Support for IBS sufferers?

sazroy

I can't get motivated. Always tired and lacking energy, don't want to exercise but know I should. Best time for me to exercise is in the morning before I work but I also suffer IBS and exercise usually results in a LOT of stomach pain So I don't want to do it before work for obvious reasons. I don't want to do it after work incase I wake up in pain and can't go to work the next day (which has happened). I hate my body so much. Anyone out there with IBS who can help?

sazroy

I guess not.

walkwithme1

I'm honestly not sure what to say. I have IBS and exercise doesn't typically cause more problems with it for me. You need to learn to eat healthier, stay away from raw veggies and this will probably help. (not sure how you eat now) sometimes you just need to push through the pain too, you'll know when you've honestly done to much. Good luck on your journey.

sazroy

I have IBS-C which means I can't "go" when I want to, have gone up to 2 weeks without going before, hence the pain. It's not a pain I can push through, I've ended up in hospital due to collapsing and being non-responsive. Had to be given morphine and while in hospital is when I actually FINALLY "went". And as I was "going" I was also throwing up so it was happening from both ends. This happened from going for a walk. Most walks end up with me having to find a toilet asap. I can't live like this!

fairestthings

I'm just shooting here in the dark, but I think you may need to seriously look at your diet and make drastic healthier changes.

I had major IBS-C and D that caused me to lose about 3 lbs a day for 2 months (ironic) despite eating large quantities of horrible food. I couldn't exercise or anything and my stomach always hurt.

I now eat a LOT healthier. I also found my personal balance with food. I can tell when issues are starting so I stay away from "trigger" foods and I really make sure I get my fiber in. In fact, despite fiber usually meaning I have to eat more carbs than what is considered "good" for fast weight loss -- I still eat my fiber and try to go over. I haven't had a flare up that bad since it first happened almost 2 years ago.

Have you told your doctor about your IBS causing horrible stomach pains after exercise? That has never happened for me. Are you sure it's IBS and not a typical stomach cramp that hurts when you exercise (particularly after eating fatty foods, or eating or drinking before working out)?

Kenhabes

I have IBS-A (which means I alternate between C and D, mostly C now; used to be mostly D). If you haven't been to her site before Heather Van Vorous has a great site for IBS sufferers: HelpforIBS.com. You must check it out. She sells a product called acacia fiber which is amazing, but there is also a lot of FREE information on her site. The acacia fiber is 100% soluble (the kind us IBSers need most of) and as long as you're not allergic to acacia, it helps BOTH IBS-C and IBS-D.

Remember: SOLUBLE fiber (oatmeal, bananas, sweet potatoes, quality white bread, etc.). This is the good stuff for IBS.

INSOLUBLE fiber is roughage: raw fruits/veggies, greens, cabbage, etc. This stuff usually triggers IBS but can (and should) be eaten in small amounts WITH soluble fiber.

Other triggers: red meat, dark meat chicken, pork, chicken skin, chocolate, egg yolks, etc.

Exercise usually helps IBS, but I have experienced triggers from it on occasion. Mild/moderate and consistent exercise usually helps me.

Unless this was done in the hospital, I think you need to rule out other conditions like IBD (Irritable Bowel DISEASE, like Crohn's or Ulcerative Colitis). The reason I say this is because IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. When all other diagnoses fail, THEN you are usually diagnosed with IBS, assuming you meet the Rome criteria.

I hope this helps, and PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE check out her site. She is really nice, and you don't have to buy anything you don't want in order to view the information. The fiber really does work wonders for IBS.

Edit: Feel free to add me as a friend. I'm new on here and can use all the support I can get.

sazroy

I'm just shooting here in the dark, but I think you may need to seriously look at your diet and make drastic healthier changes.

I had major IBS-C and D that caused me to lose about 3 lbs a day for 2 months (ironic) despite eating large quantities of horrible food. I couldn't exercise or anything and my stomach always hurt.

I now eat a LOT healthier. I also found my personal balance with food. I can tell when issues are starting so I stay away from "trigger" foods and I really make sure I get my fiber in. In fact, despite fiber usually meaning I have to eat more carbs than what is considered "good" for fast weight loss -- I still eat my fiber and try to go over. I haven't had a flare up that bad since it first happened almost 2 years ago.

Have you told your doctor about your IBS causing horrible stomach pains after exercise? That has never happened for me. Are you sure it's IBS and not a typical stomach cramp that hurts when you exercise (particularly after eating fatty foods, or eating or drinking before working out)?

Yes I've told the doctor, and they had no answer.
Yes I'm sure it's not a "typical" cramp. There's a difference between cramps and crippling pain that causes me to collapse and have to be rushed to hospital because I'm non-responsive.

lambertj

I just wanted to say i'm so sorry you are suffering. I have (had) IBS-D for years and it was horrible and very debilitating. Felt like it took over my life. My doctor put me on anti-depressants because they actually help the serotonin in the gut, and I also take Citrecel fiber every morning. Now that i'm eating healthy and getting good cardio exercise I am like a whole new person. No longer on any meds and no longer feel pain. Its a Catch 22 of sorts, working out will help but getting the energy to work out is tough. Perhaps start walking on a treadmill (that way you are near a bathroom if you need it). That will help to keep things moving and avoid all trigger foods (for me, no wheat or dairy as they still cause major problems for me). Applesauce and any corn products are great for my stomach and can stop an attack pretty quickly. Good luck to you

lottier0311

I would highly recommend Psyllium Husks

Warley_x

I also suffer very badly from IBS-C and I have done for over 10 years now so I understand what you are going through. I recommend you go for intense allergy testing (I am planning on going soon also) and find out what could trigger your intestine. Ive found it very difficult to work out my triggers which is why i'm going for testing. It could be the smallest particle out of any food that can be causing your intense pain and feeling very tired so I really think you should give it a go. Cut out the food/foods they say you are reacting to and go from there.