Irritable bowel syndrome?

Question

Has anyone ever been debilitated to the point of not being able to work because of it? What is the course of treatment for it ?

Answer 1

I had all the symptoms of IBS and it turned out I was actually gluten intolerant. When I cut wheat out of my diet all those symptoms went away. Good luck .

Answer 2

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a set of symptoms that can vary widely in terms of severity. While it is certainly possible for people to have such severe symptoms to prevent them from working, this would be fairly unusual, and other possibilities should be considered as a result.

Of more importance is that IBS as a syndrome has not been very well defined, so that what one patient or doctor refers to as IBS may not be what another patient or doctor means.

Treatment strategy focuses on more conservative options since it is normally not so debilitating. Diet and lifestyle changes are the first and most important steps, although there are some medication options that might be helpful nowadays. Zelnorm has been widely publicized, but there is a reasonable track record with certain antidepressants. Lest you be surprised by the idea of antidepressants, you should be aware there are more brain cells in your bowels than there are in your brain, so it makes sense there would be an effect.

However, as I said, if your symptoms are abnormally severe, the first step should, as always, be to discuss these symptoms with your doctor, and to discuss possibilities other than IBS.

Good luck!

Answer 3

My Sister has IBS and it drives her mad, to the point she cannot work some days! However the odd day, but she enjoys her job so tries anything to stop the onset of IBS. With my Sister it is stress related.

Answer 4

Yes
I manage mine with diet and exercise. And plenty of rest and water and eat an apple a day.
Figure out what food triggers you.

Answer 5

i was lucky. it just came and went. but wow! I thought I was going to die.