Having a difficult time coping with ibs-c
I am 28 years old and hardly ever had any problems with constipation in my entire life, up until 2021. All the sudden I completely stopped being able to have a BM on my own, I’ve went over a week without going at all and got uncontrollable gas that happened at the worst times in public. It’s completely humiliating and distressing. I’ve tried so many medications I was doing regular enemas, would take multiple OTC laxatives at once and it still was a struggle . Finally my dr prescribed Linzess, which has definitely helped. But I have to take that along with miralax 2x day and colace 2x day. But the side effects of increased gas, urgency, diarrhea and stool leakage if I don’t make it to the restroom in time. I’ve tried only drinking one glass of miralax instead of 2 but then I get constipated again. It’s either one extreme or the other. I guess i could deal with the diarrhea it’s just the gas that’s extremely distressing. It really feels like I’m the only one struggling like this, i know I’m not, but it can be so hard. I feel like I am grieving the way my body used to function before all of this and angry because I’m too young to be entirely dependent on all these laxatives and have no control over gas and sometimes stool. It makes me anxious to leave the house, even going to work makes me anxious because my symptoms are completely unpredictable at times and so humiliating and distressing. I haven even gotten a definitive diagnosis. I didn’t actually get a colonoscopy. I asked my GI dr for one and she said it wouldn’t show anything so there’s no point. But I need more answers than I’ve been given. Does anyone have any tips to mentally cope with this or how to make symptoms more bearable. Anyone have luck with the low fodmap diet? I know this is long. I’m new here, just really desperate for anyone that understands what I’m going through.
Typo in the title, I meant difficult not different*
Hey there, I feel you. 😀 No, you are not alone.
Until I was 25 (university student) all was fine for me (no allergies whatsoever/could eat anything). One morning I had horrible dirrhea ... that never truely went away. Had good times and - over the last year - longer stretches of bad times. Right now (after antibiotics for a very bad case of sinusitis) it seems I have ruined my microbiom/intestines as I can't really tolerate any food anymore. Living on rice/chicken/carrots for months now and it doesn't stop (dirrhea/pain/nausea a.s.o.). I feel debilitated and now, with 33, I feel like an old/sick man who says "no" to everything.
It's awful and the only way to really get to terms with it is start living with it and accepting it. Mindfulness Meditation helped me a little as it gives me small moments of relief and self-acceptance. If you haven't tried, give it a go. Only 30min per day of meditation can alter the brain in a positive way after 1-2 months (less stressful/more resiliance and there are even studies who prove an improvement for your micribiom but I wouldn't see this as a medical exercise as this can take a long time).thank you. You’re right. As much as it is a physical condition, it impacts me mentally as well. It really does feel debilitating. It makes being away from home and being around people stressful. Having to plan my day around my symptoms and saying no to plans that I actually want to do because of my symptoms. It’s like an added layer of stress. But I think some self care will be beneficial for me, instead of putting so much mental energy into desperately trying to figure out how to fix my body and shaming myself for symptoms that I have absolutely no control over.
Hey CommunityMember1f1715! First of all, welcome!! We're SO glad you're here! I hear your frustration. It can feel really unfair when your body isn’t working the way it’s "supposed to", especially at such a young age. I'm sorry to hear that your doctor has dismissed your pain. I agree, I think a colonoscopy would be helpful because it's always beneficial to have more information, even if it comes back inconclusive. It would at least help you narrow down to an answer. I think you'll find as you get to know this community that you are definitely not alone in what you're going through! I pulled up a few articles that I think you might find helpful:
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/infographic/treatment-survey. This article talks about how treatment for IBS is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can take time and a good doctor to figure out how to manage your symptoms.
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/ibs-urgency-mental-struggle This person talks about their experience with IBS in their 20s. You might find that you can connect with her!
https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/living/passing-gas And this articles talks about the struggles of having gas with IBS.
Please stay in touch and let us know how we can support you! Sending warm thoughts - Kat (Team Member)
thank you for sharing that and for these articles. It definitely feels better to not have to suffer this alone in secret. I’m so glad I stumbled across this site! I’m going to advocate for myself more to my doctor for more tests and possibly start seeing a dietitian to see if any lifestyle changes can help as well. I love to hear that! Please keep in touch. We would love to be a part of your healing journey. Warmly, Kat (Team Member)
Welcome aboard! OMG, I so feel you! Believe me when I say you are in good company 😀 I'm surprised that your gastro nixed the idea of a colonoscopy. It's a GREAT idea to have one. At the very least, it provides a baseline to refer back to. I'm glad you are going to self-advocate to get one. Working with a dietitian is such a smart thing to do! I hope you will stay here and keep sharing, and certainly update us when testing is completed and you've found a dietitian. Yay you! I hope you feel better just having posted here. I know our community is better for it 😀 Hugs, Kim, moderator
