dodgy digestion

[quopius]

my GP has told me i have irritable bowl syndrome, said it would last forever and there's nothing i can do. Symptoms are varied from acid stomach in the morning, feeling of butterflies in the stomach after eating, throbbing sensations in my stomach and diaphram, and mainly difficulty in completing a good stool. can nayone confirm that this might be IBS and does anyone know any reasons for it and what to do about it??? cheers all.

[apricot]

mr apricot had a similar problem many years ago. It turns out that it was stress induced as he had very difficult exams at the time. Everything settled down once the stress was removed. GP is bound to know best though.

[heartache]

Stress can be a major factor, better diet and exercise i found helped.

[quopius]

ok, those things i know, so i guess i should ask- what is the best way to relieve stress day by day? it's all well and good to do yoga once a week etc. but what is the best way to do it everyday?

[bluedolphin]

A complete change of enviroment...work, rest and play..., new friends, perhaps a drink or two in the evening, Joining a walking club has been beneficial to some of my friends...and dont rule out the availibility of a psychologist/stress counsellor ....they are human u know...and what about religion....get urself along to a football match and shout ur head off....The olympics are just around the corner....take an interest in that...generally break the routine u have at the moment....how about getting a dog....good for long walks etc.... anyway good luck...

[woofgang]

There are support groups and management advice groups available. ask your GP what is available locally and can you pls be referred. Different people find that very different things are helpful in terms of diet and routine so there's not a lot of point going into that here. If your GP says that there is nothing local, you could try googling for a support and advice group on the net.... there are also books which you could try your library for. I have had it since a teenager, when no-one knew about these things, mostly it is now controlled. Its a bit like having a tricky knee or back, you are never cured of it but can learn to manage the symtoms, avoid the things that cause flare up and generally inprove the health of the problem area.

[becks]

Diet does have a lot to do with it, my friend has it and takes a drug called "spasmodal" before she goes out for dinner or eats, think it's made a massive difference as she would swing between diarrhoea (sp?) and constipation. Might be worth asking the doctor about it? Take care.

[jen26]

try cutting out certain foods, keep of what you eat and when the probs occur, you will notice a pattern very quickly. i did that and then got an allergy/intolerance test from a mail order private company, costs a bit, but i haven't looked back.

[Hellion]

A good diet will make a difference, less alcohol and processed fatty foods. Also pepermint oil capsules (health food shops) have long been a recommended supplement that helps relieve symptoms

[ianess]

I`ve been taking Potter`s Acidosis tablets for a few weeks now and have noticed a definite improvement in the symptoms.  Available at health food shops and online from the manufacturer.

Consists of the herb Meadowsweet combined with charcoal.

[AB Editor]

For all medical questions, we strongly advise you to seek professional advice from your doctor or a healthcare professional.  Please do not rely on, or wait for, advice from Answerbank users.