IBS and BAM

What is BAM, googled it but doesn’t show anything medical, also what is C,D or M.

BAM is bile acid malabsorption. IBS-D is irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhoea. Not sure about C and M, perhaps the OP would like to explain.

I think C is constipation, M is mixed.

I think it is better to wait until you have time to type the words rather than abbreviations.

I have suffered from IBS-D (diarrhoea) for about 17 years. It was diagnosed by a doctor who didn't believe it even existed, knew very little about it and offered even less advice other than taking anti-diarrhoeal tablets as necessary. I just learned to cope with it as best I could and organised my life around it. I lost one job because of it and almost a second one. I've learned a lot more about it over the years and tried all the special diets, none of which made much difference for me. I don't bother asking for medical advice any more, I flatly refuse to be poked, prodded and investigated now. IBS-D is hugely inconvenient, restrictive and often very embarrassing, most people just don't realise how much it affects everyday life, but now I just get on with it. Many people have much worse problems to deal with.

I have IBS, for me, personally, going gluten-free has helped immensely. I do understand it does not work for everyone though. I don't have BAM.

It really is a matter of trial and error. Gluten free helps a lot of people (but you must keep it up for a few months to know if it helps - the gut takes a while to heal). Low FODMAP (google it) helps others. Probiotics can be useful. There is also the Nerva app which some people find very good.

Good dieticians are hard to find - long NHS waiting list. GPs will probably suggest all or some of the above.

It is very debilitating, socially and physically. Hope you find a solution.

@happysexagenarian It could be me writing your post. I so understand the embarrassment and terrible effect IBS D has on your life. Ive had it for 3 years and it's getting worse. Like you I manage it, but it constantly dominates my life. I so wish there was a treatment other than Imodium.

Tortoiselover You too have my commiserations - and all other sufferers here. As you say it really does dominate one's life. I believe research is ongoing into a connection between IBS and Asthma. Sounds odd I know, but many sufferers have both. I'm one of them, though I now can't remember which occurred first. Given the pressure on the NHS I rather doubt that a 'cure' or effective treatment will be found in my lifetime (I'm 71). My biggest fear is becoming too old to manage it any more, a very depressing thought !!

I have been prescribed Mebeverin, often sold as Colofac, which is an antispasmodic, and it works for me. I have to watch what I eat. Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are a No No, but broccoli is fine - no sense there. I eat plenty of veg but hold back on fruit unless by chance I get a bit constipated, but it is usually the other way. I know I have to be really careful when eating out, so I usually opt for something unhealthy. Salad dressing acts like a laxative! Mostly by sticking to what is safe for me, I can avoid problems when I am out.

I have IBS-M, was diagnosed in my 60s, I’m sure it was caused/exacerbated by stress at work. I was prescribed Mebeverin at first but that didn’t help at all, then a different GP in the surgery prescribed Buscopan which did/does help. I tried various changes in diet, none of them made any real difference. Because of the stress, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and I eventually ended up going off work on long term sick, went through a lengthy absence policy procedure and took early retirement (three years before I was due my state pension). That was five years ago. My IBS is fairly well controlled nowadays, still have the occasional bout, and usually have no idea what has triggered it. I eat lots of veg, not much fruit. Normal mixed diet otherwise.
Like Happy I also have asthma, that was diagnosed in my 30s, and is (usually) very well controlled by medication.