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.
Hi, I was diagnosed with IBS since the beginning of this year and I have never had so much go wrong all at once. It had taken me years to find a job related to my field and now thanks to IBS I had to quit, I was constantly missing days and having bad episodes at work and then when I was put on anti-anxiety medicines I felt worse emotionally altho it did help a lot with the symptoms. Recently I discovered the medicines were affecting my kidneys, I had to pee constantly and urgently and even though the symptoms have reduced without the meds I now live in fear of having an accident. Also, the IBS Symptoms are back worse than ever. There are weeks I don't step out of my house and even when I do it's to a place that's within 10 mins driving distance and with a lot of clean bathrooms. I have developed serious anxiety about not having a bathroom nearby and its not only for the IBS but the constant peeing too. I'm fine at home.
Has anyone had such issues before? I no longer have a job, I gave up the gym (with the anti-anxiety meds I gained weight and now have insecurities) I'm losing all my friends and my family are tired of me spoiling everyone's plans
Also, how do you guys cope with traveling, long car distances and basically having a life?
A few days ago I came across an article claiming the benefits of drinking celery juice on an empty stomach for IBS. I have managed to do a few days of experimenting and omg I actually had good days when I did drink it. The pain and bloating would go instantly and I would get a break from my bathroom for nearly the whole day. Its worth trying. I don't have the opportunity to try it every day but its definitely something that can help.
http://www.medicalmedium.com/blog/celery-juice
Also, I hope you don't mind me asking this but I was told IBS-D can happen due to a variety of reasons, mine was my stress manifesting itself through my stomach so I've been told therapy or medicines to treat anxiety could treat the IBS itself. How did yours start?
Again thanks for replying to me. Hugs right back to you
It isn't just you suffering, I promise!! I have had IBS-D since grade 5 (sigh) and in recent years it's gotten a lot worse. Thankfully, I freelance, so I can have WFH days when I have a particularly bad flare. But it does lead to a lot of cancelled plans and stress about road trips.
I have called a friend for new underwear at work, pooped in ditches while running, even pulled off the highway to poop on the side of the road. The worst is in the winter when it steams!! (Sorry - totally TMI!)
I've never tried celery juice (but I will now!) and mine is definitely triggered by stress. However, there is also a large food component. And hormonal.
I recently tried the ketogenic diet. It's really extreme and I hated it, but, it cleared up my IBS-D completely. Like not a single attack for 3 months. If you're house-bound, I would definitely recommend giving it a try. I found it to be unsustainable and I lacked energy for anything cardio, but I loved the IBS-D relief. It's kind of a pick your poison situation.
If you decide to go keto - feel free to PM me and I can help get you started :)
Good luck! You are not alone!!
Hugs!
Thanks so much for your comment. That's a long time to have been dealing with IBS-D. Are there ever months of no attacks or has it been constant always? I'm still trying to deal with it, to be honest. I've had to adjust a lifestyle a lot and I don't really have anyone who understands me here.
The Celery juice is really worth it. I haven't been consistent because where I live its not always available but I'm trying.
My condition isn't so bad, my biggest problem is that I've developed anxiety to a point where I don't want to leave my house, I'm having to depend on my family and partner to help me out. I don't have attacks unless I know I have to go out even to a neighbors house. I would love to know more about the keto diet however even if that does help the IBS-D symptoms I'm still not confident enough to move on with my life.
Hugs to you both and thanks so much for responding to me
The IBS-D really does drain the body, I've never felt so weak and tired before. I constantly feel like everything is a task and I can no longer work out like I could. I feel like my face has lost its glow and everyone keeps asking if I'm ok. But I've recently shifted to a herbal anxiety medicine and I'm on herbal probiotics as well as some other vitamins and they seem to help even if for just a few hours a day. I think my biggest problem is my anxiety and depression. Food does set off attacks at times but not as severe.
More recently, when I needed pain relief, the doctor put me on Lyrica, which made me IBD, but now I can eat all sorts of vegetables, etc. without any problems. I do feel sleepy, but to me, I finally now seem to have more of a life. I too am affected by stress, and would have many flares each month. Those seem to have gone. I wish I had discovered Lyrica many years ago. Hope this helps someone.