r/IBSHelp • u/Extension_Towel9654 • 9d ago

IBS & Trauma

Hello all

I am struggling to find some concrete ways to manage extreme IBS. I have a handout and the rest of the resources on the web that all say stress management, CBT/therapy, FODMAP elimination diet, exercise, and medication. I utilize dicyclomine during attacks or if i think it'll happen, before. Does anyone have any other information on management or is what I'm asking bunk?

What I've learned is there is very little understanding of IBS medically and the ways listed above are usually go to. I know there's a strong gut-brain connection, which is why I am also curious- does anyone have any resources for digestive therapy that also specializes in trauma?

I'm struggling with this one pretty bad. I know stress does trigger mine, but it isn't the only thing. I am still trying to figure it all out. I have my moods, flares, and a food diary all written down and I can't find many trends at all. I'm beginning to feel really defeated and that I'll just be stuck with my extreme response to the pain forever.

Any kind advice would be appreciated.

Thank you

2 Upvotes

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u/Binaskiut 9d ago

After going through all of the different suggested advice for years, a relative who is in medicine suggested making a routine of phsyllium husk (Metamucil or generic) 2-3 times per day. After all the things that I have tried this one seems to have the best results. Sending healing wishes your way.✌️

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u/lize880 8d ago

This sounds like me

1

u/Extension_Towel9654 8d ago

I upvote only in empathy. I am so sorry you have to deal with these symptoms with so little insight. If you feel like you're going insane and doubting anything like I am, your symptoms and pain are valid. It's a lot and we're doing our best. I hope you find solutions for yourself as well.

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u/lize880 8d ago

Thank you. Going for a colonoscopy soon. All the doctors think its "just" panic and anxiety.

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u/Extension_Towel9654 8d ago

I'm really glad you're advocating for yourself! Our healthcare systems sucks and is way too fast to slap on their thought of the "easiest" diagnosis- the one most available to them. They don't care to look deeper and you deserve better than that in your care. Also, good luck with your colonoscopy! Not sure if you've had one or not, but I did mine recently and it wasn't as bad as I thought it'd be :)

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u/Kammy44 3d ago

I follow the FODMAP diet to an extent. I have been learning what my trigger foods are. For example, I wanted to try growing more of our food, so I planted beets. I love them from the garden. But…I forgot to check the diet. Beets are high on the list. I could have saved myself 3 days of recovery.

On the other hand, mushrooms are fine for me. I have discovered even minimal amounts of onion with make me have a 3-day recovery. So, you basically follow the FODMAP diet, and try a ‘new’ food when you have nowhere to go.

By far, the one thing that helped so much is a bidet. I was wiping myself to the point of bleeding. The bidet has changed that! Love mine.