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  3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Ibs is taking over my life.

Posted , 5 users are following.

Gme95
Gme95

I'm now 21 and have been suffering with "ibs" since age 16. 

I take loperomide and buscopan when needed during this time. I've cut out foods that cause a flare up along with alcohol and caffeine and eat a very basic diet. This doesn't seem to have helped. I've been to see dietitians and now have a very low lactose diet. 

Also I think it's worth mentioning that I've been suffering with mental health issues from age 11 and are still in the process of getting a diagnosis. 

Now I've given some background, I'm just basically so fed up and hopeless. I've taken steps to help myself but it's so frustrating that nothing seems to work. My social life has been affected (practically non existent) I barely have any friends. My main issue is travel even if for only a short time as when I need to use the loo I have very short notice so I find myself turning down lots of opportunities. There is just nothing more terrifying than being stuck on transport with no access to a toilet. It's so embarrassing and it's ruining my quality of life. 

Does anyone else experience this? If so can you provide and tips? All help is appreciated. 

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • emalexem
    emalexem Gme95

    Posted

    Hey, 

    I completely understand how you feel, I'm also 21 and I barely go out and have lost a lot of friends who think I'm just being rude and making excuses. 

    I hate travelling, I'm always thinking about where the next toilet is. 

    I cannot eat dairy, even though doctors have told me I don't have lactose intolerance, but I know my own body. 

    You aren't alone with how you feel, but I understand how dibilitating it feels to be in your youth and feel like you don't want to go out or move sometimes. 

  • leeniepie
    leeniepie Gme95

    Posted

    have you tried the low fodmap diet? fibre supplements?
    • leeniepie
      leeniepie Gme95

      Posted

      Soluble fibre bulks up your stools and can lessen diarrhoea. You can take supplements of this daily
    • Gme95
      Gme95 leeniepie

      Posted

      Thanks! Do you know if they'd sell this at Boots or Holland&Barret or something?

      Honestly the idea of having an accident just puts my tummy in knots and makes me so anxious I'm at the point that I'm rarely leaving the house right now. 

      I need my life back 

    • leeniepie
      leeniepie Gme95

      Posted

      Yes you can get a brand called benefibre, you can also try things like psyllium, acacia gum etc. It's trial and error to see what suits you.

  • sunnycms
    sunnycms Gme95

    Posted

    Yes. I feel your pain. Do you suffer from anxiety? It can cause or increase tummy symptoms dramatically. What meds are you on if any? They too can cause problems. Do you have other symptoms like bloating, nausea, etc? What tests have been to diagnose you? Have you ever had food poisoning?
  • cuba_27115
    cuba_27115 Gme95

    Posted

    I have just started using metamucil and have to admit its good. But don't take too much at the start. Maybe 1 teaspoon. After a week, iam now using one and a half teaspoons morning and night, and only had one bad day soo far. I see at the chemist they sell it in capsule form as well.

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