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Ibs and can't cope

Posted , 7 users are following.

eileen16243
eileen16243

Hi I'm new to the forum and I'm after a bit advice. 

I'm 54 years old and 5 month ago got diagnosed with ibs. I also suffer with severe depression and anxiety. 

My symptoms started 5 months ago and have now got so bad I can't cope with life anymore. I've not left the house in 4 weeks. And during that time my ibs and anxiety caused me to become dehydrated and since then my bowel movements haven't been the same.

5 months ago my symptoms started as a lot of mucus everything I went to the toilet sometimes without passing a stool. The doctor said that I was OK and that I had ibs. Then I had an episode of watery stools which caused the most excruciating pain that scared the life out of me and that then made me scared to eat because I didn't want to get that pain again. 

At the moment my bowels are all over the place one minute I have the runs then I'm having proper stools. I'm going insane(I have been diagnosed as a hypochondriac and so this has caused me to think I'm dieing of so many illnesses). 

I put 2 stool tests in they both came back clear and blood tests came back clear. At the moment everytime  I pass wind I poo myself. Or I pass mucus. 

What I want to know is how to cope with it I'm finding it so hard I just want my life back. I take Buscapan and lopermide. 

Please help!! 

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • jane55622
    jane55622 eileen16243

    Posted

    Oh dear Eileen, you are at the end of your tether aren't you.

    I think the anxiety is fueling the ibs - and the worse the ibs gets the more anxious you feel. There's nothing worse than stress for affecting your bowels. My mum has rip roaring ibs pretty similar to you. When I get upset and stressed my digestive system is the first place to feel it and I easily have the runs and feel sick. 

    I'd strongly suggest that you go to the doctors and get some anti-depressants. It will take the top edge off the anxiety and should help you to try and take control and build your confidence to try and at least get it under control enough to function. It's so hard an dyou aren't the only one. 

    • roseyellow
      roseyellow jane55622

      Posted

      Jane is right. Emotions go hand in hand with I.B.S. my Dr told me. Once you brake that conection it will change your I.B.S. Try to walk outside and get some Sun. Even if you do not go any place. And Vit B-12 B-6 are helpfull.biggrin
  • lorraine172
    lorraine172 eileen16243

    Posted

    Hi Eileen, so sorry to hear you are struggling. I agree with Jane though that stress will not be helping.  I used to be worried and struggling like you and with essentially 'nothing wrong' after checks (I'm 58).   Since I started to take a shot of aloe vera every day after someone recommended trying 'anything' to help I have never felt better smile
  • larah97847
    larah97847 eileen16243

    Posted

    Hi Eileen, everytime I come to this forum I ask the person the same thing. Have you considered a low FODMAP diet? It helps 75% of people with IBS. I battled with IBS for 2 years before being diagnosed and I have now been on this diet for a year. My life has improved a 1000%. You can look up the diet on internet. Most reliable sources are Monash University and Sue Shepherd the creator of the diet. I have a lot of information, if I can help. I'll be happy to do that.

    All the best for now. Don't be discouraged there is help out there.

    Larah 

    • joseph17739
      joseph17739 larah97847

      Posted

      Hi Eileen So sorry to hear you are having a hard time. Was about to say  I too am on Fodmap diet for 4mts it has done a lot of good for my pain which in the spring was getting unbearable and I think any improvement will help with anxiety. Trouble with IBS is stress causes it and we stress about food we eat etc. Regards and try to be positive not easy I know

       

  • Big_lass_j
    Big_lass_j eileen16243

    Posted

    Hi I hope your mum is feeling better today. X
    • jane55622
      jane55622 Big_lass_j

      Posted

      I think you might mean my mum. She's slowly feeling more like herself mentally with the sertraline, getting in control of the mental side of IBS is another thing. And now she's also got sciatica too - she's in agony! 
  • paintedlady
    paintedlady eileen16243

    Posted

    I also will be turning 50 and about 6 years ago started having IBS symptoms.  After trying to cut out dairy, bread and grains, and only doing half ***, I got serious.  I threw out all processed foods from my pantry, absolutely no boxed, canned or frozen food unless it is berries or veggies NOT in sauce.  Introduced lots of greens, cabbage, raw fermented foods, apple cider vinigar everyday, lots of vitamin C and so on.  You will need to change your diet.  I have made great strides but it means no more eating out pretty much, and spending several days a week preparing meals. 

    There is some good advice her on the FODMAP diet.  You will need to do some research, 

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