Hi all- I suppose I'm looking for some support. I've (25F) suffered with my IBS since I was a child but I was always told it was in my head. My pain is generally worse first thing in the morning- during flare ups it wakes me in the early hours and I can spend hours on and off the toilet. I get intense pain and a vasovagal response. I get rectal bleeding which caused me to think I had endometriosis, so I've had a diagnostic laparoscopy, endoscopy, colonoscopy, countless stool samples- the list goes on. Nil acute, just found mild gastritis in my endoscopy and my surgeon from the lap commented that my bowel was super hyperactive & spasming even under general anaesthetic. I've tried all OTC meds and mebeverine but they don't help. My GP just agreed to try me on low dose amitryptyline to see if that helps (I started this last night). I'm struggling with how limited life feels, i experience agoraphobia from the pain. I've never been in a relationship and live alone due to my anxiety around going to the toilet. It affects the opportunities I accept in my career. I just don't really understand how people live functional happy lives with severe IBS? It's really affecting my mental health.

Dear @Amyy ,

I too have been dealing with IBS since I was a child. Doctor's can certainly make you feel like it is in your head. It is real and not caused by stress or anxiety, though you might develop those things from the unpredictability of IBS. Rectal bleeding is not a characteristic of IBS, though if you are on the toilet a lot you can develop hemorrhoids which can bleed.

Your choices for treatment are kind of limited in the UK. Starting amitriptyline is a process that can take 4-6 weeks to see a difference. It's a long term commitment. I would suggest speaking to your doctor about trying ondansetron which you can take from 4 mg daily to 24 mg daily to manage symptoms. It doesn't work well on pain, but does diarrhea and in fact can be very constipating. With pain being your major issue, amitriptyline can offer some relief, but not completely.

IBS certainly does cause a lot of people to feel that they can't cope because they can't live a normal life. I've had a full career and raised a family. With the right treatment regiment I truly hope that you get past this stage of feeling like you can't cope.