Living With Fibromyalgia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Fibromyalgia brings with it a plethora of annoying symptoms, and some syndromes--including irritable bowel syndrome. This is an illness where you will experience alternating constipation and diarrhea, painful cramping of the lower intestine following meals, which is relieved by having a bowel movement, gas, urgency, feeling as if you still have to go after going, bloating, loss of appetite, mucus in the stool, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.

Tests done on patients with IBS reveal no inflammation or any other issues common to other similarly-symptomed syndromes (such as Crohn's or ulcerative colitis). Which test to conduct on a patient with IBS symptoms generally rests on the patient's age. Younger patients may not be given some of the tests that an older patient will be given- colon cancer must be ruled out, especially in patients over 50.

IBS can be a complicated illness to treat. Treatment for IBS, once it is determined to be the diagnosis, is generally dietary. A high fiber diet is recommended for those patients who suffer from the more diarrhea-based type, and increasing water intake and exercise is generally recommended for those who suffer from the more constipation-related type. One thing for both groups is to eat smaller meals. Because of the possibility of food-avoidance, it can result in malnutrition in some people, if they are afflicted by multiple food sensitivities. It is imperative that people with IBS take supplements, and monitor their food intake to ensure that they are getting 100% of their necessary vitamins and minerals.

Recently, many doctors have begun treating IBS as a more psychological illness. Many anti-anxiety treatments have begun to be popular as treatment for IBS, and anti-depressants are also beginning to see increased popularity. If they work for you, certainly, use them. However, if the doctor is simply using them as a quick fix because nothing else is working, I would seek a second opinion.

The relationship between fibromyalgia and IBS seems to be stress-related. Both illnesses are made worse by stress, and if stress is able to be controlled, then you can turn your attention to the physical issues prevalent in both illnesses. With IBS, this would be increasing your fiber intake, taking anti-spasmodics if they are indicated, and monitoring your depression and anxiety levels. With fibromyalgia, of course, this would be concentrating on your muscle knots, taking care of your skin issues, looking into your sleep issues, etc.

Generally, taking care of IBS is not difficult- increasing your fiber intake, eating smaller meals, avoiding any trigger foods, and managing your stress will usually remove the symptoms and make things a great deal easier on your lower intestines.