IBS sufferer

[satu]

Hi all,

Recently I started suffering from IBS, which I did not know I have. A month ago I got a horrible IBS attack and I saw 3 doctors who were just doing guess work on what I have. The third one took some tests and decided I'm constipated (even if it was caused by the medicine that the second doctor had prescribed).

Anyway, I have IBS and the only medicine that's worked on any level - Mebeverine Hydrochloride. I took it two tablets per day (bit less than prescribed because of the side effect mentioned above) for about 10 days. I was much better, not swelling that much anymore and most of the pain was gone. Then i ran outta tablets and within 5 days it was back - not as bad, but I needed medicine again.

I phoned my doctor's practice and asked if it'd be possible to have a prescription without coming in as I have been hectically busy. The person on the phone said "oh, no for this you definately need to see a doctor". The following day i found in the internet that you can buy this medicine over-the-counter. Definately need to see a doctor? They know nothing in this country. I'm used to high quality doctors and secretaries at home, but in the UK they are not well educated (talking from a lot of experience).

Anyway, I'm now going to take 3 tablets per day and see what happens.

If someone has any good advice as I'm new with this, I'd really appreciate it. I guess if this does not help this time, I'll have to see a doctor again.

My work's very stressful as my colleague is so lazy and gives me all the work. And she's the manager! Should be fired. Anyway, I've resigned so I have 3 weeks left.

Then I'll have a couple of months off as we're leaving the country, taking a couple of months off and then going to start working again.

Thank you,
Satu

[Wahaika]

Satu,

Try psyllium fiber. One tablespoon 30 minutes before breakfast, for about a week, then raise it to two. Should completely fix the problem after a day or two.

Also look into Bowelsoothe by Vitapharmica.
www.healthyhabithealthfoods.com/shop/product_view.asp?storeID=85396XFVRESR2LHC0G03N0ET9V8V2T6A&id=19638&special=true&privateproduct=1
www.bowelsoothe.com/

Also, avoid things that will make you acidic, especially citric acid.

Good luck!

Wahaika

[satu]

Hi Wahaika,

Thank you for your reply.

I've been taking Senokot (Ispaghula Husk - fibre) for a couple of weeks now. As I mentioned i first got a bit better and then again worse after stopping Mebeverine Hydrochloride. I've also noticed coffee has come effect so I'm dropping it mostly again. No more tomorrow.

They sell the following psyllium fibre here www.hollandandbarrett.com/vf/labels/003241HB.pdf
I don't know if that'd help. Although I have a feeling it won't anymore than the one I'm already taking.

I was also taking Lactulose Solution for a couple of weeks. I stopped it also a week ago at the same time as the tablets. I could buy more.

I feel like nothing helps. There must be something.

Thank you again.
Satu

[Wahaika]

Hello Satu,

This is also real good stuff. No additives of any kind. Maybe Holland and Barrett have the same thing somewhere.

shop.hihealth.com/Ultra_Plan_Colon_Pure_20_oz__P4962.cfm

The warnings and cautions on the Holland and Barrett capsules are well taken for this also. You need to drink it down quick and with lots of water. I use a shaker cup and shake it for about 10 seconds and gulp it down, fight gag reflex because it tastes terrrrible, then chase it with more water. It works very well. But it is like anything else, once one stops using it the problem eventually returns, unless one is eating a lot of fresh salads and fruits all the time. Then something like this is not needed.

IBS is usually caused by a roughage deficiency. Are you taking a lot of magnesium?

Wahaika

[satu]

Hi Wahaika and again thank you for your help.

I'll pop in Holland and Barrett tomorrow to have a look at what they have.

I'm not taking any magnesium. Should I? I'm going to have to start eating more fibre generally it seems. I'm very bad at taking foods with fibre. My mom suggested putting oat bran in yoghurts and other foods.

Thank you,
Satu

[Wahaika]

Hello Satu,

Magnesium is good to take if you are also taking calcium, it's just that if you are up into the 1200+ range, it tends to make matters worse in the IBS department unless you are also getting a lot of fiber.

I would say that the best source of fiber is apples then peaches or plums, and dark leafy greens and celery. Psyllium fiber is very good for this if you are not getting the fiber though diet. These foods will also lower the acid levels.

Wahaika

[satu]

Hi Wahaika and everyone else,

Thank you for advice.

I'm not taking calcium at the moment at all. I'm still taking psyllium husk and it's helping me with the digestion, but I've also noticed that I'm intolerant (at least temporarily) to vegetable oil and veg. fat. Any food with even a little bit of it gives me horrible stomach pain so I'm trying to avoid it.

What has really helped me is digestive enzymes and fennel to help with the digestion, but now my body's used to them and I the aches very easily if I don't take them after every little snack. I've been cutting down, but cannot leave them out completely.

I know this whole thing is because of stress. Although, I've now been without working for a month and it's still not completely gone. I'd been in awful stress for over 9 months. I quit my job and we left England. Gosh I hated it. I'm considering seeing a doctor now here as our health care is one of the highest in the world and the one in London was awful. I was a better doctor for myself than the one I saw.

Thank you.
Satu

[CocoLily]

If you'd like you can check out a product called Colonix ---http://drnatura.com/

It's all natural ingredients... though it's a bit expensive, but probably cheaper than prescription drugs. It is a cleanse though, so I'm not sure how it will affect BE. Maybe a bit of dowsing will help?

Best of Luck!

[satu]

Hi 2008reso,

Thank you for your advice. Have you done this Colonix cleanse yourself or know anyone who has?

I'm not on BE anymore. I'm trying to lose weight and get rid off this IBS at the moment. Funny you should mention dowsing because it was only this morning I thought I'll dowse for my tummy. I did a lot of dowsing for a year and a half or over, but haven't since I stopped my BE regime.

Satu

[CocoLily]

I am currently doing the cleanse right now, and though I don't have IBS it definitely gets your bowels moving (I'll spare graphic details ). Perhaps you could dowse if the program will work for you.

Best of luck!

[et]

i have IBS, have seen a number of quite unpleasant episodes; and as of late have managed to normalize it without taking any meds. i'm doing what seems like 4 key things to control the condition:

- lots of fruit and veg; only complex grains. this is easy for me since i'm on a vegan diet, but really. minimize meat, minimize dairy (except yogurt), minimize all simple carbs. load up on fresh veg, especially leafy greens. it really makes a huge difference.
- eat small meals multiple times a day; snack on a piece of fresh fruit now and again; don't eat late in the day; avoid spicy foods and alcohol; minimize caffeine and drink lots of clear liquids. what and how you eat makes more of a difference than most pills you can pop.
- 2 supplements: good quality acidophilus (to restore healthy intestinal balance) and triphala (to cleanse the colon)
- daily practice of qigong - i imagine something like yoga would work, too, as it relaxes the abdomen and calms the mind (a lot of IBS symptoms are related to feelings of anxiety and nervousness etc)

best of luck!

[satu]

Thank you very much for your replies.

My stomach is mostly normal now, but the only problem is with vegetable oil, which is everywhere. I seem to have a real intolerance for it. Even the tiniest amount causes swelling and aching. Without it I'm just fine. Psyllium Husk was a BIG help for keeping my stomach in a good condition. Thanks to Wahaika who suggested it. I'm very bad at having fruit and veg so I will have to stick to the husk.

Meat doesn't do anything bad for me. Dairy does a bit as I'm lactose intolerant too. Maybe I'll try to have more veggies.

I may give a try to acidophilus as it's one of the things I haven't tried yet. I've had some sour milk (scandinavian product) with acidophilus in it.

I haven't tried triphala either. Will do a search.

My IBS us definately very much related to anxiety, but I'm working on that too and have also walks to relax.

Thank you.
Satu

[snowqueen67]

hey Satu, remember me?

Just popped in and saw this thread. I am a mostly recovered IBS sufferer. I still take senna daily and have to avoid certain foods and over/undereating.

However I recently found a natural supplement for stress which is wonderful, and can be taken as needed or regularly. It is called
Seredyn and works quickly to get rid of my anxiety. I take it before I am in a situation where I might get anxious/panicky.

Hope that helps. Hope you are doing well (apart from IBS!)

love

rebecca

[satu]

Hi Rebecca,

Of course I remember you. Hope things are good.

I'll have a search for this Seredyn. I definately would like to have a herbal med that can be taken occassionally.

I'll send you a PM.

Satu