Photo Testimonial: Irritable bowel syndrome prevents people from living

Marie's testimonial
Irritable bowel syndrome prevents people from living

It has been 5 years now.

After many trips to general practitioners, hospitals and specialists, after hearing repeatedly "it's gastro" from general practitioners or "it's a contagious gastro, stay in the waiting room" at the hospital while I was in the middle of a pain attack, we finally discovered the name of this pain that arises without any warning sign.

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as "functional colitis", has periods when nothing happens and then, all of a sudden, it's back to seizures that paralyze you, major digestive disorders and cramps. The pain usually occurs during or after a meal. A constant feeling of bloating, a decrease in appetite but also terrible fatigue are associated with it.

These symptoms come to the point where you are afraid to leave home for fear of not feeling well, afraid to do certain things for fear you won't be able to reach a bathroom in time. I always have to have painkillers in case of pain attacks but they will only minimize the sensation and not completely eradicate it. On a daily basis, I have to pay attention to everything I eat, everything I do, I try everything to avoid crises and if they happen, to calm them down, but nothing does.

This testimonial is part of the graduation project of Gaëlle Regnier, a student in photography at the Agnès Varda School of Photography and Visual Techniques in Brussels. She chose chronic pain as the theme of this photo report to highlight the patients and their struggle.

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@JosephineO I suffered from IBS, Irritable Bowel And Diverticulitis all diagnosed by GP's but never investigated. I tried every diet going, dairy free, gluten free etc. Then, Privately I had a colonoscopy. Yes I have diverticulitis, but the consultant told me that Ppi's I had been taking for 17 years were causing inflammation! 

I am now much better. No more losec, went grain free and took hemp oil for a few months. It is a very slow progress, with stumbling blocks along the way, but it has been worth the effort.

This might not work for you, but there will be things to help, you must just keep looking.

I had my IBS diagnosed at the hospital. I've had camera's inserted from both ends and just recently a colonoscopy. I always keep Immodium close by and TenaLady pants just in case. I also have to self irrigate to help me stay regular, once you get used to it its not too bad... honest! 

I suffered with ulcerative colitis for over 10 years , completely ruined my life colonoscopy every year , life on hold needed toilet approx 28 times a day and was scared to go anywhere unless I plotted where the toilets were on route. Eventually had 15 polyps removed from bowel all were benign and since then I have had no trouble and can lead a normal life  praise the Lord 

I constantly cough up mucas ;. Diagnosed with reflux tablets not any use. Also non alergic rhinitis, take embastina anti histamine some days ,

i like to drink rose wine i know this causes sore ulcerated mouth , even when i have stopped drinking the symptoms of reflux dont go away,

I suffer with constipation, numbness in leg ,dry itchy eyes, dry skin.

@Tazzbar I'm delighted to hear your good news that you don't have to worry about having a toilet near all the time, it must be such a relief.

@Casacapa I'm sorry to hear about that :/ I'm sure there are a lot of members that can relate, feel free to post about it in our forum dedicated to digestive disroders:

https://member.carenity.co.ukhttps://www.carenity.co.uk/forum/digestive-tract/living-with-digestive-disorders-29

I have had IBS and diviculatus for many years due to the constant prescribed use of predisinole for asthma. My digestive system is shot and they haven't yet been able to do a successful endoscopy because residual food waste  Upto a year ago I would never go out oor eat at New places  I took a conscious decision with my sons help and support once I weaned myself off the predisinole that I was no longer going to let it dictate my life and now I go out with a group of understanding friends 2 or 3 times a month. 

That's brilliant news so happy for JazzyC being able to go out & eat & being part of the social scene can be only a very positive boost to your life 😊

I have been allergic to wheat, dairy and protein for many years, but adjust my diet accordingly. I spoke to doctors in South Africa for years regarding cramping after a meal, telling them I thought I had IBS or another diagnosis. This, I am sure, wasn't helped by the use of Diclofenac which the doctors put me on previously; my pharmacist told me it causes ulcers and other gastric problems so I stopped taking it. 

Since relocating I haven't had a chance to have this seen to properly, as my epilepsy testing is more important at present. When experiencing cramp, I take Buscospan now which certainly eases the situation within 5/10 minutes. Once my epilepsy testing etc. is over, I will take this subject further with the doctor. 

Thank you for giving us further information; always greatly appreciated!