IBS help

[Dxxr]

I'm presuming this is IBS. For the last week and a half ive been having really bad cramps, I constantly feel like I need the loo but sometimes I go sometimes I can't go, ive bad flatulance sorry tmi and overall I feel very unwell. Ive been taking buscopan tablets for this but it's just not going away. Has anyone any tips please

[Ruth618]

I have IBS. What helped me was Culturelle. My gastroenterologist told me my intestinal flora was depleted of "good bacteria". I have learned exactly what foods trigger symptoms and what foods help. I do live with the fear of suddenly needing to use the bathroom and not being near one, because I spend a lot of time driving.
Just figure out what foods your stomach really likes and eat that. Have a few different "faves" and you stomach will be quieter

[Rls1994]

Dxxr, I am going through exactly the same thing! :/ Well, I was earlier anyway. I seem to be getting this every other day now for the last 2 weeks.. Although mine is slightly different to your case. I get cramps, can't go to the loo, then I get horrible D* and N* an hour later until it's all gone. Usually I feel better when it's all gone, so I'm assuming I have IBS, too. It does run in my family so I won't be surprised if it was. My dad has peppermint capsules that he takes when his flares up, so I'm wondering if you've tried them?

[jmoore10]

IBS is such a pain in the ass (pardon the pun) because it's not a real diagnosis per SE. It's a catch all when your digestive system acts up. The crappy (another pun!) thing is it's hard to quantify what helps and what sets it off, at least for me. For instance I can eat the same identical meal I'd just eaten the week before and have tons of trouble and not have had even a twinge the first time around. After multiple tests and medications I've pretty mich given up getting medical relef and have been just doing whatever it is that works for me that particular day. If I wake up feeling badly and it doesn't ease up on it's own, I know I'm probably best off laying off food for the day or eating lightly and allowing my stomach to "reset" itself before trying a full-blown meal again
I know this probably wasn't much help, but just wanted to let you know you aren't alone with these issues and many of us can sympathize with your pain!
I hope you're feeling better!

[Dxxr]

Yea I'm pretty much the same with food sometimes I can eat anything I like and sometimes those same meals cause unbearable IBS flare ups it's a strange one really ive tried to lay off spicy food because it's certainty a big trigger for me but it just seems like nothing helps when it comes on. Ive been fine this week and have been totally normal considering the uncomfort I experienced the last couple of weeks.

Peppermint capsules ive never heard of but il defo look into them because when it's happening Id try anything to get rid of the pain of it thanks for your comments

[dancer]

Do you have a GI doctor? If not and this continues on I would definitely go just to rule out anything more serious like Celiac or Crohn's. I don't mean to worry you at all it's just that IBS should be a diagnosis of a exclusion once all other causes have been ruled out. If it is IBS, there are aren't really any medications that help. I've had a IBS for a long time and I can tell you that the symptoms can just come and go with pattern, but the absolute best way to manage it is through diet. Everyone's personal triggers can be different, and there are some days you will be able to tolerate more or less than others, but definitely do some research on an IBS diet. The best website is Help For IBS. Don't worry I'm not selling anything lol they do sell a few books/products on the site but you don't need them. There's tons of great and free info in the IBS diet there. Check out the "cheat sheet" and the sections on trigger foods, etc. Let me know if you have any specific questions but my diet loosely follows this diet and it's super helpful!

[Dxxr]

Oh thanks for that information il defo look into that site I really do need help with what to eat and avoid eating and just general information on it as some things you find on google are simply exaggerated so it will be nice to actually look at a real site that people have used

my doctor told me a few years ago I have IBS and whenever I go back they always say the same but they've never actually done a test to see what I have. I always associated chrones disease as blood in stool which I don't get but I have never been tested for celiac. I think a trip back to my doctor is in order and il actually ask to be tested for these things

[Anxious_Fay]

I suffer from IBS too, so I understand the pain. I'm actually a little crampy right now... However, I've more recently started taking probiotics, and I really do believe they're helping. I feel like I've been having less issues lately. On a side note, like others, I suggest seeing a gastro to rule out anything more serious.
I had a colonoscopy in March and was diagnosed with proctitis. It's akin to ulcerative colitis, but it's only in the rectum. You never know if there's an underlying condition wreaking havoc in your digestive tract. I know I have IBS on top of that because of my symptoms and I've ruled out everything else. It's always better to know so you can take steps to treat it. But definitely start probiotics in the meantime. They can never hurt!

[Dxxr]

Ive still not been to a doctor to get it checked out its so hard to get an appoinment then when I finish work I just want to go home and can't be bothered hanging around waiting got appoinments but il have to phone them next week and book one because it's just getting ridiculous now I don't believe this can be just IBS