New member

[AgateGuy]

New member here. Looking to commiserate with other IBS sufferers about how they are dealing with symptoms. I’ve been told that a lot of this (bloating, constipation) is brought on by stress. But then you start “doomscrolling” to better understand your symptoms and you see all kinds of stories of people having similar only to find they have cancer. My last colonoscopy was 4 years ago and they found a small tubular adenoma that was benign but I’m scheduled for a follow up next year. The prevailing literature suggests I have a low risk of cancer, but you never know. I just retired after 19 years at my last employer and I’m sure the stress of this transition is contributing to my current bout of IBS. Looking for ideas on how to treat these symptoms from others in similar circumstances

[angelwings52]

Hi, the best thing that I did for stress related flare ups was to have hypnotherapy, I can't recommend it enough. I saw a hypnotherapist but there are self guided apps available. I'm not sure about tests in the US, but here in the UK we have FIT tests (Faecal Immunochemical Test). I've had them through my doctor, you could ask if there's something similar available, the test checks for any traces of blood, which can indicate problems.

I would suggest getting your gall bladder checked, it can cause similar symptoms, and see if your diet has changed at all. When I had bad bloating I used peppermint oil tablets and occasionally peppermint tea, that can help. And try to avoid the "doomscrolling"!

[wb54]

angelwings got to you first. I can only support what they say. I have a FIT test roughly every 6 months via GP, and a FIT every every two years on the NHS here in the UK. As an aside I now have a macroadenoma on my pituitary gland, speaking to the consultant yesterday she said adenomas were at low risk of being anything other than benign. However, if they continue growing and start pressing on something important, mine is the optic nerve, they are best dealt with. It could be stress, the change in circumstances, and that check-up getting closer. Good luck.

[AgateGuy in reply to wb54]

Hello from across the pond and thank you for responding! I have used other forums like this (I was on a similar one for heart valve surgery prior to my mitral repair 7 years ago ). I’ve had IBS for as long as I can remember and I always seem to get flare ups during stressful events. Retirement would probably qualify (we also just lost our 17 year old dog to cancer at the same time…a double stres whammy). I’m seeing a gastroenterologist just to confirm this is IBS and just started using an app called Nerva to help me with symptoms until it all passes. Thanks again for keeping in touch and commiserating