Most of us long-term IBS sufferers are well aware that IBS is not life-threatening, and is rarely considered to be a ‘serious’ illness – we’ve had enough people say “Oh, it’s good that it’s just IBS then” to have a clear idea of exactly how seriously other people take this condition.
However, a new study mentioned in the new issue of the IBS Network newsletter shows that while the physical symptoms themselves are certainly not life-threatening, the mental and emotional effects may drive people to consider suicide.
The study, carried out at South Manchester University Hospital, found that a massive 38% of patients in ‘tertiary’ care (ie: those referred to specialist regional or national doctors) had thought about killing themselves because of their GI symptoms, what the researchers called an “extraordinarily high rate”.
If you mentioned that figure to a non-IBS sufferer they would undoubtedly be surprised – but I’m not.
IBS sufferers can have years and years of excruciating pain; they can have fecal incontinence and explosive diarrhea 10 times in a day; they can have constipation for weeks and hemorrhoids the size of marrows and while they’re going through all this strife they have to deal with bucketloads of people who think they’re faking it. I’m not surprised at all.
can ibs cause bacteria proplems and do you lose your appetite
Hi Irene. I guess when you say bacteria you mean the friendly or unfriendly bacteria in the intestines? There are some schools of thought which say that IBS may be caused to a certain extent by bad bacteria, but as ever there’s no definitive answer. And yes I think that some people do lose their appetites, especially if they have bad constipation, but it’s always best to check with a doctor if you have new symptoms.
hello everybody …
m amit m also suffering from ibs ,by reading this article felling haapy that IBS is not life threatening.
Thanks.
hi, i suffer with ibs and have been for the past year now i also have anxiety with it. my symptoms seem to be getting worse been to the doctors about 20 times in the past year, several blood and stool sample/tests later still no answer. i’m losing weight, my body is weak i really feel like i’m on the path to dying, everything i eat i just dont seem to digest and the food that is doesnt seem to stay in there for long. my periods have become irregular, i’m in bed most of the days and now i cant even go food shopping anymore cuz after 20 mins of walking i’m as weak as an elderly person and im only 22! i have a 2 year old daughter and am terrified im not gonna be around much longer to see her grow up if this continues and dont have anyone to help me either which makes me even more anxious about my situation. i’m not sure but i think ibs could well be life threatening!?
Charlene – do not give up! I am not sure what tests your doctors have performed on you, but make sure that you have been tested for celiac disease. I have been diagnosed with a gluten intolerance and, while I still suffer with symptoms on occasion, I am feeling so much better now that I have eliminated gluten from my diet. In addition to eliminating gluten, I have also eliminated dairy products. There are also antispasmodics that can be taken to help with the abdominal spasms. You have to start getting some nutrients in your system otherwise you will continue to lose energy. Try drinking Muscle Milk – a good source of protein and very gentle on the tummy. I have also switched to drinking almond milk and regulary eat LaraBars for more protein. All are Gluten and dairy free. Fullbites are another discovery of mine that are also G-Free and they have 8 grams of protein per package, plus they are a good source of safe fiber. I also take Beano meltaways prior to eating certain fruits and vegetables. You just have to test and see which fruits your system can tolerate and which ones give you trouble. I eat broccoli every day, but take a Beano before eating it. I drink a blueberry smoothie every day(made with my almond milk) – these are all good sources of proteins, vitamens and antioxidents.
A word of caution – if you have not been tested for celiac, pursue this right away! Do not eliminate gluten from your diet until after you have been tested, otherwise your test results will be skewed. That happened to me. I was gluten free for about four months before I was clinically tested and the celiec test came up negative. However, by doing the elimination diet, the GI doctor concluded that I was gluten intolerent.
Keep exploring, researching and keep asking questions, but do not give up. Your daughter needs her happy mommy. Please keep us posted as to how you are doing. K