IBS sufferer, I need help/reassurance. - Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Message Board

Hexl · 09-03-2007, 02:53 AM

Hello, I've recently joined these boards, although been reading posts all morning.

I am a 16 year old boy who recently finished "normal" schooling, and now have enrolled in my local 6th form. Back when I took my mock exams in November of last year I got a bad stomach, shook it off as a bug. Then after each holiday/school break I found myself having the same symptoms. In my real GSCE's I also had the same problem, but this time I got so nervous and anxious that I had problems for the rest of the week, being so scared that I might get ill in an exam again.

Over the summer I've been okay, however I went to try and sort my stomach out, and I was diagnosed with IBS, mostly(I believe) triggered by something(unsure what) then carried on by stress/anxiety, I get very nervous when I go to places where I'm unsure I can get to a toilet at my convenience and it's affecting everything I do. I was too scared to get a haircut because I didn't want to be sat in a chair with little way out should I suddenly need to go. Now today, my first day back at school and i've already had to skip the morning due to having dihorrea already 3 times. It's affecting my whole life, and I'm becoming extremely depressed, recluse and generally am always upset and tired(because I lay away worrying about it) I really want to make something of my life and for that I need my next two years of schooling to go well. Which currently isn't happening as I'm so scared to go to school incase I need to go to the toilet often.

I've been taking some anti-dihorrea tablets and that hasn't really helped so much, I'm really running out of ideas and i'm really down at the moment.

I sound really petty, but this is really getting to me, anyone have any advice or other information they could share?

Thank you.

Hex.

bellyblues · 09-03-2007, 12:54 PM

Hi Hex! No, you DO NOT sound petty. You sound exactly like most IBS folks who are trying their best to live life with this often debilitating disorder.

My first experience with IBS was at 16 as well. That's over 31 years ago and at that time, it wasn't called IBS. They told me I had a "nervous stomach", "lazy bowels", "spastic colon". I remember well how it impacted my young adulthood. I was always worried and afraid something would "happen" and I would be put into an embarrassing situation. You are not alone. We have all felt that way (and often still do!).

Take a closer look at your diet. If you are eating foods that are high in fat (fried stuff), or very high in fiber (beans, certain fruits), or fast food, you would want to eliminate them. Also, milk products could also contribute to D. Foods that help control loose movements would include white rice, bananas, oatmeal, cream of rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.

IMO, it's always best to try and attack the problem with diet first before using medicines. You want your system to regulate itself with as little artificial interference as possible.

Hope that helps! Good luck to you!

wonderingtoo · 09-03-2007, 07:49 PM

Hexl, try probiotics. It's live natural enzymes. REally has made a difference for me. You need one with the live enzymes in the billions, and it should be kept in the fridge. You can go in a health food store to find them. Ask what they recommend. It doesn't sound like you live in the U.S., so I'm not sure what brands you might find. But give it a try.

Hexl · 09-04-2007, 01:05 AM

Thanks for the replies!

I've started with trying new foods, and i'm hoping that will get there, just trying to get the courage to stick with staying at school! (Second day now, but it isn't a full day, so might manage it.

)

Managed one lesson, but now had to skip school today(Day 3) because I felt so ill this morning.

philly1 · 09-26-2007, 11:46 AM

Have you tried giving up all sweet food including fruit as this was my main problem, other foods that i cant eat are wheat, dairy, and if you are very stressful you need help i.e. cognitive behavoural therapy as I found this great. Dont be afraid to ask for help.