Just diagnosed

By red8

1 min read

After 2 yrs of on and off right ab pain, bloating, constipation and anxiety.. and a colonoscopy, ct scan, 2 ultrasounds, and numerous amounts of blood and urine tests they finally said it looks like it's IBS....feel a little better at least knowing its not some kind of cancer but don't really know how to approach this? If anyone has any tips they would be appreciated! Also wondering if the pain i get in my testicle sometimes can be connected? Since they find no reason why the pain is there.. Thank You!

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Amy Dodd Pilkington Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="2326871" username="red8"/> , welcome to our community! Receiving a diagnosis is often a sigh of relief, but it usually brings on a lot of questions. I would suggest paying attention to your symptoms and keeping a food journal. Sometimes this can help us recognize the most bothersome foods or identify patterns that can help recognize the warning signs of an impending flare. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask. We are all in this together! -Amy, team member
1. red8 Member
 Thanks!
corgimom Member
Food is better than medicine to relieve constipation. Find out what works for you; for me, it's a plastic cup of applesauce. Other people do well with apple juice. It takes awhile to figure out what is right for you and how much you need to consume. And don't be afraid to ask any question on here that you might have; we've all been through it, and this is the one place that you can talk about your bowels and bowel movements that isn't considered distasteful or impolite. And when you are having episodes of constipation, wipes work better than toilet paper, which can be irritating to your rectum. Desitin cream is my go-to favorite, too. Welcome!
1. red8 Member
 Thanks!
heatherparis Member
Green tea helps me with constipation and making sure to drink plenty of water on a daily basis. I also really like Phillips Laxative caplets, white bottle. I take one a night before bed, or two if I'm really backup up. I like Phazyme to help with my bloating. Seems to help reduce it by half. Honestly nothing gets rid of all the symptoms for some of us, but improvement beats a blank. Keeping stress low helps. Stress triggers this for many people. Make sure your gallbladder is working fine as well if they didn't check yet. It's a trial and error thing honestly. Keep a journal of what works and what doesn't. Good luck!
1. red8 Member
 Thank You
heatherparis Member
Oh I forgot, when I'm in a lot of pain I take prescription Bentyl, helps some but makes me sleepy. And just plain old Tylenol
Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
I'm sorry you were diagnosed with IBS but I am also glad you finally got an answer and definitive diagnosis, as that always helps with moving forward with treatment. As for me, I find that a big player is keeping stress low. Also I stay away from dairy, wheat and processed foods as much as possible. Of course everything in moderation. I also find that probiotics help me a lot. I hope this helps some! Elizabeth (team member)
1. red8 Member
 Curious what probiotic you use? Im about to start align
2. Elizabeth Alvarez Moderator & Contributor
 I use one from the brand called Orthobiotics that I get through my Naturopathic Medical Doctor. Unfortunately you can't get it just off the internet. However, I have also used Therbiotic Complete by Klaire Labs which worked amazing for me. You can get it online. Elizabeth (team member)