How to cope with ibs?

Hey, I don't know what I can say to help you out other than you should know that there are lots of people in the same boat as you, and that it can be very hard to live with I know how you feel. It's a horrible illness made worse by the fact that I never feel comfortable explaining it to people, saying we have stomach problems seems so much less important to people than something like a broken wrist or anything. It's very hard to actually get people to understand how it makes you feel. All I can say is that you should not give up looking for something to help you, I've been really bad this last year but recently have improved with the use of VSL#3 probiotic recommended by my gastrologist after we went through a lot of other options. I'd say keep trying and find people who understand how you feel?

What helps me is thinking that no matter how bad things get, you can always just go off and enjoy the world, travel etc. Even if it is alone, whatever your hobby is, being in nature, by the sea, reading, learning, games etc, they can always be enjoyed, even though IBS can make you feel isolated. There is always a solution, at least we are not stuck to our beds permanently, etc etc. Even though it seems 'unfair' that we have such problems at such a young age (i'm 19), it really could be worse, as hard as it is to believe. Try to hold onto any good times you've had in your life, and believe that you will have those again, that's what I do anyway. None of this may help you, and I hope this isn't to...soppy but there you go. Best of luck!

Thank you so much. I do get isolated and it is hard to explain - especially when teachers get mad that you've missed their lessons! I try to focus on the positive, despite my anxiety and depression and I am a big believer in the view that things will get better. Could you tell me more possibly about the probiotic? Anything new that might help would be great. Thank you for replying and listening to me and it wasn't soppy! You've made me feel slightly better which I appreciate. Thank you

Mmm yeah they also say I have anxiety, it just follows from the IBS and whatnot I think. Good so keep being a big believer then! haha. Yeah the probiotic was mainly for IBS-D which I have/had, I'm still not 100% that it has worked as it is early days but there certainly has been a huge improvement. Basically my gastrologist said that I should take this VSL#3 which has a shed load of bacteria in it (it is expensive like 25 pounds for 1 sachet I think), including bifidobacteria which apparently most of the probiotics don't. Anyways I was told to combine this with eating prebiotics, food that feed good bacteria in the stomach (I thought this was too homeopathic but turns out it is a science), to rebalance my gut flora as apparently my IBS was triggered by antibiotics + infection. I have no idea if this will help you but I thought I should mention it. Again I can try let you know in a few weeks if it has helped permanently or anything.

He also suggested Amytriptiline as a 'silver bullet', this is a anti-depressant that you take at realllyy low doses for IBS as it desensitises the gut but reducing the signalling from stomach to the brain, which also has the effect of slowing food transit...which leads to constipation so may not help you. I got the impression this is quite a drastic measure, and probably doesn't suit you. But either may be worth mentioning to any specialist you have?

Long message sorry, hope detail is useful

I'm sorry to hear you're having a tough time dealing with IBS, it can be daunting, especially when we're told it isn't something that can be cured, rather some we must cope with the best we can. That is the key though, we have to make absolutely sure we are on top of everything. Taking soluble fiber supplements from the doctor, eating yogurts with probiotics, maintaining a strict diet and making certain you get plenty of exercise. We just need to see the silver lining. People without these issues tend not to look out for their body so closely, but because our issues cause us pain, we must look after our bodies and in a lot of ways that will benefit us in the long run. I am sure you will find a balance, and if for some reason you don't think you only have IBS exercise your rights as a patient, make sure you've gotten all blood and stool tests done, you have the right to information. You have the right to make sure you've covered all your bases and that you're not in fact suffering from something else, which is why treatment is not helping you at all.

I am so sorry you are feeling so low. I too have IBS & it is so dreadful at times. I am stressed at the moment so any little thing will kick the symptoms off . But instead of getting depressed about it , which I have done recently , I try & think things will get better & slowly they are. I have to say , probiotics are being used a great deal recently on the ward I work on . They do seem to have an effect . One of our Consultants is a great advocate of the probiotic drinks . They may help . Good luck