My IBS is ruining my life please help me cope

Hi don't be embarrassed as we're not here to judge were all in the same boat.

I'm 33 and have had this since I was about 18 so I've tried a lot of things. In the last few years I've looked up a lot of stuff to do with it as it got worse 1 thing I will say is that you defiantly need to change your eating look up FODMAP on the Internet it's really helpful also I hope you have been to the doctor and told them what you have told us.

In the summer I started having something similar to what you were saying blood and mucous they did did some stool samples which came back high so I had to have a colonoscopy which is a camera up your annual into your intestines I'm awaiting results this week. I think you should speak to the doctors and your parents about having this done as there are some things they can only find but having that.

Good luck try to let it stress you as it makes it worse, keep us updated.

All the best x

Ask your doctor about IBS.  Mucus in stools and having difficulty cleaning yourself after a motion can be signs of irritable bowel along with diarrhoea, constipation and stomach pain.  I started with constipation, stomach pain, nausea and loose stools which were very hard to clean.  I had an ultrasound, stool tests, a urine sample and a celiac test.  All were negative and I didn't need a colonoscopy.  IBS was diagnosed after 3 and a half months and eight doctors.

Sometimes IBS can start after a stomach infection or food intolerance.  Stress is a major factor as well.

Sorry that was meant to say try NOT to let it stress you* also I got diagnosed with IBM after about 2 years of the symptoms started but as I said all theses yeas later and it's got worse so try and be tested now for as much as possible that way it's clears everything else.

Thanks for the replies so far, I was actually told by the doctor I have IBS in November last year but he's only just referee me now to a pedestrian since it has gotten worse.

The blood isn't really a problem any more at least not recently but the mucus definitely is.

I had a stool sample tested I think in October and they found nothing wrong with it but my stools look a lot different now compared to how they where back then.

My age is 15 btw.

I've actually looked at FODMAP before but I didn't think much off it, I kept a food diary for about a month to see if I could fine certain triggers but I wasn't able to really find anything, maybe would have been better if I kept doing it for longer.

Thanks for all the replies it really does help I'm just sick of how awful it is.

Stress and anxiety will make ibs worse.

This is a difficult time for you because of exams etc.

You could try taking COLPERMIN. You can buy them from the chemist or get them on prescription.

Take care and keep in touch

Praying for you

Sarah

Last night and today if I go toilet and do so much as fart a tiny bit then mucus comes out. I'm starting to get really scared. Please help me.

Bananas are very good as a binding agent if you are having diarrhoea as long you are not intolerant to them. You could also try Imodium.  Don't worry about how your stools look.  Mine looked different at the beginning of my IBS and I was very worried at first.  I then read that everyone with Irritable Bowel panicks about this but in reality there is nothing to fear because stools come in all shapes and sizes.  As long as you don't have bleeding, or unexpected, rapid weight loss, then there is nothing to worry about.

Although it is very difficult, try not to get anxious because it will make your symptoms worse. While waiting for tests, results and a diagnosis,I started getting loose stools and my pain was at its peak.   Once I got answers, my symptoms improved. Since your doctor has diagnosed IBS, this should be be an enormous relief to you.  I think the reason for your increase in symptoms could be your exams and waiting for further medical appointments.

Hi tommyteen

Ive just read ur story and all good comments from other suffers. Like u many a day i feel ur pain, as im both. Fear of cant go having awlful pains n build up to then the next its flowing!! Plus all other symptoms as well on top.But what u got to rem is ur not alone, were all here to support n help/tips to make this unknown condition life bearable for us all. Coz i wouldnt wish it on anyone, As unfortantly it doesnt go away.Only thing can do is find the best way to control it.as not everyone falls in the same bracket. Like u ive suffered with this since 2012. So not going to sugar coat it for u, these are a few points that may help you but some u might have done already,or know. as like u im slowly getting control back to have a norm life again!

here goes,

- u need to sort/change ur diet is a must,fresh is always best,n think how is that cooked in what way?? Fried oven boiled. fodmap is a good start to list n check do i eat that.what truggers it off etc as ur gut/bowels still not happy.

- u feel ur like in a nightmare, groundhog day. U have too much on ur plate. Relax find time to unwide, as yes stress worrys thinking bout it then upsets you more n defo ur body. What u feel is then ur body reacting to it all.upset confised, out of balance.So stop! have a break give urself a break. Make time just to sit n relax. It does help.

- support, ur not alone. Ibs is getting so common these days the numbers are growing. Best thing for u, again to feel calmer positive at ease is To talk it out, either family some mates or us on here.get it off ur chest sort to speak. But b positive!

- push push push ur doctors. Finding out now, running the tests will only help u and people around you to get control back to educate urself about UR body. What it likes doesnt like, copes etc then u have control n not suffer so bad years to come, meeting other half soicalise going out uni maybe??

- on that note, like me the norm over counter stuff is just not working or strong enough. Imodiums pain killers etc. So ask ur doc to try you on.if u want n wish. Either of these, CODEINE these i take 2 a day mornings. It helps stop the belly pains and eurges to run to the loo,it slows down n calms ur muscles in ur gut and bowels as going too fast working overtime. Now doc might say its not a normal thing to take for ibs suffers, i know a few take it.but if it works for you you take, right. And the other one is called. PROCHLORPERAZINE. This is when im having a flare up/attack. Take one It makes u sleepy tho and what ever is upset with ur body at the time will flush it out usually within 30- 60 mins. After that feel fine carry on with the day. Now if u go ahead with any of these the doc will of course advise u n montior the dose as being young u may b on slightly diff amounts. Think like me ur coming to the end of what possible next can do to stop it all after trying loads. So my finally point is.

- if u havent done or booked yet. Push ur doc for a colonscopy. It can straight away rule out alot and give u good results espcially as ur having trouble with muscus. Its not a nice thing to go through, ive had 2. N if they say cant see anything again this is a common thing for us suffers of ibs. But they will take samples n get that to the lab for more in deepth testing.

Really hope these words might make a bit of sense/help n not got ur back up. As i hear ur pain loud n clear n just like others find light at end of the tunnel.