Discussion- Handling IBS/IBD/Crohn's Symptoms

I don't know what I have and not completely. Maybe IBS, maybe not. I was told at one point as a kid that's what it was, but other things should be ruled out first and they clearly failed at that. Overall though, my GI system is senstive. Stomach too.

There are some foods I have cut out entirely and others that I drastically limit. Sometimes with plans I plan specific meals or snacks as they seem to help.

When it comes to coping with symptoms, laying down, a heating pad and rooibos with a fair bit of honey or sugar seems to help me. I have meds for swelling that can cause GI symptoms, although determine when it's an actual swelling attack isn't easy. I do make use of probiotics and digestive enzymes, just PRN basis or when taking other meds. I don't use any IBS specific meds.

I've had IBS for over a year now, and I've done nearly everything to lighten the symptoms. My body has limited the time when I can eat certain foods, and at all; I learned each limitation the hard way, but now I follow those 'guidelines' my body sets for me. In short, I listen to what my body tells me. I've cut out many foods and followed a 'FODMAP' diet. A heating pad has helped with lingering intestinal/abdominal pain as well.

This year, I've cut out any inorganic foods, and I only eat what has been certified as organic. I also mix bone broth powder in my drink twice a day, and take a probiotic once a day. It may be too soon to tell if there is any change, but I have been getting sick less at least. I'm just waiting for more signs of change, and when they come, I'll know.

I have an unnamed gallbladder/bile-duct disease that also affects my bowels so I have a lot of the usual IBD symptoms. Since my IBS-like symptoms began, probiotics have really been a life saver. I honestly don't know if I'd be able to function without them! I take them every morning along with my obligatory vitamins and minerals (because of my incredibly restrictive diet). The probiotics along with my new diet has decreased my flare-ups immensely, and especially the symptoms I'm not so comfortable talking about, like diarrhea..
So, I'm beyond thankful for probiotics.

When I do flare up however, I just stay at home and watch some feel-good film or documentary on Netflix or such. I usually also call a friend just to vent because flaring is usally so emotionally and mentally draining and challenging. Also, taking a hot shower and keeping warm helps, and it also helps to boil water and then drink it when its temperate. I usually put some honey in mine to make it tastier!
If a flare-up happens when I'm somewhere inconvenient (like in town or on the airport or something), I take medication. (anti-cramping medication for my gallbladder cramps, and Immodium for diarrhea).

idk what i have specifically cause ive had some intestinal diseases like narrowed down and my doctor thought i could of had ibs-c but the low fod map diet and some of the symptoms dont fit, so all i know is ive had chronic constipation my entire life. for most of my life i took merilax (it helps if you drink lots of water with it, and with any medicine like that being hydrated helps alot) but it stopped working cause i took it everyday for years since that was the only medicine i had. now ive gotten new medicine (amitiza, senna, milk of mag and ect) and it helps but the only pain medicine that was available at first was this one that made me more constipated (my doctor didnt tell me about that side effect, so make sure you look into side effects of medicines youre taking to make sure it isnt making you worse) so now i take ib-guard (its a mint pill thing, its for ibs pain but it helps me so it helps with nausea and pain) and it helps it make it so i can still try to carry on with my day. i also use a corn/rice heating pack and it helps too, i usually lay down and wait for the pain to pass. if im at school or somewhere where i cant just put everything to the side i try to loosen my pants (i feel like tighter pants make the pain worse) and if i can go to the bathroom (or at least go to the bathroom to take a break). i feel like my flair ups happen randomly usually but sometimes after i physically exert myself or before bed for some reason. also when my doctor thought i had ibs she said theres a newish thing to help with pain (it seemed like a hassle with having to shower and stuff tho) its a acupuncture thing that sits behind your ear and is supposed to help with pain? she didn't explain it in detail but if youre working with a doctor for your stomach stuff maybe try to bring it up to see what they think?? sorry this is long, i hope it helps someone!

I was recently informed I have IBS. I knew something had to be wrong and I figured it was IBS but glad I finally got the diagnosis.