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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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Hi there. Ive suffered with IBS for years and find that I can controll it to a certain extent, by not over eating and also not going hungry. Over the last few weeks I have noticed a vibrating/rumbling feeling in my abdomen that feels like my phone is going off in my pocket or Im standing on some vibrating pipes. Is this linked with IBS or is it something else?

I'm 17 and over the past 3 weeks I have developed on and off stomach pains and also frequently needing to pass wind. I am suffering from alternating constipation and diarrhoea too. I have been taking tablets for IBS but they have not made much of a difference. Is it likely that I have IBS? What medication is recommended? Please help, it is greatly affecting my quality of life.

Supposedly I have IBS and apparently it is only getting worse. Nothing triggers it, it just is. Every day, every hour.
It's completely taken charge of my social life and is affecting my relationship with my partner.
I love how the doctors say, 'Oh, well you just have IBS, here, stuff your face with peppermint oil that won't change a thing, and write a journal that won't help at all, and make sure not to get stressed'.
Well that's believable.
Why aren't people looking at the cause and only at the symptoms?
And why do doctors think it's enough just to say, 'Oh, it sounds like IBS. Now you best be on your way.'
And every doctor is convinced that I must lead an unhealthy life.
I actually don't have any friends or know anyone as active as I am and who eats such a consistent and healthy diet as I do. And I drink maybe once or twice a month. Admittedly, the only unhealthy thing that I do do is smoke, but not even a lot.
I feel like doctors think that I've brought it on myself and they think that if I write down what I eat it will go away. What difference will it make?! Everything and anything I eat gives me pain. Except for fruit, which is the one thing people with IBS are told to stear clear of.
Sorry for ranting, but I am feeling so much frustration towards the NHS. And worst of all I feel like IBS is rarely taken seriously.

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?




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