IBS and Gas

Hi I'm a new member. I have been having bowel disorder for over a decade but sort of ignored it until recently because of embarrassing flatulence and bloating. Whenever I mention my symptoms to a GP they normally treat it very lightly and say to avoid beans, drink more water etc. On researching the net and forums like this I've discovered that both my spouse and I have IBS with some degree of lactose intolerance. I have C symptoms with occasional D, and my spouse usually has D symptoms. He has Type 2 diabetes in addition. Would appreciate any advice or guidance you may have. This problem is affecting me at work and although I hear there are many in North America who suffer from IBS, very few are sympathetic and behave as if it is a hygiene or antisocial problem. I also wonder how they control their symptoms, particularly flatulence.

I will be doing H-pylori and occult blood testing and my spouse will be going for colonoscopy. We have not started any medication yet, although I did get some relief with APO-Omeprazole (20 mg) but that rendered my H-pylori test indeterminate so I stopped it for a while in order to re-do the test. Would appreciate any advice in this regard, and particularly any advice that will help with the flatulence. Thanks

Thanks Indersonu and Sunshine323 for your advice re. helping the gas symptoms. Sometimes it is difficult to watch ones diet especially at work or on the go, but it's definitely important. When I say its affecting my employment, I mean it becomes quite a challenge when one is at a meeting or teleconference, when stress levels are high and when its difficult to escape to the washroom.

I have found that Chinese tea (the ones used for slimming, with a laxative effect) does help, and I have very recently started on Digestrol (a dietary supplement). Have any of you tried these natural methods? Has any one else had embarrassing situations at work and do you have any suggestions? Would appreciate feedback.

I don't think enemas are ever recommended on a routine basis. Only when you are really constipated and nothing else works. I remember years ago after surgery I was so gassed up and could not pass any because of constipation. Since it was abdominal surgery they wouldn't give me an enema but they did insert a tube up there and that released tons of gas which eventually allowed me to go. I am still a gas machine and at the moment going thru a 3day stint of being gassed up. Nothing is working even though I am going to bathroom, gas just keeps forming. I just took a Dulcolax and need to really clean myself out before this will go away. It is trapped and pushing up on my esophagous. I can feel it when it moves. Like pulling a gumdrop thru a straw. It also makes me cough because of pressure. I get this periodically and they don't seem to know why. Lying on right side helps with gas as said.