"IBS Journey from Teenager to Almost 60"

I have struggled with bowel symptoms for many years, with intermittent discomfort since my teens. It has been something that I feel has affected my whole life, and I don’t feel I have ever really been listened to.  I went to my GP in 2023 after feeling particularly low about my symptoms, in particular after going through the menopause, and a wonderful, young, enthusiastic GP in my Budleigh Surgery did all the tests needed, to rule out anything sinister, and then referred me to a Dietician.

The waiting list was long, but eventually my appointment came through.  I met Steve, Community GP Dietetics, at Exmouth Hospital and we had a great conversation about my long term symptoms, he gave me some advice about diet, a FODMAP booklet and suggested lactose free milk and wheat/gluten free, some of which I already eat.  We agreed to follow up at a later date.

I started immediately with wheat free cereal for breakfast with lactose free milk.  What a difference this made, I won’t say it was life changing, but it did change my life for the better. I spent the next couple of months trying different things, not all at once, but I do know the triggers for my urgent bowel symptoms.  

I met up with Steve again 3 months after my initial appointment and discussed the changes I have made to my diet.  It was nice to say thank you to him for the difference he has made to the way I feel. It’s not perfect, but I know I have the information to help me make a difference to how I feel.  

Thanks you so much to the GP, Dr Rejzl, who listened to how I felt in the first place, and to Steve for helping me feel a bit more comfortable in myself than I have for over 40 years.