out the link I gave earlier. And beware fluoridated toothpaste! Minimise your exposure - Best to all - Jane

# 20

Posted: 07/05/2003 15:35

Hi Lorraine

I have suffered from IBS for a number of years now. What works for me is relaxation and linseed. I put a tablespoon of linseed in my porraige every morning and that helps regulate the bowel movements. Coffee and stress are the major culpruits with my IBS. I have been under severe pressure work wise since last September and my IBS has been really bad. I have started using the linseed again and have taken some time off work to unwind and destress. I have decided to change jobs to a less stressful one.

# 19

Posted: 07/05/2003 09:25

Hi to all my fellow IBS sufferers. I have the condition since I started secondary school. I am 26 now. No-one really knew what was wrong with me and just put it dow to nerves! I would be a nervous person at times but I always knew there was more to it than just that. Ive lerned to manage the pain and the condition now but the most annoying thing I find is peoples' reaction to it. I would be quite sensitive and I have had to lern not to take people so seriously when they joke about IBS. They dont understand, so really cant be blamed. It is only when they see you doubled up in pain that they realise how serious it is! I really do nt listen to anyone about what I should or shouldn't eat/ drink as it differs for each person. Personally i believe you must look at what times of the day you have certain foods. For example, if I drink tea or orange juice first thing in the morning, i could have bad dirrohera for the day. I find Immodium great for this, but I try not to take much medication for IBS as I am conscious of my liver. Someimes I also take Spasmonal, an anti-spasmodic drug if I get bad cramps and wind. Peppermint tea definitely helps but in my opinion there is no sure thing that will alleviate symptoms for good. Stress and Anxiety are definite factors that aggrevate the condition so I would advise sufferers to lern to control these and above all listen to what your body is telling you. Cold water can aggrevate my condition too, so Warm water with lemon is a nice comfort. Try and drink this in the morning. Also, avoid tea and coffee and chocolate after 6/7 pm. Gives your gut a chance to relax. Eat natural and pro-biotic yoghurts to keepyour gut healthy and try drinking herbal drinks. It is really about getting to know your own body and finding out what suits and what doesnt. Everyone of us are different!

# 18

Posted: 07/05/2003 09:12

I was diagnosed with IBS this year, I'm 28 but later they discovered that I have Endometriosis which causes my IBS. I find that once I stick to the hi-fibre and eat fresh fruit and veg and avoid starchy foods I'm fine. I take laxatives once in a while when I get bloated as it is really annoying. The IBS is worse when I have my period as the painkillers I have for the Endo. are full of codeine which cause constipation so I could go a week without the loo!! Its scarey stuff, I also drink Hi-fibre drinks, whatever there is out there at all!! The Endo. is harder to live with than the IBS so be aware of it. (applies to females only) Good Luck!

# 17

Posted: 07/05/2003 09:08

Hi. I have IBS in the form of chronic constipation and bloating and flatulence, but have found it much much easier to manage since discovering a bulk laxative called Movicol, available over the counter, with no side effects. For bloating following eating, try digestive enzymes with your food. They really work! Also, watch what you eat and drink. Go for light, healthy food and lots of fruit and veg. Cut down on starch and fatty foods. I've found all of the above has transformed my life and, although, I still have the condition, it's manageable and I have little serious bloating now. Best of luck!!

# 16

Posted: 30/04/2003 13:16

Hi Mag,
I posted earlier as well. I think that you should go see your GP. You could have something else that is making your IBS worse. He'll probably be able to perscribe you something specific for what's wrong.

# 15

Posted: 29/04/2003 23:12

Please see my earlier posting and click on http://www.npwa.freeserve.co.uk/IBS.html Wait for the pictures to load.
Best - Jane

# 14

Posted: 29/04/2003 07:43

Hi,
I'm 23 and i've had IBS for the last 4 years. At this stage its ruining everything. Anything from bread, pasta, potatoes, spicy food,pizza, most salads and alcohol aggrevate it on me. The worst thing is that i am a vegetarian so my diet is limited anyway as i have always been a fussy eater. I am taking Colofac and i find it really good but over the last 3 days i have like a whale and have been constanly belching and i've barely slept with it as the pain is unbearbale. Is there anyone out there who knows of anything that can help. Due to the nature of my work i find it very hard to get any time to exercise and due to this i feel constantly stressed. Please help.

# 13

Posted: 30/09/2002 14:45

I know what you mean about clothes fitting in the morning and leaving marks on your stomach by lunch!!...I've been there. I am 25 now and was diagnosed with IBS about 3 years ago. At the time, it severely disrupted my life and eventually led to me being fired from my job due to sick absence. I was suffering from bloating, diarrhoea, nausea, some vomiting and crippling stomach cramps and at my worst I spent days going from my bed to the bathroom. I think I have tried every medication on the market and those that helped with certain problems caused other side effects, for me anyway. In the end I got the IBS under control by going to visit a homeopath. It was quite a lengthy process and literally was a process of trial and error with the homeopathic remedies. In the end, it was the only thing that really helped me. Don't misunderstand me, I still have the symptoms that I did before but just not at the same level and I have reached a stage where I can at least get on with a relatively normal life. For me the main triggers were spicy/ acidic foods, alcohol and stress and I've had to learn about taking certain foods and drink in moderation. It's not an ideal situation, especially if you want any kind of social life, but it beats being ill. IBS is a long term condition and I believe there is no 'miracle cure' but if you try the homeopathy and it works you might be able to at least claim some of your life back!! Good luck!

P.S. Many thanks to all who posted messages on this website. It's reassuring in a way to know that other young people are going through the same problems and it gives us all a bit of hope!!

# 12

Posted: 01/08/2002 16:24

HOPE FOR IBS SUFFERERS
20% of people living in Ireland have IBS (according to various media reports.). There is a distinct possibility that many victims suffer from fluoride-related IBS. A great deal of work has been done on this by Prof. A.K. Susheela. WHAT'S MORE, she shows how fluoride-related IBS can be CURED in 10 - 15 days WITHOUT MEDICATION.
Go to http://www.npwa.freeserve.co.uk/IBS.html

We have had many calls from people over the past couple of years (in England) who have thanked us for pointing them to this work. If you try it and are relieved of the distressing condition, please let me know. Confidentiality absolutely guaranteed.

Sincerely,
jane@npwa.freeserve.co.uk

# 11

Posted: 03/07/2002 14:31

I know exactly how you are feeling. I am 26 and was diagnosed with IBS about 2 years ago I found the fact that there is no quick and easy "medical" solution the most difficult thing to deal with. The doctors consider you sick enough to do all of the tests and then in my experience, give you very little help afterwards. I feel sick all of the time and although I do basically carry on a normal life I am exhausted every evening and seem to have a lot less energy that any of my friends. I feel different as the day goes on. I spend the morning on the toilet then settle in the middle of the day, I “feel” constipated and suffer from headaches every evening and then I go to bed looking about 6 months pregnant. My situation is that I swing from diarrhea to constipation. If I am giving presentations or attending important meetings at work, which I can’t nip off from, I take diarrhea tablets and then end up with constipation ! I know some of the foods that cause diarrhea so when I’m constipated I’ll try a small amount of those and visa versa ! Not really traditional medicine ! Going out at night can be difficult with the bloating. The trousers that you put on at 6 don’t fit you by 9? I know the feeling. I haven’t gotten over that yet but I am more conscious when I am shopping so it’s not as visible when I am out ! I have found a lot of the chat rooms and discussion centers on the internet to be very helpful in understanding that this is a very common thing and there are a lot of people out there who understand what you are going through. In terms of diet, frustrating though it is, keeping track of what you eat is really the only way. Stress makes the IBS worse but in my situation anyway, addressing that side of my life didn't have the immediate visible result of watching the kinds of food that I eat.
Almost all of the health food shops have digestive aids, which are excellent. Of all of things that I have tried from food diaries, to prescription drugs, to all sorts of alternative medicine these are by far the most helpful. I suggest that you try those.
I know that there are a lot of exclamation marks in this message but to be honest after 2 years of searching for an answer, I’ve realised that you just have to get on with it. If you can see the light hearted side (difficult as it is) dealing with your tummy gets a lot easier.

# 10

Posted: 12/04/2002 11:20

AS with all of the messages I too suffer from IBS. I'm 27 and first became affected when I was 20. Definitely stress is the trigger for me. Unfortunately, it is hard for me to alleviate the stress-causing factors so I do just have to try and deal with it. Bread and a lot of starchy foods also cause problems. I find Colpermin to be very helpful but was wondering if there are any other over-the-counter medications anyone would recommend? Exercise often helps although sometimes this is impossible with IBS. The worst thing is that I also have problems when my clothes don't fit!! Tight clothes seem to make it a lot worse. I just try adn carry Colpermin with me wherever I go. Try drinking peppermint tea also.

# 9

Posted: 07/03/2002 16:17

I have IBS I was diagnosed about 6 mnoths ago. My symptoms are stomach cra,mps, bloating, feeling sick, light headed, tired and wind. I get these feleing every 3-4 weeks and they lkast for about five days. I eat alot of fibre, take regular exercise and dont eat alot of fatty foods. I would br greatful if anyone with similar symptoms could tell me what they have done to over come thier condition. Any advice would br greatly appreciated

# 8

Posted: 04/02/2002 15:24

Hi, I've had IBS for over 10 years now. Stress plays a huge role with IBS for me. The more anxious I become, the worse my IBS becomes. I've found that I'd suffer more with constant diarrhoea rather than constipation. I take Immodium for the diarrhoea and when I can't deal with the stomach cramps, I take Colpermin Capsules. Colpermin contains Peppermint Oil which helps and they are avaiable without prescription. When I haven't had a prescription, Arret or something similiar works just as well as it's going to for the diarrhoea. When I was first diagnosed, I thought it was the answer to everything but you have to learn to live with IBS and always be prepared when going out in case an attack may come on.

# 7

Posted: 31/01/2002 01:32

hi.I have Crohn\'s disese 4-5 years now and it very much sounds like ibs.I was first diagnosed with that.till i persisted and persisted.frustrating isn\'t it.?

# 6

Posted: 13/01/2002 12:57

After discovering I had IBS in my mid 30's with similar symptoms I changed my lunch habits which seemed to be the trigger for the flatulence/bloating to raw salad/fruit without dressing. Rarely any protein and no carbohydrate for this meal, as I found carbs seems to be the main trigger.
A 30 minute daily walk helps a lot with bowel movement.

# 5

Posted: 11/10/2001 05:23

Lorraine I have most of the symptoms that you mentioned and have just been put on colofac and find that it helps. Stress seems to be the main cause in my case and if I control that things are not too bad

# 4

Posted: 16/09/2001 19:13

My sister was diagnosed with Coelic/Cealiac disease recently. This means she is gluten-intolerant. This is a very serious disease and if undiagnosed can lead to cancers of the bowel.
She was told that alot of people believe that they have IBS as the symptoms are similar and go undetected through life. If your doctor tells you have IBS, you can ask for a simple blood test to rule out Coelic disease. I am emailing this not to frighten all the IBS sufferers but to make them aware.

# 3

Posted: 27/07/2001 08:45

I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome as well and was taking a drug called Colofac (Molyhebridine Hydrochloride) that relaxes the muscles in the bowel (It works on the acetycholine system)

Irritable bowel is caused by the muscles in your bowel working more than they need to.

For me it was one of several symptoms that alerted my doctor to the fact that I have ADD. I didn't believe him at first because I was never hyperactive as a child. ADD is very common and doesn't necessarly mean your hyperactive (particularly if your female as they more ofter have the predominatly inattentive type). I'm not saying you have ADD but it's worth looking into. I didn't know till I was in my 30s. Since ADD is extremly common and has only recently been recognized in adults, it might be that you have ADD. I was not diagnosed as a child because I had the predominatly inattentive type and was not hyperactive.

Now I'm taking Ritalin and my irritable bowel rarely causes me problems so I don't need the Colofac anymore.

Here are some links to questionaires that might be useful to see if you have any other symptoms.

http://www.addult.org/question.htm

http://www.amenclinic.com/ac/addtests/adult.asp

http://www.pcnet.com/~dodge/ADD/jasper.html

http://mentalhelp.net/guide/addquiz.htm

http://www.drbiofeedback.com/ADDAdult.html

http://www.psychologynet.org/symadd.html

# 2

Posted: 26/07/2001 17:10

Dear Lorraine,
I was diagnosed about 4 years ago and am also 28, so far I haven't found a miracle cure but I do find I'm worse if I eat spicy foods and bread. Stress also plays a major factor.
Has anyone else got some advise for us.

# 1

Posted: 25/07/2001 16:21

If anyone out there is experiencing the same things as me please write. My doctor has diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I've had blood tests which have come back clear and have changed my diet to include a lot of fibre.

My symptoms are flatulence (embarrasing) bloated stomach, a stretch of 6 days without a bowel movement, my clothes fit me somedays and not others and I am totally tired of this. I am 28, anyone else feeling this way?