Change in bowel habits and anxiety, getting really concerned it's not IBS

[uk23]

I've had IBS for 12 years now and it was mostly under control, however around six months ago I started getting bloated more and more and now for the last month I am bloated non stop and not just a little bloated, I mean fully distended. I've had blood tests (CBC, Electrolytes & Urea, Liver Function, Inflammation) and they have come back normal. I have also had previous tests in the past such as Thyroid and Lupus and those have also been normal. I had an ultrasound a year ago from neck to pelvis and that again was normal.

The main issue is I don't know what to do about the bloating. I've seen my GP and he says it's IBS and there is nothing else they can really do. I've tried every antispasmodic there is and still no help, although Mebeverine did work for 7 years.

I have always had IBS-C but at the moment it's like I feel the need to go but mostly constipated and the smell has changed somewhat. I have tried Yoga poses and they do seem to get a lot of gas out but they don't always work. I've also had the doctor poke away and he didn't find anything that concerned him.

Any advice would be really appreciated, I'm starting to think it's not IBS now and my anxiety is getting much worse.

[Annie0904]

You have been checked by your doctor and had tests done to show it is nothing else and it does sound like IBS. I have ibs also and get really bloated with it sometimes. I know this might sound silly but the thing I find that works best for me with the bloating is baby gripe water! A tablespoon full of it seems to clear it. I have also used aloe vera juice which helps. Hope you feel better soon

[Elle-Kay]

I don't have IBS, but I saw an episode of that programme "Embarrassing Bodies" the other day where a lady did, and the TV Dr referred her to a clinical, specialist hypnotherapist to help with any thoughts processes/emotional attachments to the IBS. She said it really helped (far-fetched as that might sound to some).