Any advice on how to cope with IBS?
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hey!
So I've been dealing with what I presume is IBS since I developed really bad social anxiety and depression with that.. Apparently the ibs is triggered by stress, which I notice increases how bad the ibs can get. I know a lot of people develop ibs with anxiety. (I also seem to get this nausea which my doctor has said is caused by my anxiety).
So every now and again, I feel as if I eat something, it can be totally random, something that didn't previously upset my digestive tract before, and then a few hours later, usually at ridiculous times so I'm unable to sleep like now (4:30am) I start to get a dull stomach ache, then a sudden urge to use the bathroom, and then for up to an hour I'm back and fourth to the loo, feeling nauseous and hot and sometimes dizzy. My mum has ibs and I've noticed if she eats a fair amount of rich foods it triggers hers, so could I perhaps have a similar thing to her?
Sometimes this can last on and off for a few days, and I was wondering if there are any tablets or remedies to help with it, maybe prevent it, or even just to make it less of an awful experience? It's getting to be a pain when I have to wake up at 9am but can't sleep due to my bowels! I'd really appreciate some feedback as I'm fed up of my mum saying it's just me being a hypochondriac -_-
0 likes, 11 replies
vivian89329 2731
Posted
It sounds like IBS but did you see a Dr. Or have any testing done just to make sure?
Vivian
susand1408 2731
Posted
p3t3r 2731
Posted
2. Some people claim that stress triggers IBS; personally I haven't found that - some of my worst attacks have been on holidays, when I'm completely relaxed.
3. For me that it's food that triggers it, or more correctly certain foods.
4. If it is IBS try following the low FODMAP diet - best site for info is Monash University, who have done a lot of research on diet and IBS.
J_Lancashire 2731
Posted
So I do think stress was my trigger. The only foods that I know to avoid are onions, which go right through me! Also, tomatoes, especially when they are in a rich sauce. I have tried so many products both from my GP and pharmacy but nothing was helping at all! I have had a really bad flare up recently and in desperation I asked my pharmacist if he could suggest anything that would help the cramps and bloating and he suggested Kolanticon Gel. I was sceptical but had nothing to lose. I take it after meals as I know that is when the trouble is going to start! I can only eat very small meals at the moment. It has helped me a great deal. Unfortunately, I am now having problems at the top of my stomach. Probably due to taking Ibuprofen and Naproxen when I was waiting for a neck operation about 6 months ago. I have had erosions in my stomach before through taking these but I was in so much pain with a trapped nerve in my neck. I live in hope that once I have had my endoscopy at the beginning of August and found out what the pain is 'up top' I will hopefully be able to cope a bit better. Kolanticon Gel seems to ease the cramps. It has an antispasmodic, antiflatulent and an antacid, so it is helping me a bit with my pain 'up top' too. It is definitely worth a try. Hope it helps you while you get a diagnosis.
Hedgehoglet 2731
Posted
Anxiety is also a factor for me-I know that if I've got something important to do I need to eat foods that are easier to digest the night before and that day, as when I'm tense, it makes muscles tense in my stomach and bowel. Maybe combining the food diary with a mood diary-so what mood were you in and what did you eat that day.
Good luck. xx
p3t3r Hedgehoglet
Posted
Sourdough bread works for some.
Hedgehoglet p3t3r
Posted
imelda16796 2731
Posted
graham9772 2731
Posted
This will take a very short time and you have a 70% chance that your problem is gone and you only have to fine tune your diet and then stick to it.
As far as I know the diet is not a cure - it identifies the foods that cause your IBS You have to continue with the expanded diet forever, To most people with ibs that is not a big deal. Many people have to avoid certain foods and they still manage to live happily.
Cheers
Hedgehoglet graham9772
Posted
jenny98754 2731
Posted