New here, IBS for 15 years

[Hetchins_1946]

Hi all

I was diagnosed with IBS after a lot of tests back in 2007. At the time I was under a lot of increasing pressure at work, and it's clear now that stress was the trigger for the IBS symptoms.

I retired from work in 2012 with anxiety and depression.

 

I've often had IBS-D symptoms since, but they have resolved within 18-24 hours and I've just got on with life. I've noticed that the main trigger now seems to be sudden hot weather.

 

A couple of weeks ago I was volunteering in the open air on a very hot day with no shade - and I've had the worst IBS-D flare up ever, plus some new symptoms!

I feel that I'm on the trailing edge of the flare up but am still very tired.

My GP has been very helpful and supportive, and has arranged some repeat tests.

I've been advised to eat more soluble fibre (which seems to be having zero effect) to help with the (new) anal leaks.

 

I'm now petrified of an air flight in a couple of months on a family holiday in case I have an 'episode' on the plane or in a queue! I might be on the loperamide and in some inconvenience pants (yuk) just in case.

[Jeffrey Roberts]

I'm glad to hear that your GP is being supportive and repeating tests.

Have you considered metamucil to try and bulk things up and slow down your bowel. It seems entirely counter intuitive, but I've personally done that for 1 year and found it helpful. I also understand that this might be an easier fibre instead of metamucil, https://www.webbernaturals.com/en-ca/the-right-fibre4-ibs-intestinal-discomfort-tangerine/

Is something like this available in the UK?

[John Arnau]

Jeff, like a lot of people, ten years ago I was first diagnosed with diverticulitis, since both of my parents and my brother have suffered from this condition.  So, my gastroenterologist suggest I try either Metamucil, Citracel or Miralex.  I tried all three.  They all made me really sick from intense intestinal bloating and pain (not gas pain, which is different).  After that, I was re-diagnosed as having IBS-C.  Do other folks with IBS-C also have problems with intense gut pain from taking fiber supplements?  Wouldn't taking this fiber supplement be more of the same?  During an IBS-C attack, I have to take either Ex-Lax or Colace once a day, otherwise my abdominal pain is almost unbearable.  Chronic constipation is a real problem for me.  Any thoughts?  Thank you.

[Jeffrey Roberts]

Fiber seemed to be the go-to treatment that many doctors prescribed to try and treat IBS. Studies have shown that some fiber types might be helpful, but fiber in general can contribute to abdominal pain, constipation and/or diarrhea. It's a fine line between soluble and insoluble fiber, soluble being helpful for some and insoluble being unhelpful for all.

There are several new medications that treat abdominal pain and constipation. Have you explored any of these with your doctor?

• Linzess
• IBSrela
• Motegrity
• Trulance