IBS - C and D

By jeanniebeanie49

1 min read

I have had IBS for about 44 years. I was diagnosed with a spastic colon when I was about 21 years old. My IBS has gotten worse as I got older. Every GI doctor has confirmed after a colonoscopy that I have IBS. I have tried different diets including avoiding dairy and a gluten free diet. The doctors I saw all say they don't believe my IBS is triggered by foods and they discovered this after seeing my food journal. The last doctor I saw suggested I go on Prozac and I don't know if it would help my condition and don't believe in taking lots of prescriptions. I'm already on a few other medications for different illnesses. I did try Amitriptyline in the past and at first it seemed to help and then it didn't. It seems to be that way with all new treatments. I have tried peppermint oil pills, enzymes, and probiotics at high doses, and I'm sure some other treatments I can't recall right now. This whole situation makes me depressed at times. I am willing to try any treatment but prefer alternative medicine rather than conventional types because they only mask the problem.

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Chris H. Community Admin
Hi jeanniebeanie, Thanks so much for submitting your story. I'm sorry to hear about how long you've been trying to manage your IBS symptoms! Many of the treatment options you've mentioned can be so hit or miss from person to person. I know you stated that you've tried different diet options, but have you tried the low-FODMAP diet? This diet aims to eliminate certain carbohydrates that have been found to trigger IBS symptoms. We have more information about it here: <a href="https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/ibs-diet" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer ugc">https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net/ibs-diet</a> I hope this information is helpful! Thank you for being part of the community. -Chris, <a href="https://irritablebowelsyndrome.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer ugc">IrritableBowelSyndrome.net</a> Team Member
1. gildalilly Member
 As an MD and an IBS sufferer who got NO help from the medical community I can really support the reply from Chris. It may not work for you but the low FODMAP diet changed my life a month ago and I have had IBS for over 60 years! Good luck with it.
tannersnan Member
I feel for you as so many of us are desperate after trying numerous things. I too have tried diet, exercise fiber, water and still get severe pain in back feels like kidney stones sometimes but tests have ruled this out. Hang in there hopefully you will find help on here. I am new to this site and hope I find some help too.
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="2305197" username="jeanniebeanie49"/> , You aren't alone. There have been moments where I have struggled with depression too. It's almost inevitable. This journey can be very hard, especially when you have trouble finding relief. Have you had any improvements since this post? I hope you are doing well. Big hugs, Elizabeth (team member)