I have been diagnosed with IBS today, but I don't really know what it means! Of course I understand the medical side, but I don't really understand how it is going to affect my life if at all.
I have always been incredibly regular, but this changed after visiting Cambodia (3 months ago). My doctor has checked for parasites etc and has made the diagnosis of IBS. He thinks the travellers diahorea I experienced on holiday has brought to light my IBS. My boyfriend is really pleased that I don't have parasites. He said having parasites would be serious but that IBS isn't.
I am really confused though! I am currently living in Japan and have a doctor who doesn't know me.The information I have on the internet says I should change my diet. However, one website says eat insoluble fibre but another say eat soluble fibre! All I know is that I have lost weight, feel tired and am spotty.
I have found the IBS Network but instead of making me feel better I now want to cry!
Please help!
2007-03-23 02:10:14 · 13 answers · asked by AG 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I have IBS and so does my dad. Ive had it for a few years and didnt realise until I went to my doctor.
You dont have to make any big lifestyle changed but there are things to do to help.
I got tablets from my doctor but I rarely need them now I have a pre/pro biotic drink everyday and that helps.
Also if you need the toilet try not to hold it in as it can make it allot worse.
The best diet ive had to help it is the Gi diet its very good for IBS sufferers.
Also its usually brought on by stress and certain spicy foods can make it worse for some people.
Dont worry I live a normal life and ive got it.
Also exercise does help but not too much as it can make you need the loo if you push yourself too hard.
2007-03-23 02:24:07 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I got diagnosed with IBS about 1 and a half years ago. At first It was a relief since I thought that I probably had soem form of cancer or something serious like that. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Just avoid Foods that tend to cause symptoms including milk products, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and fatty foods. These can make things worse. I also use a product called Digestrin. It helps A LOT! check out there website, www.theupsetstomach.com to see if this might be right for you. Just dont worry to much. There are much worse things that could be wrong with your body. Good Luck!
2007-03-25 03:03:14 · answer #2 · answered by AaronColorado 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually IBS doesn't affect me at all. If you never had problems prior to the travelers D. i don't think you even have it, you would have known trust me. There aren't any TESTS you can do for this diagnosis is based on symptoms. It can be diarrhea or constipation dominant. If it is constipation, they can give you medication that eases cramping but they tend to make you drowsy. For diarrhea dominence you can use immodium (loperamide) which will be cheaper for a large amount if they right you a presription and fill it through the pharmacy they'll give you a lower price for their generic. I have bouts about once a month that go with my cycles... stress and foods like hams, mayo, cheese, ect that have been left a room temp for more than an hour tend to set me off but it's different for everyone.
2007-03-23 13:06:45 · answer #3 · answered by kappharmd 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suffer from IBS and have found lowering my fibre intake helps. Too much bulk in your diet can make things worse. Having said that you really need to be keeping a food log. This will help you identify the trigger foods. I have tried taking Colpermin which the doctor gave me but it just made me worse. Don't worry about it as stress can trigger it too.
Don't worry you are not alone xx
2007-03-23 09:27:58 · answer #4 · answered by moopoppet 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I thinks it varies from person to person. I find some food can trigger me off then a week or so later I'm fine and some thing I eat all the time triggers off. You will find out the food you have to avoid (it's just a guessing game really). I started to eat celiacs diet of no gluten no wheat etc and this really did help me.
Stress doesn't help either - but trying to avoid it is impossible!! Good luck and I hope you stabalise soon.
2007-03-23 09:25:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Up to eight million people in Britain suffer from IBS, with symptoms including diarrhoea, pain and bloating. The condition can seriously affect sufferers' quality of life and finding treatment can be difficult, leading many doctors to feel they can do little to help.
A wheat-free diet involves cutting out all products made from wheat and wheat flour, such as bread. It is not the same as a gluten-free diet. On a wheat-free diet you just have to cut out wheat products alone, but on a gluten-free diet you must cut out all wheat, oats, barley and rye, because all of these foods contain gluten.
It is not easy to completely eliminate wheat from the diet, but it is easier than eliminating gluten. There are also a variety of wheat-free products available from health food stores, and gluten-free foods will also by definition be suitable for a wheat-free diet.
Wheat is one of the most commonly mentioned foods when talking about food intolerances and IBS, and eliminating wheat from your diet may be a good place to start if you suspect your diet is causing your symptoms. However, it's important to consult a doctor or nutritionist if you intend to follow any kind of strict diet for a long period.
What foods are avoided?
Basic foods such as bread and pasta will need to be avoided, as well as any foods which contain wheat and wheat flour ingredients, such as some soups, sauces and other foods.
i hope this helps you and i would like to reasure you that everything will be ok
check this out
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A183403
2007-03-23 09:25:18 · answer #6 · answered by minty359 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
To be honest, diet change at least for me did very little. It doesn't really tackle why the body is sending physical symptoms. I had Mickel Therapy which as all but ended my IBS and without diet change or pills.
It basically tackles the underlying symptoms and by understanding them and acting on them, the body stops sending them...pretty cool stuff!
Be well.
2007-03-24 20:23:33 · answer #7 · answered by Fishboy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this site it has some common sense knowledge and diet tips http://www.helpforibs.com/diet/
also the Mayo Clinic about yogart an IBS at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ibs-diet/AN01346
I know a couple of people with this problem and they seem to be able to live life if they are sensible about what they eat.
2007-03-23 09:19:52 · answer #8 · answered by Tapestry6 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
the only way to change your diet means that your "trigger" foods need to be changed. that basically means that you need to avoid foods that you know make you run to the loo. Its a long process but you will get there in the end. Go to any good chemist and speak to them, they can help you.
2007-03-23 09:16:16 · answer #9 · answered by madmoo0 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my hubby suffers from ibs u need to cut out all dairy products and fatty food. then slowly intro them back into your diet to see what triggers it.also drink peppermint tea not nice but does help good luck
2007-03-23 09:18:25 · answer #10 · answered by lorna h 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋