Irratable bowl syndrome ??

[jonah hart]

I've been told I have this by the doc this morning .. I've always got stomach problems but it's an everday problem now.. She just told me to eat healthier but I eat quite heathly as it is . Does anyone eles suffer ? An can u suggest wat foods are best to keep this under controll .. Thanks :)

[Ethel]

Not an easy answer.
Some people with IBS need to eat more fibre and others can't tolerate it at all.
You need to keep a food diary (boring, I know) and see if you can identify any food that causes you problems.

Do not eat or drink anything that has artificial sweetener, such as diet drinks and sugar free food and chewing gum, as the sweetener will give you bloating and diarrhoea.

It sounds daft, but try certain simple stretching exercises. Stand up, hold the back of a stable chair, and lower yourself by bending your knees as far as you comfortable can. Hold for a count of ten, and slowly return to stand. Repeat up to 10 times.
Lie on your back and hug your knees to your chest for a count of 10. Relax and repeat up to ten times.
These simple exercises really can help with bloating and uncomfortable stomach.

If you are having trouble emptying your bowels, put your feet on a raised surface when you are sat on the loo, to put you in to more of a squatting position. I use a plastic step.

[stompe]

Sound Advice Ethel! Stress is a contributing factor too!

[wolf63]

I find that I if I eat a meal then I need to go to the loo right away after the meal - a 30 second warning bowel movement. I have solved this by taking two loperamide (basic diarrhoea tablets) before the meal. This prevents any embarrassing sprints to the toilet. This is my main problem.

I used to get trapped wind - and that is really painful.

It is really trial and error as everybody has different triggers and symptoms.

Good luck.

[jonah hart]

Very sound advice ethel thankyou :) I will try all those things .. Yes I think stress may b a factor 2 stompe :) ur info as made feel better already cos the doc wasn't very helpfull.. Thankyou again :)))) x

[jonah hart]

Thanks wolf :)) I am the same every meal is followed by the loo :( and I agree trapped wind is very painfull .. Very good advice :) x

[ToxicHamster]

As for diet, avoid ALL junk food and I mean ALL. Anything that comes in a styrofoam tray wrapped in plastic is bad. Also try to cut out sugar, pastry and bread if at all poss. Buy fresh fruit & vegies from a greengrocer & fresh meat , poultry & fish from a butcher. Your average supermarket peddles so much sh!t that it's a wonder more people don't suffer from IBS, allergies etc.

[sqad617]

jonah.....unless you have been investigated by a Gastro-Enterologist including Colonoscopy, then do NOT accept the diagnosis of IBS.

If you have, then all the above advice is sound.

[Ethel]

Eating healthily and cutting out junk food is very good advice, but we are all different.
Most bread is okay for me, apples, pears and oranges are a definite no no. Bananas, strawberries and melons are good.
One apple and I'm in agony for a day and can't leave the house.
I have to watch ice cream, ketchup, sauces, yoghurts, puddings, ready meals too. A lot of it ontains thickening agents such as guar gum - this is the single, worst possible ingredient for me, and it is in so many things. It is used as a laxative, in larger quantities, but I can't take it in any amount. You will soon learn to read the labels of every thing you buy.

[Naomicorlett]

I have a barium enema on 20th May for similar symptons. Been trying all the above mentioned self-help with no sucess so going the investigative route now. Dr thinks it may be diverticulitus. Such joy our bodies give us.

[jonah hart]

So each persons different ?? I guess it's trial an error then ... Think I will have to keep a diary of wat am eating .. Puts me off eating altogether :( no no I take that back a luv me food :)))

[sqad617]

jonah...you haven't answerde my question......have you bee investigated re. my post above?

[Ethel]

You really do need to keep a food diary so you identify your triggers. Boring, but very worth it.

[stompe]

Sweeteners does me!

[beejaybee]

Any product with SORBITOL which is an artifical sweetner can cause diarrhoea. It`s surprising what it`s in. I`ve found it`s even in TOOTHPASTE.

[chrisrob]

I'd go along with Ethel and sqad.

I had IBS symptoms for years but it was due to acid reflux problems and the medication used to treat it. Had gastroscopies and colonoscopies and pH 24hr manometry.
Fortunately, having had a fundo op a few weeks ago, that's one of the side effects I've lost.

Watch your diet and get checked out further.

[DEN53]

I have suffered with IBS for 12 years since having my hysterectomy - I find it is worse in the winter months - I am fine all through the summer and as soon as October kicks in, it starts up.

Everybody gets IBS for different reasons I guess.

I take anti-spasmodic tablets when I get the cramping pains.

[jonah hart]

Sorry squad ... I sorta didn't understand .. Doh me !!! Wat does it mean ? :)

[craft1948]

I have suffered with IBS for many years. The doctor offered me no dietary advice whatsoever and at times I literally dare not leave the house. About 4 years ago I saw a different doctor about something else and mentioned the IBS...ever since then I have been on colofac which I find helps tremendously...

[sqad617]

Jonah.....it means before you accept the diagnosis of IBS you must have had ALL other causes of intestinal dysfunction eliminated by a specialist. These investigations would include a "camera" passed up your rectum into your bowel.

This is so,so important.

[jonah hart]

Omg really ?? Maybe I'll try a heathier diet for a couple of weeks if there's no change I will go back to the docs an suggest further investigation .. How the heck wud they get a camera up there ? Uhhhh meks me shiver just thinking about it.. :) thanks for all the advice much much appreciated :) x x