Hi, just wondering, was a blood test the only test you received? That's a bit unusual, as IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion- they must rule out everything else first, as it's undetectable, typical! Blood tests will rule out gluten intolerance, which can have the same symptoms, but not a whole lot else. Did you have a colonoscopy, no? Usually they're done to rule out Crohn's disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which can share symptoms with IBS. I had blood tests, gastroscopy, colonoscopy and a capsule endoscopy (camera in a tablet!!). I would recommend asking your GP to refer you for one, just in case. It's a bit odd to make a conclusive diagnosis without one!
I get such bad bloating, it looks worse as I'm underweight so it can't hide anywhere! Permanently look 4 months pregnant. There are a few drugs that can help with symptoms, most of them have to be prescribed. Colpermin and peppermint oil are OTC, they can be helpful for cramps and spasm pain, and are natural. Buscopan, Spasmonal and Colofac (Mebeverine) are all prescription drugs, called anti-spasmadics and can be pretty effective at really dulling spasm spain and cramps. One doesn't work for me, one usually does, and the third might. They're a bit hit and miss, they all work in different ways. For constipatio you should introduce extra fibre or take a fibre supplement like Fibrogel (I think that's what it's called?) or Laxulose. Imogas can help with wind, and Motillium can help with stomach pain and fullness. Activated charcoal is supposed to be good too, didn't notice much difference myself.
Don't read up on potential triggers and exclude them from your own diet. That list is LONG! You should only exclude something if you know it affects you, or as part of an experiment to see if you feel better without it, not because its listed as a common trigger. It's quite an individual experience. Personally pasta affects me very badly so I avoid that, but usually anything can set it off, so it's difficult. Particularly since I'm underweight, I can't do those 2 week living off couscous diets than reintroducing a food each week (week 1 eggs, week 2 dairy, week 3 bread..etc.). Best of luck with it!
so I know how restricting it can be socially too, and the spasms are something else when they come on, it's awful and other people find it hard to understand when you're out or at work and you have to keep running to the loo in agony.
x
