Any IBS sufferrers out there?

[DisnyMama]

I can remember having this issue all the way back to Jr. high school. It is to the point now that I literaly live my life around it. If I am traveling I cannot eat anything for at least six hours before and during the flight, car ride, etc. till I reach my destination. Work, family and social gatherings where food are involved are a problem for me because things can become unpredicable and it can turn into an embarrassing situation for me. My ex used to give me a hard time about this but I didn't know what to do about it and neither did the doctor. They just kept telling me "more fiber". After doing some research myself about IBS alot of the symptoms including the pain and cramping are exactly what I experience and have been for about 30 years. It literally hit the nail on the head when it comes to diagnosing what I go through. I also have read many ways to try and eliminate the symptoms and causes of IBS and am looking for all the help I can get.

I was wondering if there were any Disr's that experience this lovely disorder and what they do to make their lives a little more comfortable.

 

[Cantw8]

I really believe the key to eliminating this disorder is to get rid of the stress in your life

 

[RonnieJo66]

My DD had IBS.

We have found that Oragnic Acacia Fiber from "Heathers Tummy Fibers" helps. It's a powder that can be added to anything moist (hot or cold).

She started out with a low dose and has worked her way up to a twice a day supplement.

She says it helps her.

 

[meeskamouska]

I think that there is a thread about this on the Coping and Compassion board...check it out....everyone there is really nice!!!

 

[daughter_of_amid_chaos]

My doctors thought I had IBS for years and told me to watch the fat. Then I got diagnosed with Celiac's Disease which is typically confused with IBS since they have some of the same symptoms.
You may want to look into that and other food allergies.

 

[mepperson]

Yes, stress is a big part of the problem. First, go see a colon & rectal specialist - not your regular doctor. You need a colonoscopy for them to really diagnose your problem. Could be IBS, could be Krohn's, could be unspecified ulcerative coilitis (that is what I have). All have same symptoms. But, you can be at a higher risk for colon cancer or other colon problems.

I am taking medication for it - which helps a lot. One is over-the-counter, called Flora-Q. You have to ask the pharmacist for it, but you don't need a prescription. It helps stabilize the "good bacteria". I also take a prescription med, Asacol. I am supposed to take 2 pills 3xs per day!!!!! But, I only take about 2 pills every other day, unless I am having a particularly bad time.

The first time we went to WDW I was terrified - waiting in lines, eating at the parks, etc. the stress made it so much worse. The second year I was on the meds and it was SOOOOO much better.

Good luck - and go see a doctor!!!!

 

[Robinrs]

I've had some real bad cases of it since my son was 3, he's 14 now.

At one point I lost 75 pounds and was so sick I could practically move. I went to so many doctors and had so many tests done and they could not find a name for what I was going through.

A friend who was suffering from Lupus and did a 180 degree health renewal suggested I see her doctor. He was a holistic doctor who concentrated on nutrition. He took me off milk and sugar first, then told me to separate my proteins and carbs.

After years of suffering I was fine in two weeks!!

It's been 5 years and I still have bouts when I don't "behave". One particularly bad bout was treated with Zelnorm which worked like magic.

Trips to Orlando used to be NIGHTMARES. I recognize what you said about scheduling your whole life around when you can eat. Nowadays when we go on trips I relive that agony and am so happy I have some control over whether or not I suffer.

I highly suggest you check into reputable holistic doctors. Find one that knows your problem. I thought I was the only one in the world suffering from it and when I sat with him he told me he sees it every day! It's one of the highest reasons for disability in the country! I feel your pain and pray you find a solution soon.

God bless,

Robinrs

 

[Sonya]

I used to. Deep fried foods made it worse, but anything could set me off. I took a prescription med for it and that helped. I was getting much better by the time I got pregnant and after DS was born I didn't have any more problems!!! Can you believe? After he was born I also went on prozac for PPD and I am wondering if that helped too. I can handle stress much better now. I have recently read that some people who are "untreatable" have been put on low doses of anti-depressants and have been doing really good.
Oh, I also took acidopholous (sp?) That seemed to really help. You need to get the kind you put in the fridge.
Good luck! I suffered for over 10 years. I know how bad it can be.

 

[tinaluis]

My oldest daughter (10) has IBD -- ulcerative colitis, to be exact, and she's on daily meds for it. She was diagnosed at 6 -- she'd had VERY infrequent blood in her stool -- 2x over a period of a year and a half, but I mentioned it to her ped and he wanted to follow up. I thought he was overreacting, but a colonoscopy confirmed that she had ulcerative colitis. She was pretty much asymptomatic so I thought her ped-GI was overreacting when he suggested daily meds (3x) a day. He inisted it was far better to control the disease and keep it inactive than to try to control a flare. We put her on the meds, but she eventually flared and it was a doozy. She had bloody bowel movements 20-25x a day, was keeled over in pain most of the day and missed a ton of school. We ended up homeschooling her for the second half of 2nd grade because of all the time she missed. It took us over 7 months to get it under control.

Fortunately she hasn't had another flare since then, but she does have occasional bouts of pain and diarrhea. When that happens, I have her eat something warm and bland, like oatmeal, and I give her a heating pad for her tummy. She tries to take it easy as much as possible, staying home from school if that's what it takes. She avoids milk all the time and most cheese, as well as ice cream and tomato sauce.

We went to see a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor when her flare was at its worst and she did acupuncture and gave us some herbs to try, but we really didnt' feel they were helping and our DD hated taking them. (They left a horrible aftertaste when she burped).

It sounds like perhaps you may have IBD as opposed to IBS if your symptoms have lasted as long as they have. Perhaps a visit to the doctor is in order. I realize that a lifetime of meds may not be appealing, but they may help to control your symptoms. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions you don't want to post here.

Tina

 

[cherylp3]

Have you seen a gastroenterologist? I lived many years thinking I had lactose intolerance or IBS. I finally saw a gastro dr. and when I had a ultrasound they found gallstones. (One was the size of a quarter, the dr. said it had likely been there for years.)

Cheryl

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Go see a gastro and get yourself a colonoscopy, please? That is my PSA. I had one done this past March and had a pre-cancerous polyp removed at age 41.
Just getting the colonoscopy is a stress reliever in itself because you finally get some answers.

 

[Serena]

I have it in a mild way. Stress is the major factor with me. Any time I'm upset about something it flares up. Luckily I'm getting to know how my stomach feels and can head it off at the pass. For me, a strawberry/banana julius and a pretzel works wonders.

 

[disneydude91]

My mom has IBS and I am so sick of her complaining about. Come on, we all get cramps dude!

 

[DisnyMama]

Ha! Ha! DisneyDude91! Please don't flame him. He's my DS and has quite a sense of humor but is actually very supportive. When I am going through periods of cramping he is so good to me and very understanding about how I have to deal with this disorder.

I have seen a Gastro and had my first Sigmoidoscopy at the age of 18. I have had many Sigs and colonoscopies over the past 20 years, had my gall bladder removed 12 years ago, had an endoscopy about 3 years ago and had a barium enema (lower GI) done last May and all have been negative. I don't doubt that stress is an issue and was even at the young age of 14 because my teenage years were very difficult.

Thanks to all of you for the advice and suggestions that you have already posted.

 

[Aimeedyan]

What has your GI given you for it? I am assuming you've seen at least one over the years due to all the tests Has anything helped?

I'm glad you've at least ruled out other things already through testing. Lots of people assume it's just IBS when it's really something more major and they need to be checked. I have IBD, but thankfully don't have the diarrhea so I can't help by giving suggestions on good tactics for that.

Perhaps a visit to a holistic doctor might be worth a shot! No one should have to live like that =(

 

[kydisneyfans]

Was diagnosed with Crohn's in 93.

Flare ups are definitely caused by stress-I have been hospitalized by eating nuts and salad. Both are banned from my diet. Milkshakes or strong milk based products are also problems here.

I take a calcium supplement daily, a multivitamin, and am supposed to take 3 pills daily of some sort. I only do those when I feel "on edge". Travel has never been a problem as I am overly relaxed on the road and at theme parks.

 

[DisnyMama]

They have never given me any prescription medications. The only thing they have told me to do is to watch my diet and take metamucil. I am guillty of not doing well with my diet but I am going to work on getting more serious with it because this is getting rediculous. I have got to add more fruits and veggies for one thing, that I know and eliminate alot of the fats. More water might help alslo. I am not a good water drinker. I am really curious about the hollistic thing. I plan on doing some research into everything that has been given to me by all of you.

Thanks.