Really bad stomach issues

For the past year I've had chronic stomach issues. When I go to defecate, the stools are loose, very runny, and explosive. It's like a combination of diarrohea but also constipation because it is often difficult to come out. I have cramps and aches. The bouts are usually brought on after eating lunch. I'm not sure what exactly would cause it, it cant be wheat as i have shredded wheat for breakfast every day and its usually fine after that. My stomach is like this when I go to the toilet like 75-80% of the time. It's so bad I even lost my job partly because of it, because I was in the toilet for prolonged periods of time trying to go, and then having to clean up after which was quite embarassing because of how bad it was. I also have excessive flactuence and its very hard to hold it in.

Been to the doctors and they've sent me for blood tests for coeliac etc and its all clear. My mum was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis aged 25, and her father died of bowel cancer. The doctors just say its "IBS" but aren't offering anything to actually help me with it. It's impacting my life in quite a large way, its makijng me even more anxious in social situations because I know there's a very good chance I will fart at least twice.

Can someone please enlighten me, I am going back to the docs with my mother this time to try and convince them that this isn't just IBS. my diet is absolutely fine and it hasn't changed one bit. I exercise 4-5 tiomes a week( a lot of the time the farting is in the gym and its unstoppable), I thought it might be the SSRIs i was on causing them but i changed and tis still the same.

So sorry to hear SSRI can affect your bowel but if your doctor says its IBS than it probably is.

Have you thought about any lifestyle changes?

Why do you think it can't be IBS? IBS can be very debilitating. The treatment for IBS is changing your diet so I would look into that.

For flatulence, you can purchase Shreddies. (I’m not joking.) It’s carbon-fibre underwear that is expensive but stops the smell of flatulence and anything, really. The anxiety is something I empathise with, but it likely makes things worse. The best times I have are when I forget about it. Things that reduce stress (yoga, meditation) on top of your regular exercise might help. You could also try peppermint or ginger to see if it soothes your intestines.

One thing I’d recommend before anything else is trying probiotics. If it works and you start feeling better, forget everything else relating to your diet. You could try yoghurt, yoghurt drinks, kefir, fermented products or a brand. (I’d recommend Bio-Kult, as it’s gentle and has multiple strains.) I’ve actually had similar problems to you, so I’m speaking from experience.

If you eat the same lunch or there is a common ingredient, stop eating it and see if symptoms improve. If you have shredded wheat for breakfast daily, have something else and see if the same thing happens a few hours later. It’s difficult figuring out what you react to, but when you get rid of it, life is so much better. You could also look up the low-FODMAP diet and try it for a couple of weeks.

For flatulence, you can purchase Shreddies. (I’m not joking.) It’s carbon-fibre underwear that is expensive but stops the smell of flatulence and anything, really. The anxiety is something I empathise with, but it likely makes things worse. The best times I have are when I forget about it. Things that reduce stress (yoga, meditation) on top of your regular exercise might help. You could also try peppermint or ginger to see if it soothes your intestines.

Another thing: it could just be IBS. It could be something else. This can happen out of nowhere, and it frequently does if there’s a history of digestive problems in the family. Once GPs say you have something, they don’t care anymore unless you come with new problems. Do as much as you can by yourself, and if that doesn’t work, ask for medicines from your GP.

Edit: You can also PM me for any extra advice, as I’ve been dealing with my problems for about a year and a half and I’m coming out on the other side now. This does not have to be for forever. There is hope. You are not alone in this, even if you feel like you are in person.

Wishing you all the best.

I don't know what "lifestyle changes" I need.
Like I say I exercise most days, and eat well

Eating well is different for different people, have you spoken to a nutritionist?

This is the thing. It's all very well the NHS telling me I have IBS but they don't seem to be doing anything to help me which is why I suspect it's not a proper diagnosis. I mean IBS is literally only diagnosed through ruling other conditions out. They haven't said anything about a nutritionist. I will press them on this tommorow. Like I said though my diet is pretty good

Because of the history of bowel cancer and colitis in the family.
I also feel it could be coeliac or something like that because my bowels seem to be worse when I eat gluten

Because of the history of bowel cancer and colitis in the family.
I also feel it could be coeliac or something like that because my bowels seem to be worse when I eat gluten

If they believe its IBS then its probably IBS. I've been under gastro for 12 yeqars and IBS has never been mentioned because they don't believe my condition is that.

Yes press for advice, its the only way to help yourself

Surely there is a reason for something like IBS to occur tjough, nothing happened a year ago that could have caused it

Try cutting out wheat altogether - e.g bread, cakes and look carefully at ingredients on everything.

It can't be wheat though; I have shredded wheat every morning and am absolutely fine, which makes it weird