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Conditions

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Doctor examining a patient with suspected IBS

They say you should always establish your nearest fire exits whenever entering a new building. But for sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it is usually the nearest toilet facilities. IBS is one of the most common disorders of the digestive tract, with about a fifth of people in the UK experiencing occasional symptoms, which can include abdominal pain, bloating, and bouts of diarrhoea and/or constipation. The abdominal pain is usually accompanied by the loud rumbling and squeaking of gases being propelled through the intestines, which can be a great source of discomfort and embarrassment. People between the ages of 20 and 30 are most commonly affected, but it is twice as common in women as in men. The exact cause of IBS is unknown. However, there are certain things which can trigger an attack, such as stress, irregular mealtimes and, in some cases, a lack of dietary fibre. Some people even develop IBS following gut infections and food poisoning.

What the Men in White Coats Say

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i have been told by my doctor that i have IBS. it has been atleast 2 years since it truly began to hamper my life and have been told tht it may be stress induced but the only real stress in my life at the moment is wondering if i can make it out if the house either to make it to work or for any other set activity. now i do smoke and i drink alot, a few a day just to help me get through the amounting stress, but id there anything that you think that i can do as its beginning to affect my life more an more all the time

im a 29 yr old women who has had ibs for 3 yrs but since having my gallbladder out its got worse and nothing is working for me :( i have diarrea nearly every day so i avoid going to far from a toilet please can someone help me?

hi iam 33 and have had ibs for many years now since i was 18. i was over weigh and though using laxitives would help me lose weigh but it only made my bowels become relaxed to the point where they dont work. causing discomfort and bloatin in my tummy. i have been taken in hospital on a number or occations. to try and help remove whats their as i have been so compacted. i become so ill
but since been in hospital a few years ago i have found was to help but still need to use laxitives from time to time. but the only way is to eat healthy and drink fluids. and excerise it helped me alot. but i still cant go 6 weeks without using laxi tives so still looking for an answer if you can help
many thanks

Have had what has always been considered to be 'stress-induced' IBS but recently symptoms have been such that a Sigmo' has been performed; now am told that a colonoscopy is necessary; this is making me all the more anxious. The ensdoscopic team has said a sedation process will be part of the procedure – why and what will this take the form of… i.e. some kind of pain relief or a GA administered by aneasthetist? Am really worried… responses please. Thanks kindly..

I am 39yrs and for the last 4 years on and off but more so in the last year, i have suffered with my stomach. I have had what feels like an acid attack and bloating, making me look 7mths pregnant,my stomach feels sore and it makes me feel very drained and tired. This is continuing to happen without the acid attack feeling. I've dumped over a stone on in weight, yet eat well and careful what i eat, i've had loads of tests and everything is normal yet i still suffer. I've also been on various medication. IBS has been mentioned but not confirmed.Help getting fed up!

When i was a child i often had an upset stomach, and having spoken to my doctor, discovered that it was IBS. I'm 19 now and for the last 6 or so months its been really bad. I've managed to eliminate a few foods from my diet that can trigger it, but i've found that worrying triggers it too. I regularly have to rely on tablets that stop diarrhoea. Can overuse have a bad effect? I'm worried there may be a long term problem with relying on them.
I hate that it often stops me from doing the things i want because it never eases up. Arghhhh!!!! :p

i dont know what is wrong with me
iv been to my docter but all he keeps tellin me is what isnt wrong with me..
not what is
iv hade the same pain in my lower abdominals since june
at first i thought it was my womb, then my overies, then my bowls
i cant really point out were abouts i get the pains
iv been worrieing that i might die and that it could be some sort of cancer or desiese that could kill me :/
i really want to know what IS wrong with me!
at first it started off as a sharp stabbing pain in my womb
then it started hurting around my left overie & sometimes in my right one and iv been getting this pain for monthes!
im really worried
do you have any indication to what it could be?

I suffer from depression and also IBS, so I find it very hard to ever feel normal. I am constantly bloated with severe stomach cramps, one day being constipated and the next having diarrohea and am always tired. I do alot of exercise and cut out carbs for the purpose of training, I found that when I did it helped, however I cant always avoid carbs but when I eat them or am slightly down I am in discomfort again. I also get heart burn, pain around my belly button and my stomach or lower abdomen feels tender to touch. Is this all normal for IBS or should I go speak to my doctor incase it is anything worse?

i am a 55yr old female,in good health,i have a under active thyroid gland.had my gall bladder removed 2yrs ago,i am still having problems with it as my stomach is still sore,feeling full and bloated,have been given fibre to take in a drink,i am on a low fat diet,do not have any thing fried only grilled.eat only wholemeal bread and have porridge for breakfast,dont know what i can do to relive these symptoms,as im following a healthy diet

hi im currently in hotpital nd have been for a week i have most symptons that r decribed at the top of the page, it has not been a nice procedure to find out my problem which the doctors are still looking for its taking some tym nd a lot of discomfort which no doubt i will benafit from in the long run, but although i have most symptoms thats described they can not work out what i have ive been tested for a lot of things nd still nothing whats your comments on this ?




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