talkhealth forums

Greetings All,
For a couple of years I have had what I consider to be overactive bowels, but I don't know if it really can be labeled as IBS. My issues usually occur in the morning, with sometimes up to ten trips to the bathroom in an hour or two. This usually occurs after eating breakfast. Sometimes it occurs after lunch as well, but to a lesser degree. Usually the stool starts out very solid but gets looser with each subsequent passing.
I find that stress and anxiety definitely exacerbate the issue (especially if I know I have to go any distance in the car).
I have had all the work-ups and tests, and everything seemed pretty inconclusive. I tend to rely on Immodium (which is a life-saver for me) when things get fired up. I have had only a few bouts of diarrhea where I couldn't manage to hang on....but when I need to go, it's urgent. Cramps and pain are not the norm for me.
Any thoughts on whether or not it's IBS-D?
Thanks for being out here, and for listening!
Peace to you.

Hi and welcome to talkibs!

Thank you for your post. I have attached the link to our IBS blog thread as I thought there may be some useful blogs here for you to read along with some recipe ideas that may help keep it more at bay.

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/bl ... drome-ibs/

Hopefully others can share their experience and give you some tips too!

Keep us updated,
Helen

Before you can say you have IBS, you need to exclude other common gastrointestinal diseases and food intolerances: celiac disease, Crohn's disease, intestinal parasites, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, food allergies, etc.

Before going to the doctor you can try to have some elimination diets to see if you are intolerant to ceratin nutrients.

If you can safely drink 1/2 liter of milk, you probably do not have lactose intolerance.

If you can safely eat 2 spoons of honey or 2 apples in one meal, you probably do not have fructose malabsorption.

If you experience itching around the mouth or all over the skin shortly after meals you are likely allergic to some food or food additive.

Thank you for the advice, what elimination diets do you recommend?

Helen