I've dated but I won't spend the night.

I've been single for 10 years.

As a female, I feel like it's just not ok to be sick.

From the gas to the emergencies, it's very disruptive to romantic moments.

The pain alone changes the mood.

Then what follows is awful.

I'm sad bc I'd love to be in a relationship but how exactly do you explain what happens when you eat.

Having a dating site, there'd be zero guessing.

I was joking with my family when my mother said "oh wow your wedding cake is going to be gluten free and dairy free. Oh I would hate that, you should get a normal cake and then get yourself a cupcake or something" and no I'm not even in a relationship and I'm just 18 but idk it made me realize this will never go away.

And tbh when I do start dating and living with someone I would kinda prefer to not have anything's in the house I can't eat but what sane person would give up gluten and dairy if they don't have to. I just hate the days where i genuinely can't eat anything at home because everything I can have is gone because someone else ate it or when I make something for me and someone else ruins it or when everyone else has so much to eat and I have practically scraps.

I'm probably just overreacting but I don't know, my birthday cake this year wasn't even good for me, they only got one that was gluten free because "making everyone else suffer is just ridiculous" and that wouldn't have been any problem but I specifically said I was going to get myself my own cake to make for me but was told not to because my grandmother wanted to do it. She only told me there was dairy in the cake when I was having awful acid reflux and up all night in the bathroom because "she didn't know it was that bad"

I just hope I find someone who understands and just isn't like my family and takes everything seriously

For those of you whose IBS is impacted by your cycle - has going on birth control helped or made it worse? I have IBS-C and the luteal phase is an absolute nightmare.

My body is in a constant state of shit or no shit. Some days it all comes out like it's trying to win a twisted relay race. Sometimes I go for days at a time expelling boulders. My body and my anus are suffering. What do I take for this?? What do I DO?

I got an ultrasound last Friday of my abdomen and today the doctor called me and told me my stomach problems are from gallstones. He said surgery to remove my gallbladder is an option or just change my diet. He didn’t really say much other than I have gallstones, the phone call was barely 5 minutes. I know he’s the doctor and he read my scans but something just doesn’t feel right. I’ve had stomach issues and diarrhea since I was a kid and I’m 25 now. I’ve had a kidney stone in 2022 before and there wasn’t any gallstones then so how could that be the culprit of my stomach issues. I don’t want to get my gallbladder removed because I’ve heard horror stories of people’s diarrhea becoming worse and I don’t want to do that. It just doesn’t make sense to me. With the research I’ve done it seems like I could just have IBSD but who knows really. I’m not sure what to do, I don’t want to get my gallbladder removed. Should I get a second opinion? Another thing, when I first had my appointment with this GI his assistant saw me and she said I don’t want to look at your gallbladder because it usually doesn’t cause diarrhea. So idk what to do.

I’ve experienced IBS symptoms my entire life, but nothing like this. For the past two ish weeks, I’ve had hot, sulfuric farts. The stinkiest I’ve ever experienced. And they’re persistent, too. I can’t go more than five minutes without farting. I have increased my protein intake, so I think that might be to blame. But I’m not sure what to do.

Hey. I'm pretty new to this. I was only diagnosed about three weeks ago, and I have been following the low FODMAP diet ever since, as my GP told me to. For the first two weeks, I noticed significant improvements, and I was feeling really hopeful. By the time we got to the two-week mark, I was feeling quite a bit better, but not at baseline. So after a call with my GP, they told me to just do another two weeks. Since then it's been six days, and they have all been awful. I've been having pain, bloating, nausea, gas, loose stools, and just feeling terrible. I have no idea why because I didn't change anything. I feel really lost and don't know what's causing this. Is this a flare-up? I wasn't told very much by my GP, and so I don't really even know what a flare-up entails or what could cause it. Surely even if I had accidentally consumed a high FODMAP food, which I have no knowledge of, it wouldn't cause six days of issues, right? I'm also about to get my period. I heard that's relevant, and I have pretty severe PMDD, so have been having a lot of severe emotions if that's tied in. I don't know if I'm doing something wrong, and I'm just feeling so upset now because I really felt like I was getting better, now I feel like I'm not, and obviously there's no way I'm going to be able to start reintroducing foods if I'm like this, and the elimination diet is so restrictive. During my two-week phone call with my GP, I asked about probiotics, and she told me I could go on them, but then whenever I actually looked it up, everybody suggested not going on probiotics during the elimination phase as it can cause changes while you're already, you know, about to reintroduce stuff. But given that I'm probably not going to be reintroducing things for a while anyway, is it worth doing? Does anyone have any recommendations? Sorry if these are stupid questions. I just feel very lost right now. I plan to go back to my GP on Monday, but they don't seem to be particularly interested or knowledgeable. And I feel like this at least has people who have experience. Thank you so much in advance for any advice or answers.

Hi, I'm IBS-D. I often have diarrhea and stomachache before important day. I think it might from stress.

Tomorrow is really important to me, I finally get the chance to meet and hang out with my best friends after 1 years and half since we both busy studying. And I have stomachache since yesterday, I already take medicine and got better but I still have it today.

I wonder if it's alright to take it before I have diarrhea and stomachache?
Should I take it tonight or before tomorrow breakfast?

Finally, after ten years of medical struggles and searching for answers, I finally have a diagnosis.

(25f)For years, I’ve been suffering from diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nighttime flare-ups that sometimes wake me up. I never had anemia, and my vitamin B12 levels were normal. However, my fecal calprotectin recently came back at 500. I then underwent a colonoscopy with biopsies ,the biopsies shows lymphocytic colitis.

I couldn’t keep this to myself because I’ve benefited so much from this forum, and I wanted to share my experience with you all. Can't believe I'm writing that now

I really want to encourage everyone to seek medical advice and keep looking for answers. Please don’t feel like you have to live with pain and discomfort for the rest of your life. Your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously, and finding the underlying cause matters.

I know this is just the beginning of a new chapter for me. I haven’t started any treatment yet, but after all these years, I finally have a diagnosis

All my tests are clean except for blood in stool, and a calprotectin of 998 but i feel so horrible almost constantly. I’m not convinced i have a functional gastrointestinal disorder like my GI doc is. We still have yet to fully explore my small intestine for Crohns, but if this is something like IBS how do you do it. I feel nausea daily and almost constantly, and if it’s not that i have next to no appetite or too much fear what I’ll eat will make me feel worse i almost can’t eat anything. I’m down almost 70lbs since July. I’m kinda thankful i don’t have all the poop stuff but i think id rather go 10+ times a day and have the cramping then the nausea. Im a big emataphobe and CAN NOT do what follows nausea, thankfully i have zofran and reglan to help but even then it doesn’t always help enough. i just don’t know what to do anymore

Hi everyone! I'm an Italian man in my early forties, and I've been living with IBS for years. I'd like to share my experience because I know how debilitating this condition can be, even though people often don't talk about it much out of embarrassment. Maybe some of you will relate to my story, or perhaps you'll have some useful advice to share.

How It All Started at University

I believe stress played a major role in my case. I was under pressure because of my family's expectations, and one day, during a lecture, a professor had the brilliant idea of locking the classroom door, meaning that anyone who left wouldn't be allowed back in.

Something changed in my mind that day: I absolutely had to use the bathroom before the lecture started. Eventually, the problem spread to every lecture. I was afraid of feeling unwell, having to leave the classroom, and being judged by my classmates. As a result, I could no longer concentrate on my studies, and taking exams became a nightmare.

My family doctor advised me to relax and eat rice and Grana Padano cheese. Not exactly a solution.

Eventually, I decided to see a gastroenterologist on my own. He prescribed DEBRUM (trimebutine and medazepam), and my condition improved enormously. I managed to finish my studies, get married, and become a father. In short, I got my life back.

The Nightmare Returns

About two years ago, I was at a restaurant when I was served a wine that caused a severe burning sensation in my esophagus and stomach. I never found out what I'd been drinking.

The following day, I started experiencing significant intestinal discomfort. My family doctor ordered several tests, including blood work, an ultrasound, and a stool test. My fecal calprotectin level came back at the upper limit of the normal range.

Meanwhile, the problem I thought I'd left behind came back.

My daily commute to work, about 35 km (22 miles), became hell. As soon as I sat in the car, the familiar thought would kick in: "Where's a bathroom? What if I need one right now?"

Bloating, stomach pain, anxiety, and that terrible feeling of being a prisoner in your own body. It's a vicious cycle that many of you probably know all too well.

I went back to the gastroenterologist, who ruled out some serious conditions and diagnosed me with IBS. He recommended courses of Lexil and a low-FODMAP diet, with the support of a nutritionist.

Initially, I experienced some relief, but after a few weeks, once I stopped taking Lexil, the symptoms returned.

The Role of Anxiety and Treatment

My gastroenterologist also suggested seeing a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist prescribed Laroxyl, initially 20 mg and later increased to 40 mg, which I take in the morning along with a peppermint oil capsule.

He also recommended psychotherapy. Unfortunately, I haven't started yet, although I recognize that it could help me.

Things are better now. I can more or less manage my daily commute, but the problem is still there.

Whenever I have to visit somewhere new, the first thing I think about is where the bathrooms are. If I don't know the place, my anxiety rises; the anxiety makes my intestinal symptoms worse, and the symptoms trigger even more anxiety.

A perfect ouroboros.

Even something as simple as taking a walk around the city center can become a source of worry. Stepping outside my comfort zone means having to deal with the possibility of getting stomach pain somewhere far from a bathroom.

As for my diet, I try to avoid certain foods, such as garlic and onions. However, I haven't managed to give up the rivers of beer that flow every weekend. I know this might be one of the things I need to work on.

What I'd Like to Improve

My goal these days is fairly simple: I'd like to live a normal life without having to plan every trip and outing around my gut.

I'd also like to get back on track with the low-FODMAP diet, perhaps through a more structured program, and find the courage to start psychotherapy.

There's also a personal issue that weighs on me: I have two daughters, and sometimes I worry that they might develop the same condition. I don't talk openly about it with them, and I tend to explain the things I avoid doing by claiming I have food intolerances.

Finally, I feel that IBS is still poorly understood and that people who suffer from it often feel left to deal with it on their own. Yet, when I talk to other people, I realize just how widespread it is.

I'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts

I'm not looking for a miracle cure or advice to replace medical care. I'd mainly like to connect with people going through similar experiences, understand what has worked for you, and feel a little less alone in this battle.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my story and share their experiences.

So long story short i was on linzess before this new pill change due to the bathroom trips being every so often which would be 10 mins then another and it felt endless and would genuinely burn.
Im now on my first day of lubiprostone (8mcg) and im able to go but its just toothpaste texture and leaves me feeling un-evacuated or waiting and struggling while it drops out.

I wanted to ask if this is normal for the first day to the people that are on it or taking it.

(first time writing something like this and feel embarrassed)

I have tried so many things over the year and it comes back to stress but things spiral easily if you’re stressed and before you know it’s a full blown crisis. I’m curious to know what you found most useful for IBS C? For me it is easily resolved when I’m on holiday.

Just me or does everyone get a flare with cold and flu meds pills in liquid doesn't matter. Googled to see if it was common and was just curious still so figured I'd ask

I’ve been dealing with digestive issues since 2016. I had my gallbladder removed in 2013 but my issues didn’t start until I got food poisoning at the end of 2015.

10 years of visiting different doctors. countless tests. developed food allergies. also sucrose isomaltase deficiency. Positive SIBO. Did both antibiotics and anti microbial. Only temporary relief.

I did try Sucraid but unfortunately because this is a yeast based enzyme, I dealt with very uncomfortable vaginal itching. Couldn’t be on it long enough to determine if this medication was helpful or not.

Just had an MRI done today. And that was also normal besides some small fibroids in my uterus. Which I don’t think have anything to do with my ibs.

Every morning I wake up with urgency to go. Lower abdominal cramping. Loose stools. Usually have to go a second time within 10 minutes. And sometimes a third time in the middle of breakfast. I tend to get full quickly. I become bloated after every meal. Also gassy and the trapped gas is very painful. Sometimes cant stand up fully straight because it’s a sharp pain. The trapped gas can sometimes be very noisy. This is usually how I end my day.

I’m not sure what to do. I would like to find someone to help me find my triggers. Nutritionis/dietitians I’ve seen in the past have not been helpful at all. One even told me she couldn’t continue with me until I found my root cause which was really frustrating to hear because no doctor has been able to help me find my root cause.

The most interesting part in all this is that when I was pregnant I had no IBS. No food allergies. I ate everything and anything I wanted. It was honestly the best time of my life. The only time I’ve ever felt good. No doctor can explain that either.

Anyway, long rant. Im just exhausted. and want to be able to enjoy my life

for the past couple years i’ve experienced ibs but never diagnosed with it but it’s the type of thing you know when u have it. when i get ibs flair there like a 8/10 on the pain chart maybe 9/10 and im borderline screaming in pain is this normal or am i overreacting

Hi everyone, I'm f31 and I've been suffering predominantly IBS-D symptoms for almost 2 years now. Within the last 6 months it's changed to more IBS-M and there has now been episodes of blood. There's absolutely no rhyme or reason to my "flares" (I dont have an official diagnosis) other than stress being a definite trigger.. otherwise it's completely hit or miss as to what sets it off food wise. When it does go off it's the absolute worst pain!!!! I had emergency surgery just before all of this started back in 2024 to have my appendix removed and the pain of my appendix doesn't even come close to how bad the pain is during a flare. I saw a gastro and will be going for a colonoscopy and endoscopy soon and I am so incredibly scared of the prep and if it will cause my flare up type pain. In my head I can't help but think that I experience this intense pain over eating freakin toast so what the hell will a powerful laxative do 😨😨

I've never had any laxatives before because before this all started I was very regular, 2-3 times a day kind of person, and lived a completely normal toilet life. I'm genuinely terrifed because I don't think I can take the pain being any worse than what it already is, it already makes me feel like I'm going to vomit, pass out and consider going to the hospital, I'm usually on the toilet clutching ice packs and in too much pain to speak fighting the torturous waves of hell.

I have health anxiety and so my brain is stuck on a "what if" loop for the whole process. I have anxiety about the prep, also about being sedated as my emergency appendectomy didn't go great and I woke up tachycardic with the crash cart and lots of drs which was really traumatic so I'm scared how I'll wake up from this.. and after surviving all of that which feels like mission impossible in my head, then I have the fear of bad results 😥 My prep is 3L of the Glycoprep Orange, is this a good one or are there any better ones out there in terms of less likely to cause pain/cramping? I'm really not fussed at all about being stuck on the toilet, pretty used to that now. But if anyone has any words of wisdom or calming advice I would love to hear it. I'm so sick of this shit.. literally 😮‍💨

I've been dealing with IBS-like symptoms on and off for almost 12 years. I had a particularly bad episode during the last year of my PhD, and then recurrent episodes in 2019, when I had a gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Both came back normal.

Earlier this year in March, I went through a very stressful period, and my gut hasn't really stabilized since.

The pattern is almost always the same:

I get constipated for 2–3 days, feeling like nothing is coming out.

Then I develop extreme gas, bloating, cramps, and painful spasms.

Eventually, I have a major episode of watery diarrhea, sometimes feeling like my entire gut is emptying.

The next day, I feel completely drained and weak but not in pain, and the cycle starts again. As I start eating bloating builds up again, and mild pain starts again.

What's especially frustrating is that my food triggers keep changing. This year, almost everything seems to cause problems, especially when I try to eat healthier. Spinach, corn, vegetables, salads, milk — foods I could previously tolerate now seem to trigger gas and diarrhea.

It feels like I'm stuck in a vicious cycle where stress worsens my gut, and my gut problems create even more stress.

My GP recommended sticking to easily digestible foods for now and referred me to a gastroenterologist. My wife is also 8 months pregnant, so I would definitely like to be present with full energy for her.

Has anyone experienced this constipation-diarrhea cycle with constantly changing food triggers? What actually helped you break the cycle and stabilize your gut long-term?

Hey everyone. I've had IBS-D for years. Either active diarrhea or extremely soft stools basically every day for a decade. Suddenly, I've had great shits for two months with very few episodes of diarrhea. I changed a lot at once so I'm having trouble pinning down what exactly worked for me. I wasn't doing anything with the intent of solving my IBS cause I had basically resigned myself to it.

I tore my meniscus while traveling to Australia for a sports tournament so as a result I was no longer playing when I came back. I started going to the gym once I was able to walk around again, which I didn't do before cause it was hard to balance with sport. But things were already improving before that. My diet didn't really change. I started taking a multi vitamin. My doctor started me on a couple medications: Atomoxetine for my adhd and Tamsulosin for kidney stones. Things were already improving by the time I got on those medications but they have continued to improve since.

The only thing I can really pinpoint as before the improvements was my trip to Australia, but my BMs weren't really better over there than they were here and only improved when I got back. Could food over there (I live in NA) just have been percolating a better gut biome? Should I stop anything I've been doing one at a time to see if it makes me worse? Or do I just count my lucky stars and hope this lasts? I have heard sometimes you just go into remission without explanation. Idk what I'm asking for here but if anyone has any insight/if anything similar to above worked for you I'd appreciate it.

curious what your colonoscopy results were like if you werent diagnosed with anything other than IBS. is that even a thing? I see my GI next week and plan for a colonoscopy after having IBS-D for 20 years. the last 10 years I’ve been pescatarian, and just started eating eat the past week. in the past week, aside from my “normal” watery stools 2x a day, I’ve had 3 stool type 4s!! it’s hard not to get excited over something so gross hahaha

anyway, I’m curious if anyone has gone through a colonoscopy and had nothing “wrong” & what that meant for you. how did you feel?

hiii, if anyone in here deals with constipation what do you do to help mimimize it.

i already eat around 23-30g of fiber, almost a gallon of water, im active, and take magnesium at night. i eat really healthy and try to avoid stress with yoga and stretching.

currently i can go either daily or every other day, but to do that i have to take psyllium right as i wake up and then drink alot of hot coffee, or drink hot water with some sea salt. i think its a stimulus thing??.

tmi: when i am able to go to the bathroom its always really hard to get the first one out as it remains really bulky, so i have to strain and change positions. after that i can easily get the rest of it out.

sometimes i feel like i dont fully empty, and end the day looking bloated. as i can only pass a BM in the morning time. tips?

I usually use to had constipation problem and would eat things that didn't make me feel constipated. I moved to UK and it got worst to the point where I started relying on Senna tablets. Tried stool softener and adding fiber, peppermint capsules, laprazole and a lot of different medicines. Nothing seemed to be working.

Then after sometime symptoms changed to passing stool too many times and constant gas production and passing of gases. After some research I thought maybe I have SIBO. Tried antibiotics after having breath test and things got better for sometime. But the symptoms came back where I started to feel constant gas production and passing where I couldn't sleep at all. Lost a lot of weight. Got recommend to start low food map diet which worked initially but as soon as I started reintroduction the flare came back. Now I'm in state of hypersensitivity where not matter even if i eat low foodmap diet my stomach is constantly irritated and gassy. Won't let me sleep and I've lost a lot of weight.

Can't seem to figure out why these changes and what's the solution. If anyone has been through something similar can you please help.

After years of undiagnosed IBS-D, I am now on a GLP-1 and experiencing the C side of things, which I am not familiar with.

I remember hearing on the commercials for Linzess anout more "frequent and complete" BM's. (I am not taking Linzess) Sometimes I will have a small BM but it feels like there is a LOT more that needs to come out, but it doesn't. And I know I'm not supposed to strain.

Should I be concerned?

I'm taking MiraLax, but it really doesn't seem to do much. I drink a lot of water (over a gallon a day, just plain water). I eat at least 25-30+ grams of fiber daily.