IBS and incontinence

Sounds like you need to alter your diet. Not having enough fibre in your diet means not all of the poo comes out. It mostly comes out as diarrhoea but bits get left behind. These then cause blockages till they get so big they get forced out - constipation. Try getting as much less complex fibres. Things like peach skins are complex and are difficult to digest and aggravate ibs. A good way is a centrifugal juicer. Get as much veg as possible and can add some fruit to improve taste.

Also getting good bacteria helps. I found the liquid wheat based one online best. Expensive but I just take a small amount each day and helps.

Also you can be effected by hormones. I have the depo contraceptive injection which regulates my hormones and reduces the symptoms.

Hope this helps.

Sue

Thanks, that's really helpful. I'm still a bit clueless when it comes to diet. I think I eat quite well, but I've been a bit stuck between trying to change things to avoid constipation/trying to change things to avoid diarrhoea. The D is definitely more problematic for me than the C but it would be great to address both so I will give this a go. 

I also get really bad bloating and a very swollen/distended abdomen - could that be lack of fibre too?

Unfortunately your body is 'flushing' itself out. Although the IBS may make your intestines more sensitive afterwards causing the cramps and the need to rush to the toilet. Its tricky. But try working on the constipation side of things. Gradually introduce more fiberous foods into your diet. And try to double your water intake untill you find the constipation less severe. Also even with Diarrhoea make sure you get fibre in your diet. As fibre helps to bulk up your stools as well as make them easier to pass. Smoothies are very good if you dont have much of an appetite. Just dont pile your body full of fibre all at once.

Immodium works in some cases but has been known to cause cramping and bloating. If you research into how Immodium works it almost acts as a type of cork higher up in the digestive track. Which slows stool down. This could make the explosive symptom your describing. Although its a shot in the dark 4 doctors have told me that Immodium doesnt help with severe IBS unless is predominant IBS D!

Have you been given any type of prescription anti spasmostics? I am IBS A so am imbetween. But when i get IBS D i take Mebeverine. This works well for me. It calms the cramping and stops the D. However you shouldnt take it when you have Constipation as it can make it worse. But you dont have to take it every day only when you need it. May be worth asking for some? They work very well for pain to.

Hope this helps.

Have you tried the FODMAP diet? Cut out dairy that worked for me.