Mum you're not alone..

Radio 4 Case Notes is a BBC Radio 4 programme which discusses common medical problems including one you may be interested in.
Here's a transcript of the relevant programme. IBS
It may be helpful to know that a lot of other people suffer from this condition, and that although the cause is unknown, some helpful strategies to cope have been developed.
The programme mentions which probiotics to use, the effect of stress, being worried about travel and eating out, and using hypnotherapy to ease the symptoms.
Interestingly, weight-loss is not part of the problem so your doctor really ought to be helping you with that!
Here's a quote from the transcript..
"Dr Mark PORTER
Robin, we had someone call the BBC about the use of the antidepressant Amitriptyline in low dose, she has IBS had been put on amitriptyline and it's worked very well but she's wondering whether it can be used in the long term. How's this drug working?
SPILLER
Okay so this is a drug that's been around a long time, it's safe and cheap in low dose, it's not actually used that much now as an antidepressant, the SSRIs have taken over - the newer drugs. It's a complicated action but one of its actions is to block histamine and I think most people will be familiar with antihistamines, they do relax you as well, and that may be part of the benefit if particularly taken at night in a low dose.
PORTER
So although it might be acting on the nerves and all sorts of different things you think the effects are probably that of a mild tranquilliser?
SPILLER
Yes and it makes people relaxed, it makes them sleep better and they feel better for the day the next day.

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