help with Irritable Bowel - end of my tether?

Question

I was diagnosed with IBS over 20 yrs ago and it has steadily become worse to the point that i have no control over my bowels and have constant diaorhea which leaves me in extreme pain for hours.on end. I can no longer go out and am a prisoner in my own home.
I have had numerous blood tests, scans, cameras etc over past 2 yrs but nothing obvious can be found. Have been told that there is nothing else i can do but live with it. Anything anyone can come up with would be appreciated as its affecting my life so much that i no longer seem able to do anything.

Answer 1

Hi,
I too suffer from IBS,( diagnosed 2 years ago) and know how debilitating it can be both physically and psychologically.
I have to say that for me the greatest improvements have been gained through self - help.
I really try and relax more, lie down try lighting a scented candle and play some relaxing chill out music , I know we all say " I don't have the time!" but do you really have the time to keep being ill?!?
Another help has been changing my diet, I don't eat spicy foods, drink alchohol or eat too large portions...remember the bowels need time to cope efficiently with sorting out the waste etc, so smaller portions don't overstretch the workload!!
Drinking natural yoghurt drinks with healthy bacteria also seems to have improved my IBS.
Last year I was in and out of hospital through IBS, and I honestly understand how fed up you are probably feeling, but remember try to be the victor and not the victim .....I think worrying and stress are enormously influential in causing IBS attacks so try and minimise your stress as much as possible, don't run by deadlines, impose unrealistic targets on yourself and don't try and be all things to all people!
Remember that whether you spend your time worrying about if & when the next attack will occur or whether you enjoy the IBS remission time is upto you , you may have no choice during an attack but to feel lousy but you do have a choice how you are going to feel when the attacks subside.
Try and remain positive and remember that IBS can become less painful even when you have suffered from it for a long time through corrective and self applied disciplines.
Hope you keep in mind that there are thousands of IBS sufferers out here and you are not alone.
Debbie

Answer 2

Have you changed your diet accordingly? Some foods set IBS off, I was surprised when the doctor told me that citrus fruits can make it worse!!!! You should keep a food diary and try eating dairy one day, meat the next etc etc and see how it affects you. I really sympathise, mine used to be bad but since I cut back on so much wheat and bready items it's better. You could also try accupuncture. I am having it at the moment and it's really helped regulate my system and I don't have the swings between diaorhea and constipation.

Answer 3

You should be able to get some medication - like imodium, but specifically for IBS sufferers. I get the opposite problem (most of the time but do get the same as you sometimes) and get anti-spasmodics for the pain.

I keep worrying that I've got something else and not just IBS but I've been to the docs on numerous occasions.

Answer 4

you sound like me but im not quite that bad yet ! hopefully i wont be but i have to avoid certain foods and drinks like coffee and fresh veg is deffinately a no no im sure your allready aware of this but i just thought id let you know in case if you ever want some 1 to chat to email me :)

also im not sure if you smoke or not but thats 1 of the worst things i only have 1 a day now i have cut right down but i cannot sleep without having 1 but it makes the pains a lot worse and most nights i have to dash to the toilet as soon as i have lit 1 goodluck i hope some advice will help :)

Answer 5

Sounds like you have reached the point of needing a colostomy. Talk to a Specialist Bowel Nurse in your local hospital.

Answer 6

I assume you have used the mebeverine(colofac) and the peppermint capsules. They worked for me but I am now taking an antidepressant instead which does the job perfectly. No more pain-just occasional bloating. The antidepressant is called Zispin(30-45mg at night). Good luck. Hope it works for you.

Answer 7

Have you tried asking your doctors to prescribe a pain killer and a slight analgesic which will numb your gut wall, hopefully relieving the pain....

Answer 8

get checked for things like obscure infections and other things your doctor may have missed-see sites below for more info-