Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

Irritable bowel syndrome is a common intestinal disorder that is characterized by bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, and constipation. Typically no abnormalities appear during standard medical testing, and so irritable bowel syndrome is identified by the symptoms. Although irritable bowel syndrome can cause serious discomfort, the intestines are not harmed.

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Gastrointestinal System
/ Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Support Group

History

tigertwo
tigertwo

Thinking back to the first ibs symptoms I can remember - sitting in high school at day end and being so uncomfortable in high waisted jeans - so not suitable for bloating. 


Flash forward to college days - I remember having a very painful episode and taking Tylenol and stretching in the bathroom and finding relief. 


Later treatment was a combo of Tylenol and gas X. But real relief come with a regimented BM schedule. I needed glycerin suppositories to get that going (pun intended), but now it works without meds. 


I do have some dicyclomine in my med cabinet but I have never used it (yet).


other non-med strategies: drink hot water (or herbal tea), warm bath, hot magic bag, and laying on tummy. No high waisted and tight waisted clothing ever. 


Happy to say my condition is well controlled now but am sharing these tips in case they help anyone else. 

billwfriend
billwfriend
I dont have any kind of plans on my IBSD. It hits when it wants and Im usually unprepared
tigertwo
tigertwo
Mine is IBS-C so I can’t relate!! That must be so frustrating to not know when it will flare. Do you take any meds for it?
BlueSky
BlueSky
I have IBS-C too, tried these things and don't help. The suppositories help for temp relief, but they don't "train" my colon to have a regular BM. :(

Dicylomine is good for stomach pain, lasts a few hours. But makes me sleepy.
tigertwo
tigertwo
Lax-A-Day is another good option for constipation. Can be used daily. I find regularity is the absolute most important thing for my tummy.
I’ll keep that in mind if I ever go use the dicyclomine. I don’t like meds that cause drowsiness, but if I were in a lot of discomfort I might.
SimpsonsOK
SimpsonsOK
I'm mostly dealing with the IBS-D, but for certain events, I chew a pepto bismol tablet. It throws ne into IBS-C, and have found drinking a bottle of room temp water will usually bring relief. It needs to be done fairly quickly so the water bypasses the bladder and instead goes to the bowels. Both forms lead to bloating. Hugs to all.
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