IBS - how bad can it get?
Posted , 3 users are following.
I have been suffering from IBS since childhood when our doctor told my mother I had a 'nervous tummy'. Anyway it's just got worse and worse where now it dictates my life. God knows how many times I'II have to rush to the loo with cramps and loose stools and then I just feel so weak and wobbly. I suffer from severe anxiety which I try to keep under control but one seems to dictate the other now. I also from health anxiety which provokes all sorts of terrible thoughts.I'm onn medication for the anxiety but it doesn't help. I'm also dehydrated and try to drink as much as possible but just feel awful. Oh yes, I'm 60 now and just feel awful. Can anybody here understand?
0 likes, 4 replies
susand1408 lucas18
Posted
There are a number of things you can do to help. Keep a food and symptom diary. This may show up patterns of food that can make it worse. Wheat (gluten) or dairy are usually one of the most common.
Take probiotics - I found the wheat based liquid one the best but it is more expensive.
Centrifugal juicers are brilliant. They take the complex fibres out that can aggravate your stomach but keep in the less complex ones that are needed to keep you regular.
Regarding the stress Crochet or knitting is brilliant. It makes you focus on something which relaxes your brain and stops you focusing on the thoughts that stress you. I learnt off YouTube. I found crochet the best. You can also try ti chi, yoga or mindfulness.
Going for a walk in the fresh air everyday can help. You need exercise to make your stomach work better and the vitamin D helps.
Getting a better night's sleep. Your bowl needs you to sleep to work better. Don't go on electronics an ha before bed. Have your bedroom a couple of degrees cooler than the house. No lights or anything that can disturb you. I use a sleep spray with lavender and other herbs.
Also a tea with ginger in it can sooth and relax your stomach. There is a make of tea that makes a relaxing tea. I have it an hour before bed and a cup in the morning. It really helps. Doesn't taste fantastic so I add a little honey. It's well worth it.
I hope some of this helps!
Sue
lucas18 susand1408
Posted
Thanks so much. I have probiotics here and drink lemon and ginger tea. But I do eat wholemeal bread. In fact my diet is terrible with a lot of rubbish like biscuits, cakes etc. I'm taking vitamin D as my levels were low. I will keep a diary.
IBSDiabetic lucas18
Posted
Yes, it can get VERY bad.. It takes both a physical AND emotional toll on a human being. However, it can be well controlled. Managing IBS is different forevery body. The key elements are diet, mental stress, and sometimes mediction. Using FodMap is a HUGE help. People with IBS must understand, we can't eat like everybody else, because we have a unique condition that has to deal with our digestive/metabolic system. Just like diabetes, regardless of how tedeous it is, you MUST be on top of where your blood sugars are. IBS is no different, always being aware of the foods that can trigger our condition.
borderriever lucas18
Posted
Yes I understand where you are coming from.
Anxiety can be treated as can IBS, I take a great deal of medication related to Pain and depression. I understand we need to be careful what we drink ad that can be a real party pooper !!
You are not alone it is a real problem we need to live with.
I remember when young my Surrogate Father used to suffer from the problem. We were sitting wathing TV and a neighbour came in with Her dog, My Surrogate past a blaster and gave the poor dog a stoey glair, The Ladie looked at the dog and went bright red, I have never seen someone drag a dog outside so fast.
Could not stop laughing for ages
BOB