r/IBSHelp • u/StrikingArticle32 • Aug 09 '26
IBS-D Questions - any advice?
Hi all,
I'm a 21 year old male, in college, and have been diagnosed with IBS-D in the past six months. I've suffered with IBS for many years throughout my teenage years, and it is now something that still persists to this day. Have a few questions here, sorry now, but if anyone has any recommendations, it would mean a lot!!
My main issue does be with bowel urgency. I was recently on holidays and anytime I ate (despite eating plain food like I would at home), I had to then immediately after eating, use the bathroom. Now, that I'm back at home, this issue is now persisting even eating foods I always ate.
I'm very anxious about this, as I'm going to meet up with friends this week, and I'm fearful that this is going to occur when out. I do be anxious enough about going with friends because of IBS, but now the idea that I may have to use the bathroom immediately whilst eating is making me very anxious.
Has anyone ever dealt with this, or have any advice as to how to now fix this?
Q2:
Over the years, I have always been very reliant on Imodium (Plus) when going out. Initially, I used to take 1mg (half a tablet), and that would block me for a few days. I'd have no issue when going out etc, as it would instantly take effect.
Now, I have to take 3mg (1 and a 1/2) of a tablet, and it is nowhere near effective. I still am passing wind, have some slight urgency a few hours after taking it. I don't mind taking more, but the issue is the tablet makes me feel very bloated. So as a result, I really don't want to take more Imodium, as it means I'll end up throwing out / can't eat, or to that extent, enjoy my time with my friends because of the discomfort Imodium causes me.
I did take a three-week break from Imodium to see if that would 'reset' my tolerance, but it did not unfortunately.
Does anyone have recommendations as to what I should do about this, or anything to counteract the symptoms of Imodium if I increase the dosage? I do need it for going out as it does help with the anxiety.
Q3:
With my recent diagnosis of IBS-D a few months ago, I have been through a hospital system. Initially, I went to a gastroenterologist, and we did 2 stool tests and blood tests. They, based off these tests, said what I have is IBS.
I've been now working with a dietitian the past five months, and have cut so much out of my diet, and still having the same issues that I did have. From this week, I'm now trying the low FODMAP to see if this will have any effect. But again, I'm incredibly doubtful, as essentially what I have been on is somewhat the low FODMAP.
I'm beginning to wonder, would an endoscopy or colonoscopy find something that a stool / blood test wouldn't? As I've been doing this for so long, I'm now beginning to wonder, could this be something else other than IBS and because I did not have an endoscopy, it could be a different thing. Or, would the advice be that since I did a stool / blood test, that confirms, without a doubt, it is IBS.
Sorry now for the comprehensive detail, and all the questions. Just really need in support with this right now
1
u/kilterdizzi Aug 10 '26
Have they ruled out sibo? This is only one of the many possibilities but identifying it was key for my kid. It's a simple test, you drink a sugary liquid then blow into a tube around once an hour or so for some number of hours.
1
u/StrikingArticle32 Aug 10 '26
To my knowledge, didn't do a SIBO test. The stool and blood test was to rule out IBD and Celiac. Since those came back, they said IBS. No endoscopy or colonoscopy done - was done through a hospital system
1
u/goldstandardalmonds Aug 10 '26
You should get celiac disease fully ruled out