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Dual Diagnosis of IBS and IBD - How to treat and manage?


Sat, June 10, 2023 2:49 PM

Hello,

I was initially diagnosed with IBS in 2000. In 2008 that diagnosis was upgraded to Crohn's. Now, due to a current flaring of symptoms, my GI has told me that IBS is also in play. This was after a colonoscopy that found only a pre-cancerous polyp (which was removed). And, I didn't know you could have both.

Earlier GI specialists tried all the antispasmodics available with absolutely no results, but my current GI wants to try them again. I am currently on a biologic to treat my Crohn's and AS, so unless this could affect the efficacy of the antispasmodics that I'm not allergic to, I see no point in trying it again. I already went through all of that, which is what led up to being put on a biologic. Aside from taking Miralax up to twice a day and one dose of Benefiber (more was not better), I'm not sure what else to do. No specific foods stand out as causing problems, either.

If anyone else is in a similar predicament, I'd love to hear what's working for you so that I can follow-up on with my GI as a possible avenue for treatment and/or management.

Many thanks!

FPO ksaugustson
Joined Sep 26, 2009

Fri, June 23, 2023 7:31 AM

Reply posted for ksaugustson.

People who have IBD or IBS often try to treat it by changing what they eat. There’s no specific diet that works for everyone. Ask your doctor if it would help to:

  • Get more fiber (from food or supplements).
  • Avoid lactose, which is in dairy products.
  • Cut down on foods that make you gassy or bloated.
  • Get more water. (You can drink it or eat water-rich foods.)
  • Avoid caffeine and legumes (beans).
  • Limit or avoid FODMAPs, a type of sugar found in some fruits, vegetables, breads, and dairy products.
  •  

FPO gameofcrohns42
Joined May 11, 2023

Sun, June 18, 2023 2:43 PM

Reply posted for ksaugustson.

Hi, I only have Crohn's but I have a lot of friends whith IBS and I know specific diets have helped them. There are also diets that are known to help with IBD that the Foundation has written about like the Mediterranean and Specific Carbohydrate Diet. You could see if your GI thinks changing up your diet will help and if you could connect with a dietician. Determining if you have any specific trigger foods could also help.

FPO aleahmd
Joined Sep 8, 2022

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