IBS sufferers

[*cath*]

So i've had IBS for years (never formally investigated). It's very infrequent and is usually after a heavy or particularly rich meal ending with me in the bathroom for quite a while (sorry). Anyway i've not really had that many episodes recently but in the new year i, as with many people, started to eat more healthily in order to shed a few pounds. Since then i've had constant tummy ache every evening with bloating and wind. It's been very severe at times.
I thought maybe it was a change in my diet and eating more fruit etc... (can't win!)
Went to the docs a few weeks ago and he said tummy felt ok and it probably was IBS but they took a lot of blood and tested for ovarian cancer, coeliac and some other things like inflammatory markers etc... all come back fine. He asked me to take Mebeverine also. Anyway, no change whatsoever, i've only had a couple of pain free days and its usually in the evening. I've also been getting pain high up after eating where my stomach is, under my breastbone.

Does it sounds like normal IBS?

Any advice?

Thanks

[EssexSue]

I take mebverine twice a day. It takes a while to kick in.

[*cath*]

Originally Posted by EssexSue

I take mebverine twice a day. It takes a while to kick in.

See more...

Doctor told me to try it for a few week which i have but haven't seen a difference

[Emmie2016]

Alot of people find after dieting that symtoms worsen as they start eating more sugar free foods aswell. Try and avoid sweeteners and see if that helps. Most ibs is due to food intolerances and can be helped by Fodmap and finding what upsets your tummy.

I'm super lucky and I have both IBD and IBS.

Oh and pain high up is gas 99% of time! So I wouldnt worry too much x

[Kat11]

Kefir yogurt drink helps. 250ml a day. It works like a probiotic and it’s lovely. I buy it from Tesco and M&S but think it can be bought from most supermarkets.

Kat

[*cath*]

The kefir drinks are too high in calories for my diet but i have started taking probiotics.
I have eliminated a few things that make it worse, seems to be mostly fruits.
I don't really have much with artificial sweetener other than what i have in my coffee and been having that for years.
Thanks

[DisneyDaffodil]

Our son suffers with IBS and he has found that identifying and avoiding trigger foods is the only thing that has made a difference for him. Fruit and fruit juices/squashes, spicy foods and coffee are his major triggers. You mention that you drink coffee, could this be a trigger maybe?

[*cath*]

No, I've drank coffee for years and it doesnt cause me any issues

[YorkshireT]

Coffee helps me. Fizzy pop is a killer- have to avoid that at all costs- coke and the like. Low Fodmap have you tried? I was diagnosed coeliac, apparently a 'gold standard' bloodtest they used to do (not now) picked it up. I was told by the consultant that this is never wrong. I lived on a gluten free diet for 2 years. Did not notice much difference really. Then I went for biopsies and it came back clear (and I went back on gluten well before then). Was told I am probably 'pre coeliac' but I have carried on eating normally regardless. I seem better than I used to be.

[Tigger71]

Another one that can recommend to try Fodmap elimination diet to identify trigger foods.

You mention pain under “breastbone” - do you mean left or right side under ribs? Or in the middle?