Pain relief in IBS

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hello, after many months of tests etc my clinic physician now thinks I am suffering from IBS, slightly atypical in that the main symptom is pain. I was on codeine which helped, but he thinks this was making the pain worse in the long term. He recommended paracetamol for pain relief, but it's not very effective. I've also just started amitryptiline which has knocked me out and today I have the triple whammy of severe pain, severe fatigue and dopiness. I am struggling. Does anyone have experience of an effective form of pain relief I can use to cope--I cannot do hot water bottles and deep breathing in work meetings!

Thank you.

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Paracetamol can be taken full dose over several days, although personallY i would advise you restrict how much you take. Many painkilling drugs taken over counter can cause people to become bunged up and as far as your bowel is concerned that can cause an element of pain.

    Amitryptalene will make you feel drowsy during the day, try taking them about one hour befor bed. they will help you sleep. This drug is an Antidepressant and is used on neurological pain as well as depression. If you need painkillers discuss those with your GP or Chemist, the Hospital should also know a more gentle way to treat your condition.

    One thing that may help is a spoon of olive oil before bed this may loosen your stools. Take the AD one hour before sleep that will help you sleep at night and keep awake during the day

    BOB

    BOB

  • Posted

    I wouldn’t bother with antidepressants because they will add to your symptoms. They can be very toxic   Try nurofen instead; paracetemol is not strong enough for IBS pain.  Have you tried Buscopan as an antispasmodic?  If it doesn’t work, ask you doctor for a different one.

    Having pain as a main IBS symptom is not that unusual.  There is such as thing as pain predominant IBS.

     

    • Posted

      Hello Pipa

      Yes I can see the logic in giving this AD as a painkiller, this reaction is a side effect of the AD. I have a Chronic Medical condition that affects my nerves throughout my body, it does work well. The dose is generally lower than that given for depression and the effect on the bowel and tummy is more gental than some over the counter medications.  The sedating effect of the drug although in some ways sedating is best taken at night one hour before bed. You will sleep wel and awake more at more calm and in control.

      I take a low dose of above, 50mg, before 75mg daily. The dose for AD can be generally higher and that affets the patients Depression.

      It wil be important you keep taking the medication and not forget a dose as advised

      BOB

    • Posted

      I was recommended it for neuropathic pain but I decided not to try it because for me I would just be exchanging one problem for another which would seriously affect my quality of life.  My Aspergers causes me deficits which could be made worse by anti depressants even at low dose.  You have to be on them for a while to see any benefit, whereas I would rather take something that would give me quick pain relief but would be mild enough not to cause side effects. Unfortunately, there is nothing of this sort for neuropathy. So I have decided just to accept the pain however annoying it is.  

      I do realise that not everyone can do this, but for me this approach works.

    • Posted

      Pippa

      This medication, if missed you will know you have next day. However I understand How you are thinking with medications, you are like me

      Good Luck, Always around

      BOB

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.