Hi Beatrice Can I urge you to ask your GP for a referral to a gastroenterology dietitian and a gastroenterologist to help, If you have not been seen by them already? It is really important that you are following your gluten-free diet well and have recovered properly, as this certainly can cause simi...

Hi Kathleen It is a little difficult to give information without appearing to go over what you may have tried previously, as you have not given much detail in your question and you have had symptoms for a considerable time, unfortunately. I apologise if I appear to be going over old ground. You say ...

Hi japelrum6 IBS symptoms can vary over time. But during my work as an advisor for the IBS Network, I always recommend that any changes to your usual symptoms of IBS should be investigated by your doctor. If your recent treatment has not been effective in helping your symptoms, I would advise you to...

Hi Sarah12 For a diagnosis of IBS specific tests would need to be completed before that diagnosis can be given and it is essential that the tests are done to make sure that you are not having symptoms because of another cause. I would advise you to check you have had tests to exclude other causes of...

Hi You will need more information about your functional medicine practitioner to know if this is a definite, safe diagnosis. Sometimes complementary therapists do use these terms such as functional to describe themselves and their practice. Complementary therapists are not qualified to diagnose comp...

Hi Diverticulosis and IBS is a very challenging situation - the advice for diverticulosis is to have a high fibre diet but unfortunately following this advice can ramp up symptoms of IBS. The low fodmap diet can be useful for some people in your situation - but it is vital to include high fibre cont...

Hi Clara Glen Have you seen a doctor with your symptoms? Constipation with an ileostomy would be unusual - and these symptoms, if also accompanied by pain, vomiting or alterations to your stoma need a medical review, perhaps with a colorectal surgeon. Severe symptoms and if you can keep your fluid i...

Hi eddswitts44 It is difficult to say without more information I'm afraid. What I would recommend is asking your GP to refer you to a dietitian who can complete a full assessment and give you more advice on what can be helpful, if you want to explore the effects of diet. Dietary fibre is essential t...

Hi emiedo Yes, we have a small amount of evidence that IBS does run in families, but what we don't have a good deal of evidence of is whether this is related to a genetic marker or whether it is an environment problem. Families do tend to have similar diets and similar lifestyles. It is perhaps rele...

Hi While your symptoms are very suggestive of anxiety or stress-related symptoms, which can affect your bowel function, it is imperative to have a medical diagnosis of your problem. I would suggest going to your GP to discuss your symptoms and have a couple of simple blood tests to ensure that your ...