A quick hello and request for feedback - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

quizbuff2000 · 12-19-2005, 08:20 PM

Hello there. My GP has recently diagnosed IBS, though has referred me
to a specialist as a precautionary measure. The condition is REALLY
getting me down now. For many weeks now, I am either constipated or
crapping my guts out. The amount of wind I get is bordering on
superhuman - if there were an Olympic flatulence competition, I'd be in
the British team! My stomach makes so many sounds, people can hear
them from the other side of a room. I was recently prescribed
Mebeverine, which seemed to make a difference for a week or so, but I
seem to be going backwards again now.

Most people with whom I've discussed this condition seem to find it
mildly amusing, which does tend to leave me feeling isolated. It's
very easy to start feeling that you're the only person in the world
having his/her life blighted in this way.

I've become quite obsessive about bowel habits, dreading meals, or
rather the consequences of them, as eating is the trigger for my
problems. When I have an empty stomach, I'm fine.

How do others deal with it? I'd be very keen to read the experiences
of others, not to mention corresponding with others for mutual support.

Do accept my best wishes, and I look forward to hearing from people.

quizbuff2000 · 12-20-2005, 06:16 AM

Not quite the response I was hoping for, I must say!

becca112 · 12-20-2005, 08:32 AM

Hey! I know exactly how you feel, I avoided going to the doctor about my problem for months. To the point were I landed myself right in the emergency room with a big ole bill to go with it! It is also very difficult to speak with friends/family about it, kind of gets them laughing at times. But all will get better I am sure. If I do eat it is only a small amount of food, enough to take my medicine (zelnorm). I have the same problem with gas and those strange belly sounds as well! Luckily I have a follow-up visit with my gastro doctor after Christmas, hopefully we can get some progress on the problem. There has to be something to take care of the gas, cramps, and noises! I have found it very helpful to read the posts on this board, especially since it is people with the same problem as I! Good Luck and I hope things get better for you!

Piano0105 · 12-24-2005, 01:15 PM

I've had this problem for 27 years. Have had both upper and lower GI series done. Also tried many meds. Nothing worked. Haven't tried Zelnorm yet since I don't want to go to another gastro doc. Have avoided colonoscopy and those other unpleasant tests so far, but the next doc is sure to insist on them. I agree, it's a very difficult problem to live with, especially socially.

PeskyRabbit · 12-29-2005, 10:57 AM

I know exactly how you feel. It can be so embarrasing! I'm extremely gassy all the time and it is so painful, especially when you are in public and you have to hold it in. I have actually gotten to the point where I can't even stand up straight because the gas hurts so much until you can finally go somewhere and relieve it. I feel like I could win a contest too! I guess if I was a 12 year old boy it would be funny, but as a 33 year old woman, it isn't as much! I've never been able to resolve this problem either. I am lactose intolerent as many of us with IBS are, but even eliminating dairy doesn't help.

My stomach makes all those sounds too. I've sat in many meetings at work and been embarrased when it gets quiet and my stomach starts its sounds again. People laugh, but I feel like an idiot.

I've just recently tried getting on fiber therapy again for about the fifth attempt. I know everyone says it helps if you can stick with it. I get about a week into it every time and get really symptomatic and finally quit. Today, I'm feeling pretty bad, but I'm going to try to continue this time.

I've had IBS since I was about 12, so you would think I would get used to it. I go through periods where I accept it better than others.