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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jasp435 11/13/2017

I have had IBS all my life, even as a small child. I am now 57. The only thing I can count on every day is pain. My attempt to manage it have included diet, exercise, meditation, medication, denial, outrage, depression, anxiety, and humor. The only relief I ever get is not eating entirely or taken pain medication when I do eat.

Since my IBS is the C sort, I also take Linzess every other day which helps the pain for a while afterwards.

The only real relief I get is taking 50mg of Tramadol 3x daily. I'm grateful for the relief I get from it, but it merely takes the edge off so I can get through the day.

I wish researchers could find the real cause and an effective therapy. For me, Linzess and Tramadol is all that helps. I've tried modifying my diet mostly with little success.

I keep looking for therapies that have worked for others, but so far, Linzess and Tramadol are all I've found that help.

Sheerks 12/15/2017

Hi Jasp435,

I've had severe IBS for almost 12 years, and I'm almost 25 years old now. Like you I have tried almost every diet known to man and none of it has helped, I have also seen 5 nutritionists/dieticians to no avail - also cut out tons of food. And that's a huge issue I hate about IBS - that you have to completely change your life and your diet to revolve around this horrible syndrome.

I have tried all the probiotics, peppermint pills, diets, anti spasm medications, 6 colonoscopies, 5 EGD's, 7 biopsies of my colon, and on and on. Nothing has helped. I used to be in the hospital 5-7 times a month due to the excruciating pain and because I wasn't on any medication. Then my primary doctor put me on Tramadol and IT SAVED MY LIFE. I was able to keep a job, have a life, go to school, etc. 6 years later my doctor doesn't want me on a pain med for the rest of my life so she is taking me off of it. Now I am back to step 1 and couldn't be more scared.

I hate IBS, but I relate to you. Wish you well and I wish you health!

jasp435 12/15/2017

Thanks for your response. Because of the opiate epidemic, doctors are very reluctant to prescribe pain medication. Talk about going from one extreme to the other! I go to a legitimate pain management doctor. I abide by a contract which allows the doctor to do random drug testing if he thinks I may be abusing the drug or taking other drugs as well. I can only fill the prescription at an agreed upon pharmacy. I must see the doctor every 56 days. I have found a doctor who believes quality of life is very important and if you are disabled by pain, why would a doctor withhold treatment? Again, because of widespread addiction to prescription drugs. I hope you are able to find someone to help you because this disorder can be very painful and a great deal of living lost because of it.

Sheerks 12/19/2017

My primary doctor also made me sign a contract when she first started prescribing me Tramadol - things like I had to request a refill during the week (not on a weekend, on a Friday or right before a holiday/long weekend, etc) and that I would need to do random drug testing if she felt it was necessary - even though she never made me do one. She didn't want me on a pain medication for life because 4 of my doctors said that isn't a good treatment and can cause a lot of long term effects. But, not much research is done with IBS so we don't have many options to begin with.. so it's kind of like why take something away from someone who isn't abusing it, is on a low dose, only takes 1/2 a tablet or 1 tablet once a day, and is helping. You know? It makes me wonder if I should be seeing someone in pain management, but I have never thought of that.

I appreciate you sharing your story and commenting!

jasp435 12/19/2017

It is good to talk to people who are experiencing the same problems. I've undergone 4 different surgeries on my spine - discectomies, laminectomies and fusions. Fortunately, after the last surgery, my pain has been significantly reduced. I would be off pain medication altogether now if it weren't for this blasted IBS. But I am grateful for the Tramadol since it does not have most of the bad side effects that the stronger opiates have but gives enough relief to make the pain tolerable. I could suffer through life without it, but so far the benefits outweigh the negatives.

Buytramadolonline 12/14/2020

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