IBS help please

Whitezombiegirl
Whitezombiegirl Posts: 1,042 Member
edited December 26 in Health and Weight Loss
Hi

I have stress induced IBS. I am currently undertaking an 18 month work-related study programme and face exams every week- so my stress levels are through the roof.

I was streadily losing 2lb a week before this programme started by but since I the programe I've struggled to lose anything as the stress is causing IBS sysmptoms. I get intense cramps, constipation, bloating and sickness (though it doesn't stop me eating). I find it hard to exercise and eat healthily when I feel this way (and hard to get motivated to socialise etc. with a big bloated stomach) Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this, as i can face an entire year this way. Thanks!

Replies

  • michellevt725
    michellevt725 Posts: 190 Member
    My IBS symptoms seem to have drastically decreased since I started acupuncture.
  • peanut7butter
    peanut7butter Posts: 45
    I'm really glad you posted this, because I have been having stress/intense cramps lately and don't know why, so i might be in the same boat as you. I find it really difficult to exercise because I feel this intense pain. I have just been working out anyway, even though it hurts, because I am stubborn. And I find eating smaller meals throughout the day helps, and not eating within 2 hours of going to the gym. I hope you feel better!
  • ChangeYourPace
    ChangeYourPace Posts: 127 Member
    I feel your pain, having gone through that during most of high school. My doctor at the time gave me some sort of tablets to reduce acid build up in my stomach that helped a little, but mostly I had to learn to de-stress as much as possible. My head was more the issue than my stomach. Have you tried playing relaxing music while you study or taking periodic breaks for a short walk? That seemed to help at the time.
  • confusedtracey
    confusedtracey Posts: 19 Member
    Hi, I have been where you are know, the pain can be intolarbale at times, and the bloating is imbarrasing, stress won't be helping, but there will be things you are eating that make it worse. for me it was tomatoes, bananas and onions. It took along time to work out what foods were doing it and because onion and tomatoes are in a lot of things it took even longer, some people find chocolate and cheese does it to them. keep a diary of when you feel really bad and then look through your diary on here it may help you to work out what makes it worse for you.
    I'm not saying it will magicaily go away but it will be controllable and more comfortable.
    Also try putting on your comfy cloths, grab a portable music system and take yourself some where pritty and have a stroll ( i don't mean fast walk i mean stroll) let the cobwebs blow away and let the music take you and you will be amazed at how that will help o controll your stress. listerning to your favorate music will help you to STOP OVER THINKING!
    The rest will come by it's self XXX
    Good luck babe i am with you in thought xxx
    (i had it for 7 years.)
  • paul_draper
    paul_draper Posts: 91 Member
    There are several things you can try. I find peppermint oil pils quite helpful, hypnosis tapes for the stress and for IBS in particular and exercise will help with the stress.
  • UrbanSpaceman75
    UrbanSpaceman75 Posts: 31
    Have you had any tests done to make sure that your symptoms are the result irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and not an inflammatory bowel disease? I only ask because I had the latter diagnosed as the former, which I understand is not uncommon. Some of the symptoms are identical, and IBS is much more common.

    I've got not medical background and no reason to think from anything that anyone has posted here that that anyone's diagnosis is wrong. The last thing I want to do is to alarm or patronise anyone by asking about the accuracy of the diagnosis. But I wish someone had given me the same advice when I first got sick.
  • JenniferNoll
    JenniferNoll Posts: 367 Member
    Oh boy. I was misdiagnosed with IBS when I was a college student. Turns out I have crohn's disease. I get how you feel.

    The best advice I can give you is to get a yoga DVD and do it every morning before you leave for class. It will help you to destress and also help with the bloated belly. If you have a campus clinic, go there and see if they can give you something to help with the symptoms. I know it's hard, but you do have to try to eat something high fiber, like whole grain crackers (Wasa is a good brand).

    I hope you feel better.
  • racemary
    racemary Posts: 52 Member
    Yoga DVD is a good idea! it not only helps to relax, but the movements kind of massage the bowel :wink:
    I've been diagnosed with IBS last year after struggling for a long time. At first I used dailyburn (similar to mfp) to keep a food diary and to sort my diet out. I think the foods that set us off are different for most people, although onions, coffee and high fibre are generally bad for IBS. I had to eliminate dairy and most fruit or raw stuff as well :cry: Best food for me is porridge made with water and a sip of soy milk, some berries, some sweetener and a little salt, yummy! Soluble fibre was a tip my doc gave me.
    Otherwise my tip is to stay away from processed food. As long as I cook it myself I seem to be fine :happy:
  • smilesalot1969
    smilesalot1969 Posts: 392
    i had terrible IBS and was on medication for years (mebeverine) Since i cleaned up my diet and started exercising and heavy weight training i've been able to come off my medication (YAY) I never eat anything white (EVER) carbs and fat are low and red meat is minimal to zero. Lots of fish, chicken, fruit and veg and greek yoghurt and i've had barely a grumble.
  • Whitezombiegirl
    Whitezombiegirl Posts: 1,042 Member
    Thanks everyone for your kind thoughts and tips- I will certainly try all the advice out. *Thanks*
  • ValerieMartini2Olives
    ValerieMartini2Olives Posts: 3,024 Member
    I had severe IBS for several years after having my gallbladder taken out. Once I started eating better and exercising, I have had ZERO issues with it.
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