Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): How do you manage it?

Posted by Barb @amberpep, Oct 30, 2019

I just had a colonoscopy 2 months ago so I know there's nothing really wrong. But everytime I get overly stressed I wind up with what I think is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I get diahrea, abdominal pain - gas like - and when it hits, I've got to get to the bathroom pronto! I usually don't go anywhere on those days. It only lasts about a half day or a day, but on those days I wear a Depends, just in case I don't make it. After the spell is over, my abdomon feels as though it's been purged. I do have Bipolar 2, and when stress hits, this is how it manifests itself. I usually take Immodium - I only need 1 or 2, but it really leaves me dragging. I just want to lay down and sleep.
Any suggestions on anything else to do besides what I'm doing?
Abby

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@cindiwass

Does the heating pad help you to move your bowels? I also looked up fodmap and am working on it.

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I have had good luck with dried dates and prunes to keep ,e moving. So,etimes I will have a small dose of a strool softener or a fiber product like Miralax. I try to use mostly food products to keep the bowels on schedule.
Sometimes it helps to lie down and massage the tummy for pain relief from gas.

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I’m trying to take magnesium but it’s not really helping yet. I will try it is little longer. I have to take 40 mg of Nexium ( the generic) do you think that is causing constipation?

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@learningeveryday

I’m trying to take magnesium but it’s not really helping yet. I will try it is little longer. I have to take 40 mg of Nexium ( the generic) do you think that is causing constipation?

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Google the drug name and side effects and that will tell you if it is a side effect.

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@jeanette527

Google the drug name and side effects and that will tell you if it is a side effect.

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It does list constipation as a side effect but I’ve been taking the Nexium for 1 1/2 years but only started with this problem after I suffered a partial small bowel obstruction in July. Surgery was not needed.

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IBS is only a symptom - not a diagnosis. There can be several different reasons why people have these symptoms, like celiac disease or histamine intolerance or even low grade C-Diff. I suggest to all that you keep looking for a doctor who can diagnose you properly. It took me over 60 years and a DNA test. It can make all the difference.

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@cim37343

Have you tried daily Metamucil?

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Or Citracel. I think it tastes better.

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@dianais

Please anyone out there. Husband takes Areds 2 for degeneration of eyes. Has GAS all the time and goes to the bathroom about 7 times a day??Is this a side affect??????

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@diainais Welcome to our group we have different problems band hopefully some will help others I do take Areds for my m.d and haven't had any side effects like your husband has That doesn't mean it may effect him differently
we are all different I would ask your opthalmologist about this

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@dianais

Please anyone out there. Husband takes Areds 2 for degeneration of eyes. Has GAS all the time and goes to the bathroom about 7 times a day??Is this a side affect??????

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thanks. have research this. only says maybe get upset stomach. Areds will not tell you anything. Same with Mayo clinic. No one will research this???

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@dianais

Please anyone out there. Husband takes Areds 2 for degeneration of eyes. Has GAS all the time and goes to the bathroom about 7 times a day??Is this a side affect??????

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P.S. eye doctor won't say anything .

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@dianais

thanks. have research this. only says maybe get upset stomach. Areds will not tell you anything. Same with Mayo clinic. No one will research this???

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@dianais You are right I can't find anything brother we are our best researcher I would go of it and see if symptoms still exist if not then it's something else Good luck

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