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IBS & bowel conditions
Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2019 4:04 pm
by talkhealth
I have been suffering with major bowel issues for over a year now and the consultants cannot identify what is causing the issue.
I suffered with IBS since 1993 and learned to live with it. I alternated between constipation and diarrhoea, with no apparent explanation. I was checked for coeliac and gluten but came back negative and only noticed a very random issue with dairy that happened occasionally.
The issue I have now is constant diarrhoea, regardless of whether I eat anything or not. I have it if I eat or if I don’t and nothing makes any difference. It lasts for hours and I can be in the bathroom up to ten times on a bad day. The average would be four times minimum and nothing seems to stop it. I take Imodium with little effect and the pain in my stomach is horrendous.
I have a number of other health conditions but this is making my life miserable. I have seen a bowel consultant and a gastric consultant, who have no explanation. I have tried medication related to bile acid as they thought it may be that my stomach was reacting to the removal of my gall bladder years ago but it had no effect. Scopes have shown no apparent issues and I have run out of ideas.
Can you point me in another direction as I am really struggling to get out and have little energy? Any suggestions would be appreciated
Re: IBS & bowel conditions
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 2019 8:52 pm
by Wendy Green
Hi,
I'm sorry to hear about your problems with chronic diarrhoea. You say you have a number of other health conditions, so I'm wondering if any of these could be linked to your bowel issues? For example conditions like diabetes, hyperthyroidism and Addison's disease can cause diarrhoea.
Also, are you taking medication for any of these other conditions? If you are taking one or more medications, perhaps they could also be involved? Diarrhoea can often be a side effect of certain drugs - e.g. non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NDAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen and Metformin for type 2 diabetes.
It sounds as though you need to revisit your GP, either to discuss these points, if you think they may be relevant.or to ask for a referral to a dietician, who should be able to help you determine whether food sensitivities are causing your problems. No-one should have to suffer chronic diarrhoea.
I hope you find a solution soon.
Re: IBS & bowel conditions
Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2019 2:35 pm
by Julie Thompson
Hi
I wonder if you have seen the information from the IBS Network? They are the UK charity for people who have been diagnosed with IBS and have lots of information that is available. If you haven't seen the site before it might help you learn more about IBS and perhaps give you some alternatives to try. If you decide to join as a member you can call the helpline run by specialist nurses - they may be able to help you look at your situation with your IBS and your other health conditions.
https://www.theibsnetwork.org/
check out the self-care programme page
I hope this helps.