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Does anyone here have IBS? I think I do!

For over a year I have thought I've had IBS but this only became a serious thought within the past 9 months. I've been unable to go to a doctor about it since I don't live in the UK at the moment but I will be moving back in the next few months so one of the first things I do will be a doctors visit.

I get cramps and gas a lot, most of my stools are diarrhea but then can change to kind of constipated... my symptoms worsen after eating especially a big meal. So I am fairly certain I have IBS or something else wrong with my digestive system. I am going to see a doctor soon but in the mean time is there any advice anyone can give me? Diet? Is it possible to live with this problem?
Reply 1
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Irritable-bowel-syndrome/Pages/Diagnosis.aspx

for more info, I have literally every symptom described on this page
Reply 2
Original post by Anonymous
For over a year I have thought I've had IBS but this only became a serious thought within the past 9 months. I've been unable to go to a doctor about it since I don't live in the UK at the moment but I will be moving back in the next few months so one of the first things I do will be a doctors visit.

I get cramps and gas a lot, most of my stools are diarrhea but then can change to kind of constipated... my symptoms worsen after eating especially a big meal. So I am fairly certain I have IBS or something else wrong with my digestive system. I am going to see a doctor soon but in the mean time is there any advice anyone can give me? Diet? Is it possible to live with this problem?


Sounds like a definate possibility. There is also a chance of things like food intolerances (like lactose or wheat) and of a couple more serious things like ibd. See a doctor as soon as you can but until then heres some advice for managing it a bit.
Peppermint tea- a muscle relaxant that helped me a great deal with post-surgery gas pains (I did not expect it to work as well as it did)
Buscopan/ other things designed for IBS- some or all of these may require a prescription but look into it anyway incase they don't
Gaviscon/ integestion relief- should help gas pains just make sure you check how long you can keep using it for
Food diary- certian foods tend to trigger IBS so see if you have any triggers and try to avoid them. You could even try working up from a basic diet like chicken and rice and see if you get triggered when introducing new foods
Eat slowly- I get set off with big meals so when I can I draw it out or snack instead

It is totally possible to live with it and seeing a doctor will help but in the meantime you can still cope with it.

Quick note: it is possible to have serious complications with your bowels so if you get a lot worse or notice anything like blood or mucus in your stool see a doctor wherever you are.
Hi there OP.

I agree with the above poster, if you have blood or mucus in your stool then I recommend you see a doctor urgently wherever you are. I had the sane symptoms over a year ago and thought I was IBS but was diagnosed with IBD after seeing specialists. Hope you find out a solution soon and all the best,

Ravioli x
A third voice: if there's blood and mucus in your stools, go and see a doctor ASAP to get yourself looked at to rule out Crohn's/colitis, as these are conditions that can occur in young people. You should still see a doctor as soon as you can to make sure you don't have Coeliac disease, etc.

I have IBS as a result of having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome so I can give you some advice in the meantime. I would strongly recommend keeping a food and symptom diary and pay close attention to it to work out if there's anything that makes your symptoms worse. You should also take the time to eat your food slowly- give yourself plenty of time to eat and do not rush. Similarly, don't leave long gaps between meals as this will irritate your symptoms further. Buscopan is a good thing to try (obviously read the label), and my doctor put me on Colofac when I was hardly eating as a result of the IBS last year, it worked wonders. Try drinking peppermint tea- it soothes your digestive system. If you're nauseous, I highly recommend ginger tea, too. Have plenty to drink, don't let yourself get dehydrated. If you find that stress is making your symptoms flare, make time every day to relax and unwind, whatever that may be. Get plenty of rest, too, as being overtired can worsen symptoms.

Good luck, and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask!
Reply 5
Original post by ChemicalBond
A third voice: if there's blood and mucus in your stools, go and see a doctor ASAP to get yourself looked at to rule out Crohn's/colitis, as these are conditions that can occur in young people. You should still see a doctor as soon as you can to make sure you don't have Coeliac disease, etc.

I have IBS as a result of having Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome so I can give you some advice in the meantime. I would strongly recommend keeping a food and symptom diary and pay close attention to it to work out if there's anything that makes your symptoms worse. You should also take the time to eat your food slowly- give yourself plenty of time to eat and do not rush. Similarly, don't leave long gaps between meals as this will irritate your symptoms further. Buscopan is a good thing to try (obviously read the label), and my doctor put me on Colofac when I was hardly eating as a result of the IBS last year, it worked wonders. Try drinking peppermint tea- it soothes your digestive system. If you're nauseous, I highly recommend ginger tea, too. Have plenty to drink, don't let yourself get dehydrated. If you find that stress is making your symptoms flare, make time every day to relax and unwind, whatever that may be. Get plenty of rest, too, as being overtired can worsen symptoms.

Good luck, and if you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask!


I actually often have mucous in my stool so I guess that's bad... but not blood. Thanks for all your advice! I already noticed that red meat made it worse so I cut that out serveral months ago! I often get acid reflux too - do you think that's associated?
Original post by Anonymous
I actually often have mucous in my stool so I guess that's bad... but not blood. Thanks for all your advice! I already noticed that red meat made it worse so I cut that out serveral months ago! I often get acid reflux too - do you think that's associated?


Try not to worry too much. Mucus can be part of IBS, but it's also quite prevailant in IBD which is why it's best to get looked at. :smile: You're very welcome. If you want any more tips, just ask. :smile: It could be related, yes (although I'm not entirely certain). Thankfully I don't get acid reflux, but I have heard they can go hand in hand :smile:
I have similar symptoms but was diagnosed as Coeliac about a year ago and am currently awaiting test results for IBS on top... Much fun as you can imagine! I originally went to the doctor for acid reflux so I think it can be related. But I would definitely take a trip to the doctors, as I assume you want a solution as fast as possible! This is coming from me, who waited about 5 years with these symptoms before going to see someone. Don't do what I did, it's best to get it seen to, even though it might be awkward to start with...
Also if it's after a meal, have you associated it with anything in particular like diary or wheat? Because it could be that too... Hope that helps :-)
I have IBS and saw a dietician who recommended a low fodmap diet. Basically this reduces foods that may ferment in the bowel and cause symptoms. Some surprising foods can cause issues so it is well worth making yourself aware of potential triggers. A low fodmap diet is the only diet that is recommended for the treatment of IBS as far as I am aware. Obviously cutting out large numbers of food styles from your diet is no small thing and should be done under supervision of a medical professional.


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Reply 9
Original post by ChemicalBond
Try not to worry too much. Mucus can be part of IBS, but it's also quite prevailant in IBD which is why it's best to get looked at. :smile: You're very welcome. If you want any more tips, just ask. :smile: It could be related, yes (although I'm not entirely certain). Thankfully I don't get acid reflux, but I have heard they can go hand in hand :smile:


Thanks :smile:

Original post by Anonymous
I have similar symptoms but was diagnosed as Coeliac about a year ago and am currently awaiting test results for IBS on top... Much fun as you can imagine! I originally went to the doctor for acid reflux so I think it can be related. But I would definitely take a trip to the doctors, as I assume you want a solution as fast as possible! This is coming from me, who waited about 5 years with these symptoms before going to see someone. Don't do what I did, it's best to get it seen to, even though it might be awkward to start with...
Also if it's after a meal, have you associated it with anything in particular like diary or wheat? Because it could be that too... Hope that helps :-)


I think I've associated it more with meat so I am cutting down on that and it's actually better - don't know if that's coincidental? My friend is coeliac so I thought it might be that but I dont notice any difference after gluten and I don't really feel abnormally tired. I also don't consume that much dairy! I will def be going to the docs, thanks for your advice!

Original post by myblueheaven339
I have IBS and saw a dietician who recommended a low fodmap diet. Basically this reduces foods that may ferment in the bowel and cause symptoms. Some surprising foods can cause issues so it is well worth making yourself aware of potential triggers. A low fodmap diet is the only diet that is recommended for the treatment of IBS as far as I am aware. Obviously cutting out large numbers of food styles from your diet is no small thing and should be done under supervision of a medical professional.


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Thanks I'll look into it
Hey guys I don't know if anyone is active in this chat but can ibs cause burning pain when passing stool. I think I have haemmorids or anal fissure but I'm unsure all I know is it's very painful when I try release some stool it burns so badly. I am going to go see my gp Ive tried sudocrem but it doesn't seem to be helping. I've used it for nearly a week now. I've had some trouble with my bowels aswell so hopefully my gp can reel for any abnormalities around my anus. I delayed going because I've been before numerous times about my constipation issue and have been referred to gastro. My appointment is on 23rd July it's just An appointment to assess symptoms. But literally I'm started to get really like concerned because I'm not sure what's causing it.
I saw some undigested carrot a small amount in my stool I did eat some carrots yesterday with brocolli or cauliflower. Now relating to the IBS, I don't get stomach Pain alot i might get it sometimes my gp assessed me and said I'm not bloated. Hmm what else I'm not sure if i only have some of the ibs symptoms is it possible for me to have it and to not have it?.
Also if it is IBS what are some foods I can eat and what food can help with the burning? Any advice would be appreciated. I was just about coping with the changes in bowel movements before the burning pain started and it has not helped me it's just made me more miserable. The burn feels like it's gonna kill me it's so bad. Every now and then I get the urge to go but I'm dreading it the pain is so bad I'm sitting on the toilet right now and once some stool comes out I feel burning and itching pain at the same time. Toilet paper is a no go I just can't I'm using some wet toilet paper as I can't take the normal one and I'm using hot water to help.

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