IBS - Need some advice.

[TotalBeginner]

For the last 23 years, I have suffered with IBS-D. It has steadily got worse over time, especially after having my gall-bladder removed 7 years ago.

I'm fairly new as cabin crew, but since having started the job, my IBS has become much worse. I've sought advise from my GP, but as usual, I get the same response. "There's nothing we can do, you're just going to have to live with it".

I have my suspicions that I may be suffering from the effects of excess bile salts, but that's another story.

Anyway, are there any other cabin crew out there who experience IBS? Any tips on how to reduce the likelihood of symptoms, or how to cope with it when you 'need to go' in the air?

Many thanks!

[John Marsh]

(SLF here). Heard from a radio phone-in caller: 60ml of pure, organic aloe vera, taken daily.

Run this by your doctor first, of course. Hopefully he'll allow you some hope!

[Zippy Monster]

Flight deck, not cabin crew. Have experienced it mildly, not quite like you suggest, but over-the-counter mebeverine and peppermint oil worked wonders for me. Both are accepted by the CAA for controlling IBS.

Also, although it sounds obvious, manage your fatigue well - it may be a factor, especially as you say it has become worse since becoming cabin crew. When I went off sick for a week and a half, when it was at it worst, I realised afterwards how exhausted I was/had been. As the work slowed down a bit over winter, so did the symptoms.

[Hobo]

Maybe try the Medical Forum further down the page . Lots of good advice usually dispensed there....

[Ancient Observer]

Have you tried the doctors at the CAA near Gatwick? They have an eclectic bunch of medical know-how, there.
However, I suspect they do not have a dietician, who is probably your best hope.

[blind pew]

Thought I had it for years ...all started many moons ago and possibly caused by smoke events.
Fairly recently discovered that I suffer from coeliac disease and a lactose allergy...since controlling my diet IBS dissappeared.
Good luck

[cressa]

ibs

I don't have jobs, but my gallbladder gets very unhappy during predestination and at altitude. I found that the best defense is to tag a tagamet just prior to taxi.

[blind pew]

Intolerance ...
Have lost most of sense of smell and taste... Hearing poor as is short term memory but believe Aerotoxic.
Also have reactions to chemically refined oils. Started going wrong on tridents and had a very bad time on dc10s. Health improved once I stopped flying jets but last two years significantly deteriorated especially after a cortisone injection.

[blind pew]

The cortisone injection made a radical difference to my coeliacs ...I thought I only had lactose intolerance and a sensitivity to oils..but after the second injection within a month felt extremely unwell and had a strange rash on my elbows. Thought it was caused by deadly nightshade after I dug up a grape vine.
Long story short ..eventually saw my French GP who hadn't a clue...did an extensive search on the Internet and the blisters are pretty unique to the intolerance.
Last six months have followed diet strictly but have had half a dozen "incidents" - mostly eating out (and not being told the truth) and once when I ate just four pringles crisps...just made the loo.
Actually feel much healthier now I know what it is and can control it.

[red.sky@night]

FWIW, lactose intolerance is usual for coeliacs who still have damaged villi. Part of the process of breaking down lactose involves lactase. Lactase is secreted from the villi ( if they are damaged its usual that insufficient lactase is produced ! )

BP, sounds like you encountered :
http://www.coeliac.ie/coeliac_diseas..._herpetiformis

[blind pew]

Thanks for that red sky...hit the nail on the head. Regards BP

[Bearcat]

I use colofac re my ibs