IBS question?

Question

Am stressed at the mo and this seems to have flared up my IBS. Is this common? I was diagnosed with this about 8 months ago.

Answer 1

AS your IBS is newly diagnosed, I'm giving you a complete list to prevent flareups of IBS. You might be interested to concentrate on #3. I have IBS for 10 yrs now. and it's no picnic. I constantly vascillate between constipation and diarrhea
and frequent abdominal cramps. I'm on Zantac.


By taking steps to prevent the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it is possible to lead a productive, healthy life. With some planning, you can avoid IBS triggers that cause symptom flares. Your doctor can provide a complete treatment plan for IBS prevention.

1. Diet Triggers for Constipation
Some foods can worsen IBS-related constipation. These include:

Refined breads and cereals
Refined foods such as chips and cookies
Drinks such as coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol
High-protein diets

Prevention Strategies:

Gradually boost fiber intake by two to three grams per day until you're eating 20 to 35 grams per day. Good sources of fiber include whole grain bread and cereals, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
Consume a moderate amount of foods higher in sorbitol, such as dried plums and prune juice.
Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of plain water a day.
Try ground flaxseed. It can be sprinkled on salads and cooked vegetables.

2. Diet Triggers for Diarrhea
Some foods can worsen IBS-related diarrhea. These include:

Too much fiber, especially insoluble fiber found in the skin of fruits and vegetables
Food and drinks with chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, fructose, or the sugar substitute sorbitol
Carbonated drinks
Large meals
Fried and fatty foods
Food and drinks with dairy
Foods with wheat -- Some people may be allergic or have a negative reaction to gluten
Prevention Strategies:

Eat a moderate amount of soluble fiber. It adds bulk to the colon and can help prevent spasms. Good sources are whole wheat breads, oats, barley, brown rice, pasta, the flesh of fruit (as opposed to the skin), and dried fruits.
Don't consume foods with extreme temperatures, such as ice-cold water and steaming hot soup, in the same meal.
Stay away from broccoli, onions, and cabbage. They can cause gas, which can make diarrhea sufferers feel worse.
Eat smaller portions.
Drink six to eight glasses of plain water a day, but drink the water an hour before or after meals, not with meals.
Consult with your doctor or a dietitian if you suspect you may have a wheat allergy.


3. Stress and Anxiety Triggers
Stress and anxiety can exacerbate IBS symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, and bloating. Different things cause stress for different people. Stress can include:

Problems at work
Commutes
Problems at home
Financial problems
A sense that things are beyond your control
Prevention Strategies:

Practice healthy living. Eat a well-balanced diet that is appropriate for your IBS. Get regular exercise and enough sleep.
Do something fun. Listen to music, read, shop, or take a walk.
Try behavioral therapy. Learn how to calm yourself down with the help of techniques such as relaxation therapy, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy.
Talk to people. If you feel comfortable doing so, tell your family members, close friends, boss, and co-workers about your condition. They may provide vital support. Plus, the conversation may prevent any misunderstandings when your symptoms flare up and you are not able to meet expectations.
Plan ahead. Ease worries about going out lest your symptoms flare up. Get up earlier if you know IBS makes you late for work. If you are driving, map your route so that you know locations of bathrooms. At social events, choose aisle seats close to the facilities. Know what's on the menu so you can eat beforehand if the food will not be agreeable to you.

4. Medication Triggers
Antibiotics, especially after prolonged use
Antidepressants
Medicine containing sorbitol, such as cough syrup

Prevention Strategies:

Talk with your doctor about switching to a medicine that won't worsen your IBS symptoms. Don't stop taking a drug without consulting with your doctor.
If an antidepressant is worsening your diarrhea or constipation, talk with your doctor about switching medicine. Older antidepressants (called tricyclic antidepressants) can cause constipation. One type of newer antidepressant (called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which include Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft) can cause diarrhea. Your doctor can help you find an antidepressant that will not worsen your IBS symptoms.

5. Menstrual Triggers
Studies show that women with IBS tend to have worse symptoms during their periods. There's not a lot of information about preventing this type of trigger, but doctors may recommend certain strategies to ease pain and discomfort during your period.

Prevention Strategies:

Oral contraceptives. Some brand names are Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Lo/Ovral, and Alesse. These drugs can regularize periods. Side effects may include upset stomach, vomiting, stomach cramps or bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Work with your doctor to find a pill that works for you without causing side effects.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) drugs. These include drugs also used to treat depression, such as Sarafem, Paxil CR, and Zoloft. PMDD is a severe form of PMS. These drugs adjust levels of serotonin, a brain chemical thought to be out of balance during certain phases of a woman's cycle.

6. Other Triggers
Eating while working or driving
Eating too quickly
Chewing gum
Lack of exercise
Prevention Strategies:

Performing different activities while eating may cause you to swallow more air, eat more quickly, and feel bloated. Take time out from other activities while you enjoy your food.
Not enough exercise can also cause constipation. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Take a long walk to help your bowels and ease tension.
Also, be sure to talk to your doctor about all your treatment options for IBS with constipation and IBS with diarrhea.

Answer 2

Stress is a huge factor in IBS. Are you on meds? They should help calm things down.

Answer 3

Very common! - I have suffered from IBS for nearly 18 years now and finally, I have been put on meds. which have completely transformed my life (Codeine Phosphate) - I wish you all the best from this terribly debillitation condition. xx

Answer 4

Is your diagnosis right, my daughter was in november, admited in may for sub total colectomy with ulceritive cholitis.