/r/ibs
ibs: it's a pain
Let's discuss treatment, and coping with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Dealing with IBS is really tough. It can cause a lot of anxiety, pain, and depression. Feel free to express your frustration, achievements, rants, and whatever relevant information you want with this community. We do however, urge you to take medical advice here with a grain of salt since most of us are speaking from our personal experiences with IBS and it can be different for each person. You should always see a qualified doctor if you think you are experiencing severe health issues.
Listed here
We would also like to extend depression and suicide resources for those struggling with the social, physical, and mental problems that can come from this illness. Many community members know that living with IBS can be a daily struggle. The community is here to listen, but if you are feeling severely depressed or suicidal about your condition we would like you to seek professional help. Below are some recommended links including hotline numbers to people who can help you immediately. You should never have to suffer alone and there is help if you need it.
Comprehensive guide for those of you lurkers who suffer from extreme constipation
PSA: Your IBS-C May Not Be IBS-C
ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
/r/Health
/r/Anxiety
/r/Depression
/r/CrohnsDisease
/r/getting_over_it
/r/HumanMicrobiome
/r/Dysautonomia
/r/shittingadvice
/r/IBD
/r/SIBO
/r/ConstipationAdvice
/r/Bidets
/r/Microbiome
/r/FODMAPS
/r/colonoscopy
Bristol Stool Scale Describe your poop medically
Poop colors and what they mean
ibsgroup.org
irritablebowelsyndrome.net
Finally, it may not be IBS. Here is a list of disorders that manifest similarly to IBS.
/r/ibs
Im on day 8 now of 145mg. Iāve suffered chronic constipation my whole life and the moment I started I seen a lot of benefits. I have 3 months worth of prescription, how long did it take for your gut to fully adjust/ heal
I hope it's ok for me to classify this as a success story, not because my symptoms are gone (because they aren't), but because I can keep a roof over my head. No longer have to beg my mother for money, thanks to learning today that I'm going on disability initiated by my employer, after my doctor's accommodation request was denied. Had almost got the lights cut off, and thanks to a small side gig that I have a few hours a month, I could pay the bill.
I encourage anyone with this condition to consider doing one or two side hustles to pay the bills, if it's possible. Yesterday my main employer denied the accommodation request from my doctor, so thinking that I still could not yet go back to work to pay the upcoming rent bill, I had a flare-up. This morning I got the email about disability, and I get payments starting on the same day as the extension deadline for my rent, which is April 5th.
I only know that I'm getting paid for back-dated leave for this two-week period, so I don't know for sure if I get more payments, after the end of this month. Either way, I am still so damn grateful for anything. I have a huge problem with digesting fats, so you can imagine how difficult it is to afford to eat healthy, when I can barely work enough anyplace (even with tiny side gigs) to even keep the lights on.
I'm trying to start yet another side gig, which I'd like to have as a permanent business one day. I think all of us need to hustle a little, if all of us haven't yet. I don't see a lot about doing side gigs here, because it's so obvious that a good many of us must struggle with attendance at work, from being so debilitated.
I really dream of a work-from-home job, but I enjoy the empowering satisfaction of knowing my own strength and limitations from my warehouse job. I am 47 working with people way younger than me, even though I have a degree, because I also have had cognitive difficulties associated with my depression. I have to be selective about jobs and side gigs, because my mental and physical limitations prevent me from being a good candidate for some of them. Some talents have never gone away, such as being good with minor mechanical things and analytical jobs, especially where I can review what I've done with others.
I'm just into celebrating any small victory, with this IBS-D/EPI. It's been a painful, deliberate, slow recovery with symptoms, since I first had them at 13, and I like to share (with a million thanks to social media) that wherever you are, you are not alone. Let's just be grateful that we have a way to find each other and help each other out. I'd hug every one of you, if I could. ā¤ļø
So I went to the hospital because of ongoing pelvic pain. I wanted to rule out appendicitis and diverticulitis and so on. The doctor ordered a CT, he didnāt see anything other than the fact Iām full of shit I guess. So I generally have a mix of loose stool and constipation. He told me to go get laxatives and eventually ask my family doctor for a scope. Anyways, Iāve never used laxatives and I got restore-lax. What should I expect ? How often do you guys take it ? Iām going to ask my doctor about it more when I see him but that wonāt be for a bit.
I suffer from ibs since I was a teenager, I had my ups and downs thereās was a period when it first started to show up that for months I had d*. Now Iām 20 years old and the last months have been hellā¦ In October I started to be regularly in pain that was a lot of times unbearable, a lot of constipation (Christmas was the worst time), bloat all the time and a lot of gas. I have so often big flare ups like every other week. I have tried to change my diet and I try to cut sugar and processed foods but Iām still really bad. Why does this happen so often now?? Do I need to see the doctor? What do you guys think?
Pretty much all my life Iāve had issues with IBS, I remember getting goosebumps in high school coupled with the need to go to the bathroom immediately and stomach cramps. Right after I graduated I started taking creatine, and drinking whey protein shakes. From this I remember looking down and seeing the toilet bowl stained bright red š· I stopped taking the supplements and the blood went away for about a year, started taking those supplements again and noticed it came back and the āibsā symptoms starting to intensify again so I stopped again (also stopped working out). Now fast forward 5 years, these goosebump feelings and urgency to use restroom went away so I thought the IBS was maybe clearing up with age, but about 3 weeks ago I got back in the gym and decided to pickup some fairlife 42g protein drinks and the stomach cramps / gas / blood came back. I havenāt had the shakes in like 3 weeks but the symptoms remain and my anxiety is at an all time high considering these symptoms used to clear up much faster in the past.
I have a GI appt 2 months from now and got bloodwork last week that all came back perfectly normal (not anemic) but all I see online is colon cancer and itās driving me nuts. Let me know if anyone else experiences these symptoms, at this age and if they were able to fix it - how? Here is a complete list of my symptoms
It's all so frustrating. The stomach pains, the nausea, the nausea then triggering my emetophobia and a panic attack, getting barely any sleep at night, a dr saying my issue was normal, the next dr just saying I have IBS and that was that, trying the solutions the drs recommended but it not helping much, feeling like symptoms are getting worse. I felt so miserable I called my mom for emotional support, and emotional support isn't even a thing she does
Hello I have been on linzess 290 for 10 days now. The first two days were great. Regular bowel movements and then all liquid after that. I do notice that under the liquid there is little brown soft looking like fluffy spots. My doctor says as long as I am having liquid or these fluffy soft nuggets coming out it is working that I should only be concerned if nothing is coming out. I just donāt understand why the first two days I had solid moments and then this. Feedback would be much appreciated. Thank you. Is it working like he said or should I be concerned? I have ibs chronic constipation and gastroparesis.
Iāve been experiencing IBS (or some sort of digestive disorder) for a few months now. My stomach pretty much constantly hurts, (burning, or just normal acheing) and I have constant diarrhea (that hits out of nowhere))! I have experienced nausea and the only thing that really helps is just laying in bed with a heating pad. Itās gotten to the point where stomach hunger pain feels better then normal pain and I donāt want to eat. Itās so embarrassing to go out in public because I never know when somethingās gonna randomly hurt my stomach and Iāll have to go yhe bathroom. I have a doctors appointment Friday but Iām not really sure what to tell my doctor. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to explain my symptoms to my doctor (and get real medical solutions) or just things that have helped yāall with this. (Iām not positive I have IBS but I have something)
Years ago, a doc said my daily intestinal turbulence was probably IBS. I didn't worry about it much, as i wasn't experiencing any noticeable pain--just the discomforts of bloating and gas.
Fewer years ago than this guys speculation about IBS, I began having more frequent bowel movements (not loose, not constipated, just very frequent, like between 3 and 8 per day). No pain, so I haven't worried about this frequency very much; it's just a bit more time consuming that I'd prefer.
Also for context: I've had hemorrhoids since the births of my children, and these have gradually advanced to being "external" (though with a bit of help from me, they can go back inside until the next bowel movement when they pop out again). But occasionally they bleed (yes, bright red), most likely because of all the frequent bowel movements they experience.
This brings things to the present: for the past year or so, I've had what I would describe as a "copious" clear (always clear except when hemorrhoids are bleeding) mucus discharge. This happens virtually anytime I use the toilet--even when just peeing. I'm relieved that the mucus has no color, but am wondering:
thanks for any insights or speculations! Additional context: most recent colonoscopy was 2 years ago; two benign (otherwise known as precancerous) polyps removed with the "snare" tool.
Hey everyone, I made a IBS supplement database (no sponsorships) where you can upvote and comment on supplements that have worked for you. I made it "granular" so you can search supplements for IBS-D vs IBS-C specifically. All data in the article themselves are based on peer reviewed studies with sources listed.
It's free to signup, comment, and view the site, everything is going to be donation based since i'm paying for the servers on my own. I'm hoping we can get enough backers to eventually add more articles and lab test random samples of named supplements. Donors also get a cool badge that displays with their comments.
I'm also open to any feedback you all have, mods i'd really appreciate a pin or URL addition to the community resource tab! It took me almost half a year to write this and put it together so I really hope it helps. I suffer from IBS-d myself and i'm eager to see what has been working the best for all of you. In total there's around 42 herb supplements for all IBS categories i've found, please let me know if you have tried something not listed so I can research and possibly add it!
How to use the site? - Search for IBS with the below link, and select the type of IBS you have:
https://hauths.com/
How to signup to comment, like or donate?
https://hauths.com/membership-account/membership-levels/
How to check our roadmap? (bottom of the below page)
https://hauths.com/about
How to request a supplement to be added? (*no brands or sponsorships, just list the actual herb)
https://hauths.com/request-a-content-change/ select article update
What did your diarrhea look like in specific?
Has anyone experienced a flare up past over a week? I normally donāt have flare ups go beyond a day and Iām worried. I know worrying doesnāt help, but I canāt help but wonder why all of a sudden I am having diarrhea over a week now and Imodium doesnāt seem to help. Anyone gone through this before? I havenāt had a flare up like this since I first got IBS-D in 2019.
Iāve been struggling with IBS for the past 5 years. My symptoms were constipation, horrible cramping where I could hardly move, immediate bathroom urge after eating, diarrhea, gas, etc. I went to multiple doctors, bloodwork was always normal, tried elimination FODMAP diet, supplements, basically everything I thought had the potential to help.
Recently, I went off my combination birth control pill and all my symptoms disappeared! Itās been 6 months with no issues. Iām trying to find another method of BC for me, but wanted to pass this anecdotal story in case someone else could be helped too.
So Iāve enjoyed myself a bit too much today with chocolate and ice cream (we will use Easter as an excuse). However, I know that I am 100% going to wake up in the middle of the night tonight with insane cramps and diarrhoea as this always happens when I consume a lot of sugar.
Will taking an Imodium likely stop this from happening? I have plans tomorrow and canāt risk not getting a full nights sleep. The only thing stopping me from taking it is thinking about it possibly causing me the cramps anyway but then being unable to pass stool to relieve it? Not sure if thatās even how it works
Curious does green tea help in that way/form?
I have ovarian cysts but this feels different. The past couple of weeks Iāll have a pinching pain on and off right where I circled. My doctor believes I do have IBS because Iāve had horrible bowels and issues with them all my life, but this is relatively new. Itās not unbearable, itās just like a pinching/crampy painā¦ my stools are normal too?
Iāve been lowering my caffeine intake and bubbly soda intake. I also drank kombucha and my stools have shown improvement after that however kombucha is an acquired taste. Iāve become very gassy where it all gets built up in my tummy and bismuth/pepto tablets or tums before eating help with the crippling stomach pain or bathroom trips. Iāve been taking 2, during my lunch and dinner. Iām also taking probiotic capsules, I havenāt noticed much improvement but I hope itās doing something in my gutt. I was drinking probiotic soda but the fizz worsened the bloating and pain so I rather drink water or lactose free milk, my Starbucks trips consist of a pink drink :D!! Drinking a bottle of water a day also helps a lot. My stools are browner than ever. I suffer from hemorrhoids and I still have constipation, but these are some insights. As a Mexican eating borracho beans and incorporating fiber into my meat meals have helped for the days I dread eating vegetables. Also fried chicken tenders hurt me so bad. I dread eating fast food due to the pain.
A lot of us have good and bad gut bacteria. One of them is c diffle however at higher levels it causes IBS-D issues. I just found a study from Standford that proved that antibiotics wipe out cdiff and at same time wipe out the microbiome so thats why some of us dont see any relief. However their study they found a med that only touches cdiff and lowers the level and keeps the other good bacteria untouched. Will be interesting if there is anything like that in the future. I emailed the professors about an update on the study. But so far my practioner did stool tests and it shows higher level of cdiffle in my microbiome mix that the normal tested group and thats the main thing that sticks out that could be a cause. So far the only thing that is non antibiotic that could help is from Yakult which has a strain that can fight off Cdiff levels. ...Would be curious if i did Yakult for 1 month if the levels go down and symptoms subside..? Will keep trying Yakult.
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2015/09/drug-disarms-deadly-c-difficile-bacteria.html
Hi everyone,
I am sure I am preaching to the choir, but I have no where else to turn really. I have had GI issues my whole life. Chronicccccc constipation since infancy. Hx of GERD, SIBO, and constipation. I got diagnosed with IBS-C when I was a teenager with no meds, just a very strict diet. When I was 19 I got an endoscopy and colonoscopy completed. Just for reference, my constipation is so bad even the prep didn't work initially... Below were the results of the biopsies
The GI MDs gave me pantoprazole and motegrity as meds. They said they THINK I have a motility issue in my intestines. I was 19, and did not know enough about holistic health, gut health, mental health, how they all intertwine, etc. I am now 23 and in a clinical masters program so I have learned SO much more about modern medicine, and the plenty of issues that come with it. Such as prescribing a teenager with a medication because you are simply guessing there is a motility issue without a proper diagnostic test.
As you can see... I was negative for any kind of Crohns disease, etc. But significant for inflammation. My symptoms have persisted for years even with medication intervention. Lately, I have been rapidly losing weight (> 10 lbs in the last 2 months) without changing anything. Which is strange because I literally cannot use the bathroom... so you'd think I would be gaining. I am a very active person that has always eaten a relatively clean diet due to my gut issues. I have super low energy, always fatigued, experiencing bloat, distension, cold 24/7, low labido, present with anemic-like symptoms but bloodwork comes back negative for anemia. I also have Endometriosis and Adenomyosis. When I got my surgery for that, the endo was BARELY in my gut which was honestly disappointing because I thought that was going to answer all of my issues. For my endo surgery, they also found " RIGHT PELVIC SIDEWALL ENDOMETRIOSIS, EXCISION- MESOTHELIAL-LINED SOFT TISSUE WITH HISTIOCYTIC INFLAMMATION. NEGATIVE FOR ENDOMETRIOSIS." So there is a weird consistency with tissue inflammation. I have tested my thyroid and markers for autoimmune diseases (both run in my family). All negative.
I guess I'm here for any advice, to see if there is anyone out there like me? If there are any doctors on this platform that have any idea what could be wrong?
Thanks for reading this far if you have (:
anyone else seem to be particularly sick when you first wake up during your flare ups?
Does anyone get frequent nausea with IBS? Iāve had IBS for about 10 years but recently Iām chronically nauseous as well.
Was diagnosed with pneumonia, but have also had intense stomach cramping that comes and goes. Very low appetite, nausea, only able to pass small amounts of gas even though it feels like there is a lot and I can hear it bubbling if I push on my abdomen. Have had small bowel movements but nothing major. This has been going on for 3 days. Please help
I have recently been diagnosed with internal hemorrhoids. The only thing Iāve found to be able to do is use psyllium husk. It makes my poops more regular and easy to come out so less irritating to hemorrhoids. But the psyllium husk tends to cause cramping and pain. What to do!!!??
Its solid and obvious that I eat veggies. Other times it's a bit darker brown. I feel perfectly fine.
Is it normal to be constipated for a week several times?
I have been suffering from a mystery illness for 9 months. It sorta came out of nowhere with a flood of symptoms. I'm currently going through a flare up and it's really bad. My Symptoms over the past 9 months include constipation (main symptom), nausea, shaking/ramped up nervous system feeling, and upset stomach flare ups, burning throat, burning chest. Constipation is the most constant symptom, I tend to go 3 days without having a bowel movement.However the worst symptoms in terms of severity are the burning and nausea. I also got tinnitus recently
I have done endoscopy/colonoscopy, abdominal ultrasound. The biopsy of endoscopy showed I have mild chronic gastritis, reactive lymphoid aggregate, and colonoscopy showed one benign polyp which was removed. Overall, my GI says it's notthing and just "IBS". I have lost 45 lbs (from 180 to 135) roughly. I tested positive for methane and hydrogen in lactulose breath test but my GI says SIBO overrated so I shouldn't care about it.
I should also mention that I have elevated ferritin levels (350ng/ml). I also had high cortisol levels (both blood and urine were high). I later did the dexamethasone suppression test and my cortisol levels suppressed. Now sure if it's possible that I might still have some adrenal tumour
My doctors continue to wave me off. They want to get rid of me so I'm not their problem. My grandfather died of stomach cancer in his 60s, I'm worried of whats going to happen to me
When do you take it? prophylatically, before a meal or after? I had a gastric bypass and gall bladder removal. Even not eating sweets, fried food, coffee I take 20 loperamide a day and have only 5 seconds advance notice, loose clay. PCP says narc lomotil is out of the question. No stress. Don't drink, smoke, or do rec drugs. Yes, had 3 colonoscopies, nothing remarkable. Take pro-biotic capsules and yogurt.
I am sick of having to fight with yet another doctor.
I am sick of someone taking 1 minute of their time to have me lay down on my back so they can feel my stomach and say āitās all good, probably IBSā
I am sick of doctors prescribing me more omeprazole without even lifting a finger to run a test when I tell them my acid reflux is so bad I canāt sleep at night and I vomit in my mouth. Even with antacids.
I am sick of doctors telling me that having diarrhea 8+ times a day is normal without even looking at my stool.
What if I did show them pictures and they could see what 8+ times a day diarrhea looks like and I asked them ā If this was you, would you think this is normal? Would you just think to yourself: oh well, Itās IBSā
I bet you they would not. Itās only considered normal when itās convenient for them.
I am sick of it. I am sick of living.
Arenāt you?
It's been almost 2 months since eating cereal in the morning. I used to religiously eat fruity pebbles. Well today I had a huge bowl of it just because... and I am fighting for my life on the toilet right now. I have intense cramps and can't stop going to the br.
What is in these cereals that triggers IBS to this point?
Can IBS cause easy tiredness in the body? Been finding my body getting tired quickly from playing football/soccer. I am a regular jogger and have an IBS that affects the CNS. Not sure what bucket that falls into.