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Pain relief in IBS

Posted , 4 users are following.

emma86470
emma86470

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

  • borderriever
    borderriever emma86470

    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

  • pippa58442
    pippa58442 emma86470

    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.

     

    • borderriever
      borderriever pippa58442

      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

    • pippa58442
      pippa58442 borderriever

      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.

    • borderriever
      borderriever pippa58442

      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

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