1. Community
  2. Gut, bowel and stomach
  3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Just adding to the debate.......something to try.....?

Posted , 5 users are following.

steve0151
steve0151

Just adding to the debate. At the age of 65 I appear to have developed IBS, at least I have all the classic symptoms; rumbling stomach, cramps, constipation. In the last month I've had three attacks which have been very uncomfortable (that's an understatement!) and caused extreme lack of sleep/total exhaustion. In desperation I tried taking good, old fashioned Alka Seltzer and I have to say it appeared to work. Not immediately, but over about an hour or so the rumblings started to subside. I mentioned this to my GP, who gave me one of those superior smiles, that tell you you're talking nonsense, and then prescribed Gaviscon. Yesterday I had another attack; rumblings starting in the morning and cramps developing in the early evening. Took Gaviscon; no discernible relief! Went to bed exhausted and slept fitfully for three hours to be woken with the pains unchecked. After another three hours awake and cramping decided to try another Alka Seltzer - asleep within the hour and woke with symptoms gone. Coincidence? I don't know but I don't work for Alka Seltzer and have no axe to grind ( except, possibly, against Gaviscon!) there's probably no medical reason why it should work but, given that the medical profession doesn't seem to have any real answers.......... Personally, I'm off to my friendly local pharmacy to stock up on Alka Seltzer!!! You could try it too, you've nothing to lose and it might work for you - keep me posted. 

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • p3t3r
    p3t3r steve0151

    Posted

    IBS is in the large intestine, not the stomach. However I have noticed that sometimes the discomfort/pain seems to be higher up. But Alka Seltzer is to neutralise acid, and in so doing it should create gas, which doesn't sound like a cure for IBS (at least as far as in what I understand IBS is). But maybe there's something else going on, like it aiding digestion.

    Anyway I've tried it previously and to no effect I fear.

  • skystarsriver
    skystarsriver steve0151

    Posted

    Steve I hope your doctor tested you for clostridium difficile because what you describe can be exactly that.

    I had clostridium for a long time before my very superior doctor went on holiday and her replacement immediately gave me a test for clostridium (which alternates from constipation to diahorrea) and it was positive.

    It took me 6 months to get rid of it...but I only found out about it because my regular doctor was away.

    No idea why alka seltzer would help outside your stomach but anyways...I tell people about clostridium now because the symptoms were as you describe for me and the pain was all over my lower abdomen.

    Some doctors don't check for it in people who have not been in hospital or taking antibiotics, however, it is showing up a lot in the general population now.

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.