Health check before you leave.

[Angie and Robert]

It was thought for years that I had a wheat intolerance, but the allegry specialist at Fermo hospital carried out what is called here "the prick test"....and there was no reaction, so perhaps Sprat you could get your GP to refer you to such a centre, at least then you would have much more idea of what you can eat and enjoy. I paid a small ticket price but that was all, well worth it.
A

[Sebastiano]

Originally Posted by Sally Donaldson

Here in the UK, there has been a delay in setting up medical histories on the nationwide computer database. I do wonder then if there are indeed plans to extend this to other EU countries.

my medical history is already computerized and i can get the cd at any time from my doctor there is no plan to make a big brother system as it would probably constitute a breach of our privacy..personally i wouldn't want a national data base likethat

[Gala Placidia]

Originally Posted by pilchard

I too suffer greatly with IBS and have found nothing that has helped. I will endevour to buy the peppermint capsules and give them a go. My IBS has become so very painful since moving to Italy. I wonder if others sufferers have noticed an increase in their IBS, pain & "spasms". I have recently attended a very good hospital here in Abruzzo and was given an X-ray. It mentions my IBS and the distension it is causing. The doctor said that I should cut down on green veg, very difficult as I'm a veggie. I am at the moment trying NO flour,rice,pasta...again very difficult. Has anyone any other gems of wisdom to offer. IBS is very debilitating..
windless from Abruzzo...Sprat

My advice is to ask for a specialist consultation as soon as possible. There is an excellent treatment combining a specific antibiotic (I think that the English name would be RIFAXIMIN or RIFAMICYN) with a probiotic product called "Lactobacillus Reuteri" (brand name in Spain is CASENBIOTIC). After having a thorough check up including blood tests, contrast X-rays and scan, they put you on two weeks of antibiotic followed by two weeks of the probiotic tablets every two months for a total of 4 sessions. Then, they do all the tests again and see how you go. Then, they may continue the treatment every six months approximately. They also give you antispasmodic medication if needed. The treatment really works and you can get an improvement of some 90% which is great. It makes a big difference. Google a bit and you will find information on the treatment. My doctor told me that it was something similar to the treatment they use for the helicobacter pylori, the bacteria which is the cause behind many ulcers.
If you want more information, send me a PM. I do not want to start giving doses, etc. just in case someone starts self medication which could be dangerous without a professional checking.
Good luck!

[Sally Donaldson]

IBS can also be triggered by hormonal changes, stress, and /or say in menopause or periods. It can just eventually go and not return ever again. I know someone who used to suffer but she's fine now.

Sebastiano, the theory is that if the database is nationwide, it means you can travel around the UK and should you have an existing medical condition, and fall ill, all your medical details are to hand, thus getting the most appropriate treatment.