IBS - Bloating and Cramps

Hi Jay,

I have suffered from IBS for many years on and off and it started when I was a student 20 years ago due to stress. Worrying about the symptoms and whether or not to go out, or whether you'll be near a loo, etc, all of that adds to the anxiety and then the symptoms so you mustn't get stuck in that sort of cycle. It is hard but try not to let the condition add to your stress or to cause it in future.

The best solutions that I have found are dietary - most of the typical medications don't work and can be pretty hard on the stomach as well. Try to avoid too much wheat or gluten (eg bread/pasta) - there are gluten free versions available, and try not to eat too much sugary or fatty food as I always think that makes my insides ferment and get more gassy and lead to more mucusy diarrohea.. If you cut down on these refined carbs and sugars then you may start to feel better. Drink lots of water and use soya milk.

I have recently started a 6 week diet to help with liver and glucose problems and I never thought I would cope without any bread, potato, pasta, rice, sugar, dairy but I have and my stomach has been so much better without them. It's only a temporary fix but it proves that those foods were making me ill as I was eating too much. You can still eat lots of meat and fish, fruit and veg and unsalted nuts and seeds and stay full. Eating a little and often can help and will reduce the bloating. I used to have agonising wind and cramps so I know it can be very distressing.

As for the stress, try to identify what caused it in the first place and deal with that. Talking or counselling can help, or if it's a temporary thing due to a relationship or work or studies, then it will pass. Don't let the doctors define you by your stress and don't let the symptoms take over.

Best of luck,

Neil

Hi

Jay I suffer from severe bloating within 5mins of eating it gets so bad I can't hardly breath

I am burping for hours I've tried every tablet as I've had ibs for 30years nothing works

The doctors don't care because they Havant a clue to be honest I can live with the toilet

Issues but not the bloating can anyone please help

Garry

Hi,

I've been suffering with IBS for the past two years, at first it wasnt too bad but this past year it started to spiral out of control. I've started a blog at www.mylifewithibs.com to document my experiences. I've tried nearly every medication and had pretty much every test going, to confirm it was IBS.

I'm now on Dicycloverine Hydrochloride for the pain which seems to be workign fairly well, but I've still had to rely on Immodium almost daily for the past 6 months, and am yet to find a suitable alternative, but it gets me out of the house which is the main thing.

I've identified some foods which are a complete no-no but even when I remove these, I still have lots of issues. I've now discovered the FODMAP diet, which I started a few days ago and am hoping this brings me some relief!

I'm also going travelling as of next week with my partner as I'm determined not to let this condition take over everything. I dont think its going to be a smooth ride though!

Stress/ anxiety can worsen IBS symptoms, but these should reduce over time.

In terms of bloating I suffer with this and again I'm struggling to find a way to reduce it. I would start by writing a food diary and write down everything you eat and drink as well as how you feel that day or after each meal, ie cramping, bloating etc. I would also do some research on common foods which are an issue in IBS and reduce these. The FODMAP diet has produced some good results for people with IBS, so its worth consideration.

Best wishes

I got told I had IBS by my doctor and told nothing could be done. I knew it must have been food related though. I eventually took one of these food sensitivity tests at holland and barratt, a reaction showed to tomatoes. wierdly they are fine when cooked, just can't have them raw so I never made the link. Since cutting them out I'm absolutely fine. I'm sure everyones reaction is to different things, which is why they lump it all together under this name of IBS. Have you tried cutting out dairy? I also read a mind opening book recently called The China Study which scientifically links loads of conditions to nutrition. Our modern diets are really not that great for our body. worth a read perhaps.

I know you posted this a year or so ago so im really hoping that you've sorted or at least can easily manage your symptoms now. IBS is  horrible. I was diagnosed about 5 years ago as having Ibs and over the years it has only gotten worse.. invasive tests anopertation and countless trips to hospitals and specialist later and i'm still suffering with symptoms. Like you i also suffer with anxiety and that definatly makes it worse. Last week I got put on a new medication called dicycloverine hydrochloride which is helping the cramps/spasms and letting me eat again. If you are still suffering it might be worth a try.

Cub