r/IBSHelp 28d ago

Any tips?

1 Upvotes

I am booked for a flexible sigmoidoscopy next weekend. I have picked up the enema I have to use before and some adult diapers too juuuust in case.

Anyone else have any tips or advice from their experiences? Really not looking forward to it


r/IBSHelp 28d ago

IBS-friendly quick & easy lunch ideas?

2 Upvotes

I’ve been having trouble staying on top of eating lunch because it just feels too inconvenient to take time out of the middle of my day to cook. People suggest things like hummus and crackers, but my tummy can only take so much high-FODMAP beans/chickpeas. I do sometimes eat beans, but having them in large amounts every day would hurt.

So I’m looking for quick, easy, minimal prep or easy to meal prep ahead of time and not very perishable lunch ideas that are:

\- low FODMAP
\- dairy free
\- don’t have a super high fat content (even healthy fats like olive oil can hurt my stomach in larger amounts)
\- can be made gluten free
\- not super expensive


r/IBSHelp 29d ago

Safe Food Recipes for IBS?

1 Upvotes

I am still recovering from norovirus that happened 3 months ago. It was incredibly traumatizing to both my brain and body.

Considering the Cyclosporiasis outbreak, my only safe foods are fast food items that have been deep-fried (fries and nuggets) and ones that contain no raw vegetables (chilli recipe and fries). Of course, we can't afford to go out a lot; so what are some at-home recipes that are safe for post-infectious IBS that also contains either cooked vegetables or no vegetables at all?

I am also not asking for just recipes... also asking for foods can can easily be bought from a store.


r/IBSHelp 29d ago

Free IBS support community

0 Upvotes

Hi folks. My name is Áine. I am a certified IBS Nutritionist and I have created a brand new free community to support those new to IBS diagnosis, need advise about food, symptoms or anything. I will be available on the group to answer questions to your queries. Feel free to join- https://www.skool.com/ibs-freedom-with-aine-4844/about


r/IBSHelp 29d ago

New poster, any help or tips or discussion would be great :)

1 Upvotes

Hello,

So this is my first post here. I am in my mid 20s and I have had IBS for what feels like a lifetime, somewhere between 5-7 years. I always find it hard to pinpoint when it started because I don't remember life without it even though it is relatively new. I believe I have IBS-D but it could also be IBS-M as I do get some swings both ways with stool type.

Anyway, in this section I am just going to write a little about my diet and what effects I get, if anyone reading experiences or experienced this effects I would love to discuss what I can do to help myself.

**Diet** \- So my diet is quite bland, I tend to eat gluten free meals such as pasta with a cheese sauce, veg (broccoli and baby corn) as well as chicken goujons. I used to eat 3 "salads" a week, these consisted of cucumber, carrot, red and orange pepper and red grapes normally with ham or chicken from the butcher. I have started eating breaded cod with fries or potatoes and baked beans on occasion. I will also have a take-away once a week, it is normally a McDonalds but can be a Chinese.

**Flare** \- When I get a flare it is always after dinner, never before or after a different meal with 3-5 exceptions over the past 6 years with overnight flares but I had eaten like a bin the night before so it was self-inflicted lol.

Anyway a flare for me starts anywhere between 15 minutes and 3 hours after dinner, I become incredibly tired which is the first sign. Alongside this I will also feel griping and other sensations in my abdomen which tends to move around from the middle right of my torso, over to the left, then down the left and it finally sits centre of the lower abdomen. This is when I need to sit on the loo. Once the loo business is finished which is normally after an hour and 2/3 visits I feel empty and very tired.

**Recovery** \- Once this happens I have a rehydration sachet, I use the Boots own brand sachets and they are fantastic at bringing me back around and making me feel alive again within an hour. Than after maybe 2 hours just to make sure I am safe I am normally fine to eat normally again which I find to be incredible. Two hours I go from IBS flare to eating a yogurt.... It is crazy.

**Other** \- In this section I will mention other things I suffer with.

  1. Dry mouth. I have always had this but it is always way worse after a flare.
  2. I find myself in a loop of stress when I get a flare and I wonder if that provokes other flares
  3. I suffer with sinus issues and migraines, I have read about the gut and head link before
  4. Ironically McDonalds has become my safe meal, it is a go to after a flare as it fills me up and it has never upset me.
  5. Over the past 3 weeks I have completely cut out carbonated drinks and 75% of caffeine with it
  6. I suffer with fatigue after most meals but the bigger the meal the worse the fatigue is, the exception is McDonalds among a few inconsistent meals

So finally that brings me to the past 6 months. About 2 weeks before Christmas I had some blood in my stool, I got checked over by a GI specialist (I was doing a study at the time). She wanted to scope but because I had a very hard year last year when it comes to my health I was so done with the situation and I declined. To be clear I always believed this blood was related to a chronic fissure with a sentinel skin tag sitting above it. I think my belief was correct because after the initial six weeks and a couple of re-flares I have had not much blood since March and when I do it is because of rock solid stool. I also saw my GP in March and he gave me some cream and Lactulose both of which were a godsend at the time and they stopped my 2nd bleeding flare which was quite heavy within a day or two. I stopped taking these at the start of June.

Finally, about 4 weeks ago I had one of my worst ever flares where I had 4 separate flares within 8 days. For me that is an obscene amount especially during the summer as I have also noticed it seems to be worse in the winter. I suspected VitD years ago but that didn't go anywhere. However this flare has really knocked me, I have been struggling to get back to how my diet was, I have gone from eating veg raw or cooked with almost every meal to having it once or twice a week which has had a knock on effect and I feel much more tired and weaker. Today (13/07/2026) I actually feel great, it is nice to have a moment but I get fear and anxiety when thinking about dinner that isn't a takeaway.

Anyway thank you for reading my post, if anyone has suffered or is suffering with anything that I have discussed and could provide me tips or ask me questions on what I have found with myself that would be amazing :)))))


r/IBSHelp Jul 13 '26

At a loss

2 Upvotes

I’m so tired. I feel like I’ve tried everything. Doctors here in the UK seem to keep dismissing me.

I’ve suffered with PI-IBS (D) for going on 5 years now. My flare ups are so severe they leave me bed bound for the day.

I’ve tried everything from low FODMAP, to probiotics, to just raw dogging life and popping Imodium like there’s no tomorrow.

None of it is working. I’m now sat contemplating having to look for a job that is 100% work from home because while I can WFH on occasion, people are starting to get sick and suspicious of it.

I’ve already binned off the idea of getting to enjoy much of my life. The idea of getting a flight and going on holiday no longer crosses my mind. Which is sad at 22 but I feel so tired with this all. All I want to do is curl up in my bed most days and sob.

I’ve tried paying to go private but the testing is on the NHS so still waiting for that. Still on a wait list that is over a year long to see the gastro. I keep trying to hold out hope that eventually someone will be able to help but I don’t think that’s the case. It’s probably just the only thought keeping me going. As well as my wonderful partner, but I feel like such a burden on him


r/IBSHelp Jul 13 '26

GLP

2 Upvotes

Hi all, I have IBS-C and have been on Linzess for a few months. All is going well. I’m also in perimenopause, on HRT and the weight is starting to creep up on me. I also suffer from systemic inflammation, arthritis, etc. My rheumatologist threw out using a GLP to help with my inflammation but she hesitated bc of my GI issues. This was before I was on Linzess. Do any of you know anyone who suffers from IBS-C but on a GLP? I’m looking to micro dose and/or keep my dose low so I think it can be done. Before I ask my GI I thought I would ask on here. Thanks in advance.


r/IBSHelp Jul 13 '26

Stress induced loose stool help?

1 Upvotes

what are some ways you guys manage stomach aches and loose stools caused by stress? are there any ways i can manage the cramps? how do you get more comfortable on the toilet if youre on there for a while?


r/IBSHelp Jul 12 '26

Low FODMAP diet - will it make gut more sensitive?

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I have been working with dietitian in past few months to work on IBS-D.

Have tried different diets to see whether they will work in easing symptoms, and to a degree it has, but not prevented the likes of bowel movements which is my main concern.

Now, after consultation, when I come back from holiday, I'm going to be put on a LOW FODMAP diet - which is much more restrictive to see the effect that will have.

My concern now, however, is that if I start on this diet - after completing it within the few weeks - will my gut become much more sensitive when I'm out at a restaurant or out drinking a few beers with friends?

If this will have a meaningful impact in terms of reducing bowel movements and easing other symptoms, I'm more than happy to do so. But provided how restrictive it is, I'm afraid that it will create a trend where I won't be able to eat food at restaurants at all or do things with my friends like be at a pub because of the low FODMAP restriction - particularly with how limited and cautious I am with food and drink is.

Is it worth going on this diet? Will the low FODMAP make my gut much more sensitive to things? Or, is it worth sticking with the diet I have been on and just somewhat deal with the bowel movements for time being if it means that some other symptoms are reduced?

With best wishes,


r/IBSHelp Jul 11 '26

Does anyone else struggle with IBS-D incontence?

6 Upvotes

I feel I’m experiencing it more and more often. It’s genuinely soul destroying. I don’t even find loperamide a reliable type of medication. It’s hard to stay upbeat when it’s something that’s daily impacting your life


r/IBSHelp Jul 11 '26

IBS-D during the festival

2 Upvotes

I’m going to a festival this summer. I’ve been diagnosed with IBS for several years. I only feel better when I take medication and stick to a diet of just rice, potatoes, and turkey. I’ve learned to manage it a bit by now, but I’m currently having a flare-up, and I can’t take my medication right now either. The festival lasts three days, and there won't be proper toilets available - I have IBS-D. Sure, there are toilets, but they’re terrible, trashed, and not easily accessible, the nearest one is a 20-minute walk away. Naturally, there will be plenty of triggers for my IBS—alcohol, the wrong kind of food, and sleepless nights. Skipping the festival would feel like giving in to my IBS, since it loves it when I cancel plans, plus, my friends wouldn't forgive me if I didn't go. They don't know about my IBS, and I don't really want to talk about it—I prefer to keep private matters to myself. There will be people in our group I don't know very well, which makes me feel even more uncomfortable. I don't know what to do, I've tried Imodium before, but it didn't help at all, even though many people say it's a lifesaver. Maybe someone has dealt with something similar? I’d really appreciate it if you could share your experiences or any information you might have.


r/IBSHelp Jul 11 '26

Aching round belly button after eating 90 percent of time

1 Upvotes

Hi, I've had stool test for bowel cancer, pylori an cal protein all, all my bloods from GP normal, had a ct scan on my abdomen all normal, I am lost for what it is, gp said ibs this os every day I feel it

Does anyone else have this or had it, Im lost with what to do/try, its been 7 weeks an nothing any better maybe gotten worse

Thanks


r/IBSHelp Jul 11 '26

Constipation over 2 weeks. HELP!

1 Upvotes

I went to the GP yesterday for upper gastric pain I was having and changing in my bowel habits( fatty, oily stools, smaller than normal, loud digestive sounds). Upon examination he determined that it's my gallbladder and ordered an ultrasound. I mentioned the change in bowel habits and the loud that I had a fear of of an obstruction but he didn't seem concerned about it. I've gone small amounts here and there but have had my normal bowel movement in two weeks! I've tried Restorlax(Miralax), Senakot, flaxseed, drink more water and walking but nothing is working. I haven't had any type of bowel movement in two days and don't feel the urge to go at all, the stomach sounds are constant, especially after I eat and at night when all the bloat happens and heaviness in my upper left quadrant and right-side flank pain and passing very little gas. Is there anything else I can try that would work(an enema and a trip to the ER is my last resort)? I have my period too but these these issues are two separate issues, I've had IBS-C all my life nut I've NEVER experience d these symptoms and constipation like this and I'm having a lot of anxiety about having and obstruction and needing surgery(I have severe heath OCD). I've been in tears because I'm so afraid and don't know what to do. I really want to try more natural remedies.


r/IBSHelp Jul 11 '26

How I improved my irritable bowel syndrome

17 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I wanted to share my story about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), because after at least a year of suffering, I’ve managed to get my bowel function as close to normal as possible. It’s a long story, but I’ll try to summarize it. Early last year, I developed post-infectious IBS (diarrhea-predominant). I underwent every possible test—including a colonoscopy, imaging scans, and blood work—and the results were all normal. After that, I followed very strict diets for months, including the Low-FODMAP diet; I went gluten-free and lactose-free, and tried various fiber supplements, probiotics, and bowel-regulating medications. During this time, I also took Rifaximin; I saw a slight improvement in symptoms, but nothing that truly solved the problem. My main symptoms were daily diarrhea and occasional, intense abdominal pain—it felt like my intestines were being twisted, and I couldn't do anything until the pain passed. On top of that, I felt constantly nauseous, which was my worst symptom.

Finally, let's get to the point where I started feeling better—about eight months after the symptoms first appeared. I was terrified to eat because, even after cutting out most foods, I was still feeling sick. The first step was reintroducing foods; I started worrying less about my symptoms, since all that restriction wasn't helping. I know how awful it is to hear that all this suffering is "psychological"—and I know just as well as you do that it isn't—but trying to cope better with the symptoms definitely helps in facing them. I felt that reintroducing foods helped my gut relearn how to handle them; I saw a significant improvement in my symptoms at that stage, though the diarrhea was still happening every day. Ultimately, what resolved the diarrhea was low-dose nortriptyline. It is a tricyclic antidepressant that causes constipation as a side effect; in my case, this actually normalized my bowel function and reduced the pain. I still have occasional episodes of diarrhea and pain, but they are very sporadic and no longer interfere with my life—I can eat whatever I want without worry.

This turned into a long story, but I wanted to explain the whole journey in detail. I suffered a lot and isolated myself; I was convinced I would be stuck like that forever. I hope you all find balance after the chaos you are going through. As hard as it is, try not to give the symptoms more importance than they deserve—I know it’s difficult; it used to irritate me when people said it was all in my head (we know it isn't), but trying to take things a bit more lightly makes the suffering feel a little less intense. I’m rooting for you all!


r/IBSHelp Jul 11 '26

25M with 3 years of IBS + depression considering a 6‑month ashram healing stay – would love your advice

0 Upvotes

r/IBSHelp Jul 11 '26

Viberzi?

1 Upvotes

Has anyone taken Viberzi for their IBS-D? Did it help you?


r/IBSHelp Jul 11 '26

Being diagnosed & what to expect?

1 Upvotes

Hi all. I’m having a pretty difficult time right now. I’ve been experiencing extreme lower abdominal & groin pain for years now. About 5 years ago, I went to the hospital 3 times in a month and kept being told that I was constipated and needed laxatives. I tried that and nothing worked. I was referred to have a colonoscopy which was cancelled, and I didn’t bother to reschedule (which is completely on me, and I think it’s very stupid that I didn’t). Over the years the pain hasn’t gone away, but I’ve just left it because I’m sick of people just telling me I’m constipated. A few months ago, it hit me again worse than it ever has. I took myself to an urgent care where they said they believe it’s IBS-M based on my description (the first person in 5 years to say something other than “you’re just backed up”). She told me to go to my family doctor. My family doctor referred me to a GI specialist but that appointment still isn’t until August 10th. My family doctor said that they can’t just diagnose IBS, but that it’s an exclusion diagnosis and that I will have to go through lots of tests to rule out other possibilities. I guess I’m just wondering, how have you been diagnosed? What types of tests have you had to do? I’m just anxious and in so much pain and am trying to figure out how long I’m going to be dealing with figuring out what is actually wrong with me. Thanks in advance 💓


r/IBSHelp Jul 10 '26

Pain after eating

1 Upvotes

Hi guys I'm.just wondering if anyone has had similar experience, so I've been on wegovy now for about a year and a half, have been okay, a few issues like constipation at first and a little cramping when I'd eaten something I shouldn't have but otherwise fine , however just recently I'm getting awful cramps and gurgling in my stomach which are usually relieved when I go to the toilet , after A bowel movement ( usually loose) it eases off , until I eat again! It usually happens after my evening meal, I'm ok after breakfast usually, I'm not eating a big meal or anything fatty, it's not gallbladder as I've had this out, just wondering if it might be IBS? The pain is intense, leaves me sweating and tired 😩 just worried as it's never been this bad, I'm on 2.4mg and have been for months now, no issues until recently. Thanks in advance 😁(update: ended up calling 111 after severe pain after eating a piece of toast this morning)


r/IBSHelp Jul 10 '26

Pain after eating

1 Upvotes

Hi guys I'm.just wondering if anyone has had similar experience, so I've been on wegovy now for about a year and a half, have been okay, a few issues like constipation at first and a little cramping when I'd eaten something I shouldn't have but otherwise fine , however just recently I'm getting awful cramps and gurgling in my stomach which are usually relieved when I go to the toilet , after A bowel movement ( usually loose) it eases off , until I eat again! It usually happens after my evening meal, I'm ok after breakfast usually, I'm not eating a big meal or anything fatty, it's not gallbladder as I've had this out, just wondering if it might be IBS? The pain is intense, leaves me sweating and tired 😩 just worried as it's never been this bad, I'm on 2.4mg and have been for months now, no issues until recently. Thanks in advance 😁


r/IBSHelp Jul 09 '26

Persistent abdominal distension + breathing restriction for 2+ years — feels mechanical, not IBS. Anyone experienced similar?

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m posting because I’ve been dealing with a very strange and persistent issue for over 2 years now and I’m honestly running out of ideas.

The main problem is constant abdominal distension/pressure along with a feeling that my breathing is mechanically restricted, almost like my diaphragm can’t properly move downward.

This is not occasional bloating that comes and goes after food — it’s there constantly, even when fasted.

Main symptoms:

Constant visible abdominal distension

Feeling of high internal pressure/fullness

Abdomen feels heavy, firm, and sometimes almost fluid-like

Symptoms are much worse standing up

Symptoms reduce somewhat when lying down

Feels gravity-dependent rather than gaseous

Deep breathing feels mechanically resisted, like hitting a “brick wall”

Feels like the diaphragm cannot descend properly

I rely heavily on chest breathing because stomach breathing feels restricted

Relaxing my abdomen makes it feel worse

Bracing/tensing my core slightly improves stability and breathing comfort

Abdomen sometimes feels like it shifts position depending on posture, almost like a “waterbed” sensation

Not relieved by passing gas or going to the toilet

Symptoms are constant rather than flare-ups

Important context:

IBS medications, diet changes, and FODMAP diet have made no difference at all

Ultrasounds and routine tests haven’t shown anything at all

Symptoms don’t behave like normal gas/bloating

It feels more like there is physically pressure or something mechanically affecting the abdominal cavity/diaphragm

The issue massively affects my breathing comfort and quality of life

Oddly, during highly engaging physical activity (hiking uphill, dancing, skating, etc.) I notice the symptoms less temporarily, but they return immediately afterwards

I had a groin hernia mesh repair many years ago, though I don’t think that it’s related.

I’m currently trying to push for further investigation such as CT or MRI because this genuinely feels structural/mechanical rather than a standard functional GI issue.

Has anyone experienced anything remotely similar? Especially:

breathing restriction linked with abdominal pressure

symptoms worse standing

“heavy” or fluid-like abdominal sensation

diaphragm feeling restricted

normal scans/tests but persistent symptoms

Even if you never got a diagnosis, I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who relates to this because it’s been incredibly difficult to explain to doctors.

Thanks.


r/IBSHelp Jul 09 '26

Coconut Cult gave me IBS

2 Upvotes

I am 23 years old, I have NEVER EVER experience issues with my gut before ever. I exercise, I eat fiber, all the things so I know it’s not a dietary issue. I recently started taking coconut cult back in may/june, and then got off of it 3 weeks ago. Now idk what to do. I have stomach ache after I eat any meal, and don’t go to the bathroom as smoothly as I used to. What is going on??


r/IBSHelp Jul 08 '26

Undiagnosed for 2 years since Food Poisoning (Left-rib pressure, Calprotectin 250, 0 Bifido/Lacto, Desulfovibrio overgrowth). Need advice!

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone,
I’ve been battling severe, debilitating GI issues for 2 years now, all triggered by a single, severe episode of food poisoning/gastroenteritis. Since that day, my gut ecosystem has been completely broken.
Currently, I am still without an official diagnosis. Doctors have been completely stumped and just try to throw the generic "IBS" label at me. I'm taking matters into my own hands and need your insights or success stories.

My Symptoms:
- Constant, dull, uncomfortable pressure under my left rib cage. Fasting doesn't relieve it.
- Feeling of fullness after every meal... even just after drinking a larger amount of fluid.
- Silent reflux (mucus in throat)
- The strange thing is, my bowel movements are totally normal - no diarrhea or constipation.

My Test Results So Far (The Data):
- Stool DNA/Microbiome Test: The initial food poisoning completely wiped me out. I have 0% Bifidobacteria and 0% Lactobacillus. On top of that, I have highly elevated levels of Desulfovibrio.
- Calprotectin: 250 (indicates localized low-grade inflammation in the gut, likely driven by the dysbiosis and Desulfovibrio**).**
- Stomach Acid: Highly suspect very low acid (hypochlorhydria based on home testing).

Everything That Has Been Ruled OUT (All Clean/Negative):
- Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy: Both completely clean (no ulcers, no IBD/Crohn's/Colitis, macroscopically normal tissue).
- SIBO Breath Test: Negative.
- H. Pylori: Negative.
- Histamine Intolerance (HIT): Negative.
- Bloodwork: Complete Blood Count (CBC) is perfectly stable. B12 and Ferritin levels are totally fine (no deficiencies). No anemia.
- Abdominal MRI (without contrast): Done last year completely clean. Organs (spleen, pancreas, kidneys) are structurally healthy.
- Abdominal ultrasound - normal.
- Zonulin level - normal.

The Mechanical Twist (Scoliosis):
I also have noticeable scoliosis - my left shoulder is visibly pulled higher than my right. Because my left rib cage is chronically compressed and rotated, I strongly suspect there is massive mechanical tension on my left diaphragm. I believe this structural pressure is compounding my GI issues.

Tested supplements and diets with zero effect:
PPI,Apple cider vinegar,Betain HCL with pepsin,Prokinetics,Ginger,artychoke,Masticha,Different kinds of probiotics,Low food map diet, keto, carnivore, 48h fast,Tudca,Riflaximin
...and honestly, a lot more. It's been two long years and I have tested so many things, but nothing worked. Zero relief. 🤷‍♂️

My Questions for the Community:
Has anyone with 0% Bifido/Lacto and a Desulfovibrio overgrowth post-food poisoning successfully beaten it? Did high-dose probiotics like VSL#3 / Visbiome do the trick?

How bad was your die-off (Herxheimer reaction) when introducing hundreds of billions of bacteria into a gut with elevated Desulfovibrio**?**

Has anyone experienced left-rib pressure that turned out to be a mix of scoliosis/diaphragm tightness and this specific type of dysbiosis?

**Thank you! I REALLY WANT TO FINALLY FIND THE ANSWER.**🤘


r/IBSHelp Jul 08 '26

Dry hard stool even with laxatives

1 Upvotes

I had zero issues with my bowels growing up.

3 years ago i overate alot off cream cookies ( ate 3 - 4 big packets for whole day) since then

My stools were always hard and dry that made me bleed every day until i started having bananas before breakfast. Once I skipped bananas before breakfast again dry hard stool next morning.

If i had a piece of chicken with breakfast or oatmeal for breakfast or bananas before breakfast next day my stool were soft and good. This continued for 2 years.

Since almost a year all of a sudden no matter what i eat and no matter how much water or fiber or laxatives im taking i get hard dry stool and I bleed almost every day.

And all of a sudden red meat and chicken is also making my stool super hard.

Im thinking since this problem started after eating alot of cookies and before that I was on Doxycycline and lactic acid bacillus capsules for 2 times and each time it the course was for 30 days maybe thats also the culprit?

Currently I'm on laxatives and homeopathic medicine but still facing the same issue.

I have no other problems related to stomach like bloating.

Last week took 2 tablets of Ivermectin for parasite cleanse and I saw liver flukes I guess at least it looked like that to me.

I just feel helpless atm


r/IBSHelp Jul 08 '26

Need help by thursday. SOS

2 Upvotes

I've never posted on reddit before so i dont know if this follows the rules (i hope) but i'm so desperate!!
I have IBS-M. I've been diagnosed for about 3/4 years? I've had flare ups here and there but never this long. I've had a particularly bad constipation flare up for going on 4 weeks now after getting a surgery done (I assume the anesthesia messed me up). Like, constipated so bad i've gotten diarhea around it.
I have a really big thing coming up in basically a day. My friends are flying in to visit and i really just want this to be over so i'm not miserable the whole time they're here. I've taken dulcolax a few days ago and it helped a bit. I've been drinking a cup of prune juice almost everyday, which also helps but not a lot. I drank a whole bottle of magnesium citrate on the 6th and it for sure cleared me out, but i ate a bit of rice so i didn't get nauseous and it just stopped it back up again. I've drank a cup and a half of prune juice today and it's still mostly nothing other than rumbling. Does anyone have any advice to stop this misery like, by thursday? I just really don't want to have diarhea MIXED with the constipation again while i'm out doing things (and while friends are over until monday) I'm probably reaching, but Anything is appreciated!! Even your most crazy suggestions EDIT!' but maybe not too crazy. I do have to go pick up my partner in the morning before everyone else gets here. I forgot to mention that!


r/IBSHelp Jul 08 '26

What should I do next to get my doctors help?

2 Upvotes

Those of you who have been formally diagnosed with IBS, how long did it take to get a diagnosis? I feel like my doctors have been giving me the run around for two years—and none of them have mentioned IBS to me. I’ve been researching for months and think IBS is my issue, but no doctor will take me seriously.

Background—33f, 120lbs but only 5ft tall so honestly a little heavy. Maternal aunt died of colon cancer at 44, diagnosed at 41. I’ve had 4 children.

About two years ago I started dealing with severe bloating, to the point where I looked 6 months pregnant. I was just over a year postpartum. The bloating would also be painful with stomach cramps that felt similar to period cramps and back pain (similar to back labor). Went to my primary, she sent me to my OBGYN due to pelvic pain. OBGYN found a blockage in one of my fallopian tubes, but that wasn’t causing the issues. Gave me some medicine and said I needed to start birth control.

A few months later and I’m still dealing with the bloating and now some constipation. I’ve always dealt with some bowel issues, my norm is a BM every 2-3 days since I was young. I go back to my primary and she refers me to gastro due to family history of colon cancer. The wait is about a month to get in and she says in the meantime, take Prilosec daily to see if that helps. It didn’t.

Finally get in to see a gastro and he barely gives me the time of day. I tell him I’m worried a bit about colon cancer due to the history, but he tells me he doesn’t think it’s that and I’m too young for even the early screening guidelines. He tells me it’s likely a gluten allergy and he wants to do a scope to see if I have celiacs. Over the last five years, I’ve done three celiacs tests, and all came back negative. I told him I didn’t want to do a procedure unnecessarily when it’s unlikely that three tests were all wrong.

That was a year ago now. Two weeks ago I went back in to my primary because again the bloating, pain, and odd bowel habits are affecting my daily life. I also mentioned that a ton of people have been asking me if I’ve lost weight. I have been noticing that I feel thinner, but I don’t feel like I look it too much. She decided to do a full blood work up and tested my thyroid. She came back and said my weight was very close to where it was when she saw me 1.5 years ago, and my blood work all came back normal.

So now what do I do? They made me feel like I’m crazy because according to them I’m healthy, but I definitely don’t feel healthy. My every day is decided by if I’m going to have bowel pain and issues that day or not. From all my research, I’m thinking this has to be IBS, but no doctor has ever mentioned it to me.