Constipated to diarrhea
Hi, I don’t know if anyone else experiences this.. I’m usually IBS-C but recently it’s turning to IBS-D. I’ve noticed it’s when I’ve been out and eaten different food to normal or drank alcohol. I have a huge fear of being sick and often feel so nauseous with it which makes me so anxious which is a vicious circle. Feel like I don’t want to go anywhere in the evenings now in the fear it’ll strike at anytime. One of my coping techniques is to get fresh air so the thought of not being able to get fresh air / escape makes me feel even worse. Not sure if I have a touch of anxiety caused by all of this now too! Does anyone find after alcohol they have an upset tummy? What is the best relief for this? I’ve been using Imodium duel relief which seems to be helping as I get bloating and awful wind alongside it. Again makes me not want to go anywhere not being able to control the wind! Anyone else?! Am 35 and feel like I shouldn’t have to be so restricted. I don’t know anyone with IBS either so feels quite lonely / alien to anyone when I’ve spoken about it too.
I'm so sorry you're going through this and are feeling so anxious about going out. I can relate so much. I've had phases where I barely left the house unless it was absolutely necessary... For me, this fear was caused more by my anxiety than my actual IBS-D, and I've been able to work on that and start going out again. Even though I do get flares when I'm out sometimes, more often than not I'm okay.
Since you also mention your fear of being sick, maybe that's something you could try addressing, if you haven't already?
I developed an intense fear of food poisoning/stomach bugs after getting very sick during my last pregnancy and going into labor because of it. But I have 2 boys who go to school and daycare, so I was basically living in panic most of the time. I've done EFT for that (I shared my experience here: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/eft-tapping) and it has been extremely effective for me.
As to your question about alcohol, you're not alone! Our advocate Mara wrote this article about the impact alcohol has on her IBS: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/alcohol-drinking. In addition, Laura has shared her tips for drinking alcohol without triggering a flare here: https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/alcohol-indulge. I hope these tips will help.
Unfortunately, when it comes to triggers, many people find that the only option is to avoid them. The only thing that helps me when I feel like I've eaten something I shouldn't have is activated charcoal, as it seems to absorb some of it and also helps me with bloating. Have you ever tried taking it before?
Big hugs, Karina (team member)
