Hi guys
I have recently been diagnosed with IBS (or as diagnosed as IBS can get). My journey started like this...
In 2011, I got my gall bladder removed due to eating too many fatty foods at the age of 23. I read many forums that suggested I steer clear of dairy, I particular. Every now and then, I would get an upset stomach but after a few days of abstaining from dairy (flavoured milk, In particular), I'd g back to it and I'd be fine. After 8 months, I became partial lactose intolerant, not being able to consume milk, cream or yoghurt but was still fine with cheese. This went on until last year where I would have diarrhoea every now and then as if I was emptying my bowels of one meal and then be fine and didn't think much of it, and put it down to my "lack of gall bladder".
This year, I ate a meal which didn't agree with me to the point I thought I was going to be sick and went on holiday and got "holiday tummy" every day for no reason at all and went to the doctor, I also explained my symptoms of feeling bloated after certain foods and gurgly during and after consumption. I was given a series of tests including H-Pylori (the breath test), full blood work, an ultrasound and a coeliac test and all came back fine. My doctor put it down to IBS and started me on Mebeverine. It was a miracle cure! I could eat some foods I would have never considered and could drink alcohol without getting an upset stomach! However, I stopped taking my wonder drug when my husband and I started trying for a baby, knowing that it was not recommended during pregnancy.
I recently got my period, I obviously was not pregnant however this period was so excruciating...Not because of the menstrual pain but the pain I got in my bottom. I have always had this sensation for the first day however not the full 4 days! I was told this happens with people because the reproductive organs press down on the intestines applying pressure. It disabled me from exercising, being motivated and was in absolute agony and despite being against pain killers, I found myself turning to them with no avail. Because of this pressure, my IBS-D also turned into IBS-C for those four days before I decided to take a natural softener.Has anyone else experienced this as an IBS sufferer?
I have just started Juice Plus as a Facebook forum on IBS suggested that it is quite popular in the UK and is recommended natural treatment for IBS, I'm hoping this helps as well as my diet adjustment.