Happy St. Paddy's Day!

I'm starting this blog because I've seen, from other stories here and on other websites, that the fight against IBS can be a long one, and often doesn't follow a straight line...

I have a lousy memory, so I want to use this both to get feedback from others, and to keep track of where I've been in my fight against my "gut issues," so that I have a better idea of where I should go.

After years of having periods of severe bloat, and what is probably IBS-D (or the alternating variety -- is that called IBS-A?), I finally went to a gastro doc with the intention of resolving it. In the past, just when I'd start to think it was bad enough to need doctoring, it'd get better. I've never been able to pin down what sets off my problems (bloat, D, C, farting like crazy, and psycho-sounding gut sounds), and also have never been able to point to what's made them go away.

Right before my first doc visit, I finally tried enteric Peppermint. It was like a miracle cure. I felt so much better that I almost cancelled the appointment. But I didn't, and I told the doc about them, and he said that it's a known fact that peppermint can often REALLY help some people. He said to watch out for the peppermint causing GERD, though -- and, shortly after, I started experiencing a 'metal' taste in my mouth, which I think is GERD, so I've started taking generic Pepcid, too.

The doc set me up for a celiac test, hydrogen breath test for SIBO, and a colonoscopy. The breath test was disappointing -- I suffered NO symptoms, so I knew that ruled that out. The celiac also came back negative (every negative test is a BAD thing, because it makes it less likely I'll get a diagnosis, I think). My colonoscopy's not until next month. I had my last one about 3 years ago, and I believe that they did find some polyps, so I"m nervous about colon cancer.

The weirdest thing is the way the peppermint is acting. I think I forgot to take it for a couple of days, on the weekend. I was feeling so good, that I just didn't think about it. Then I noticed my symptoms coming back - BAD. I started doubling up and taking 2 caps a day (about 3 days ago) but, even though the peppermint seemed to have an almost immediate and miraculous effect when I started it, it's not kicking back in like I hoped. Almost as thought stopping it has messed up my system enough that it won't help me anymore? I hope not...

For my own purposes, I'm going to always try to close with a summary:
MARCH 2010
Celia - NO
SIBO - NO
Peppermint helps, but not if you don't take it consistently?
Colonoscopy coming up...

hi ive had ibs for nearly 20 years most of that 20 yrs i have sufferd from needing to go to the toilet about 5 times a day and not being able to go far from home and when i do go anywhere i have to take atleast 4 imodium before hand. i always need to know where the toilets are when i do get out and about. The past 4 days i have had a lot of pain on my right side of my stomach which tends to be up and around my stomach and i have alot of gas and constipation can any body give me any tips on how to relieve this pain please. thank you for reading this.

I've spent the last three days in PAIN.. and today isn't getting off to a good start either. I've been eating MORE FIBER, I cut caffeine out. The pain has been BAD. Took a vicodin the first day and have just been suffering the other days. The pain moves and I assume it's as the food is moving along in my intestines and through my colon. My insides are SO sore. I haven't had an episode like this since October and I sure hadn't been missing them. I don't know what brought it on? I went ONE day without purposely incorporating fiber in my diet (I had no fiber bars and was sick of oatmeal!) ((BUT ONLY DRANK WATER AND ORANGE JUICE THAT DAY) and that night I ran out to the store for fiber bars and the next day went all to hell. I was miserable. Kind of amusing.. the gastro doctors office called that day and asked how I was "doing." He had left a message for me to report back and a week and let them know if things had changed. I knew there was no reason to do that, so I didn't bother. WELL, they called me. I told the girl I was still having problems... but the high fiber might be helping a bit and she said something along the lines of.... I WAS diagnosed with IBS.... there's not going to be a miracle for me...... I'm always going to have problems. Uh.... exactly... that's why I wasn't planning on calling back with a "report." Over the last three days, I can't tell you how many bowel movements I had, but it was quite a bit. And I am IBS-C. I spent 11 minutes in the bathroom, probably using it constantly for 7 minutes. There was so much pain/pressure yesterday, that it felt as if my uterus was going to fall out everytime I stood up.

I'm just really struggling. It's hard for me to give into IBS and only eat what IT wants me to eat. That won't be anything I want to eat. I've read and read on IBS and they say IBS IS NOT CAUSED BY WHAT YOU EAT. But WHAT YOU EAT, CAN EFFECT YOU. So how do I just go from one day I can eat whatever I want (over two years ago) to now eating NOTHING that I want, just so that I feel like a normal person. Stupid stupid IBS!

My husband REALLY wants me to try a colon cleanser. Has ANYONE did this? To me, I don't see a reason. I have a problem with my insides, they don't like food. Sure a colon cleanser will clear me out but then I'll just get backed up again. My body does NOT know how to handle food anymore! I'm breastfeeding right now, so I don't think it's even an option for me right now, SO my husband suggested an all fresh fruit/veggies for a colon cleansing. And I don't know if I'm just stubborn or what, but I don't feel like I can do that. What... will I fix meals for the kids and him and then chow down on something just blah? While watching them eat? IT'S NOT FAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got IBS 11/23/09, so I am trying to learn everything I can about it. I have read a few blogs and I am now starting to get scared. Am I going to be in pain all my life? Will I ever get better. I know there is no cure for it but there has to be something to help it? Please if anyone can help thanks so much.

I am trying my best not to feel silly, but I really need a place to complain, vent, and maybe even yell a bit. I've had IBS-C for two years now. I have figured out what my stomach/colon needs and can't stand. I know this alone means I'm doing better than many people. My struggle is with my weight. I can't eat the way I use to, which means I can't manage my weight in the manner that I used to. When I can devote time to organizing my food intake, I'm fine. I can loose and maintain by weight. But I'm also in school working on my PhD. This is stressful and time consuming and doesn't allow much time for focusing on what's best for me. It's gotten better and then it's gotten worse. Just wish I could figure it out.

I don't really anticipate answers with this blog. I just need a place to vent frustrations.

I had my flex sig two days ago. I was SO nervous. The worst part was the two stupid suppositories I had to do. My butt was just SORE. So, after I did an enema at the office, the nurses kept indirectly telling me to do it without sedation. That I would have to pump and dump for 24 hours (doctor said differently, and even pediatrician said differently). After them trying to make the sedation decision for me, I disregarded what they said and went with sedation ANYWAY. They took me into the procedure room and asked my name and birthdate... I told them, they were just rude. I expect nurses to be compassionate, they were anything but. And I almost started bawling on the bed. I mean, here I'm going through with some nerve wracking, something humiliating, something that I'd rather not do-but am tired of 2 years of PAIN and discomfort... and all they give me is shitty attitudes... how dare them! ANYWAYS..... So the doctor comes in, asked me my symptoms and next thing I know... someone askes me what I want to drink........ soda or applejuice. Then they wheel me out of the room, take me back to the room I started in and I asked for my husband. I didn't realize it at that time, but I was messed up. I didn't even think I had fallen asleep for the procedure. I was confused. The doctor came in at that time, told me he didn't see any polyps but that my colon was inflamed and they took a biopsy, I should hear from them in a couple of days.

Well I did today. I don't have coalitis so i've been AGAIN diagnosed with IRRITABLE BOWEL. He told me to STOP caffeine and dairy products and to start a HIGH FIBER DIET.

WE'LL SEE HOW THIS GOES...

This is probably a repeat of what everyone else is feeling, but need to rant!!

I must admit I sat in my doctor's surgery today and sobbed like a baby. I don't have the same sort of period related pain at present, as this was largely caused by constipation at that time of the month. Now I have chronic loose bowels, which I am unable to control, during the day or at night. I have constant moderate to bad pain, with episodes, thankfully not regularly, of severe crawling around the floor pain and am very, very tired no matter how much sleep I have.
I have only joined here today because I am at my wits end as to how I am supposed to carry on daily with a problem that no-one wants to talk about. Doctors seem to just consider IBS as a take this, or take this, or have you tried this condition. Nothing really works long term and if it does work initially, it then stops working or the chronic symptons come back. I thought it might help talking to people who are in the same position. After 10 years of doctors throwing the IBS word into conversations, colonoscopies and shortly a Gasoscopy, I finally found a Gastroenterologist who explained exactly what IBS is!!!!!! Until now I never really realised what I was suffering from.
So if anyone has any ideas I would be grateful. I teach English and going to the toilet, urgently, upto 12 times a day is something I'm finding increasingly difficult to live with. The only thing that relieves that is not eating, which is not an answer. The chronic tiredness is leaving me feeling quite down and very flat at the moment, waiting for more blood test results, but know they will be normal, so what's the answer?
I am trying the usual peppermint oil tablets, Buscopan, I was even prescribed Amitriptylin (an anti depressant, I have taken it!). Mebevrone, fibrogel etc don't seem to work.
I would welcome some advice or just a chance to rant with likeminded people who are not embarrassed discussing the nasty symptons that this condition seems to produce, in varying degrees, when it feels like it I might add!!

Good Grief IBS! This has been my 5th consecutive day of putting up with you. I really need a break! You solicited me (uninvited of course) last Saturday as I recall around 7pm. I mistakenly took you for eating the wrong type of pizza (is any type okay?) and drudgingly had to sit on my "throne" for the rest of the evening. So much for making any romantic plans for that evening. What a kill joy! Then to rub vinegar in my wounds, you made me miss a couple of important social appointments this week, not that you would care. You always seem so apathetic to my social life anyways. Rearing your ugly head anytime you so choose, not considering my schedule at all and how family, friends, and colleagues rely on me to be reliable.
Sunday, I was able to enjoy a meal of soup and apple juice no thanks to you. I have progressed to my usual staple of rice, crackers, applesauce and juices with an occasional popscicle thrown in for dessert this week. I get so tired of soups....
It makes it more difficult as I love watching the Food Network Channel, and why I torture myself watching Rachel Ray make a mouthwatering Spaghetti with Bolognese sauce, I'll never understand. I love the thought that I will treat myself to a delicious meal once you vanish again.... although never for long. I celebrate the time you are in seclusion. It's that little reprieve that keeps me going.
I have to watch American Idol now, and unfortunately I know you feel the need to keep me company. But you are more than welcome to leave anytime. Believe me when I say, you will not be missed!

I met an ACTUAL PERSON in college with ibs. I am soooooooo relieved, I was begining to think I was mullered (in the wrong context but i've been wanting to say that lol). I wanted to grab her and celebrate, I kinda stared at her for a bit- shocked- in disbelief- admiration for telling me, mostly feeling with gratitude. We talked about it all- her humourous outlook, simply had me grinning constantly. I kept thanking her- we shared the symtoms list, food lists, she suggested a Chineese herbalist who i'' be seeing. Though se also suggested CI- I am not sure I'm ready for a probing tube up my rear, in the presence of a stranger- but if you've had any experiences let me know- could sway me or ground me where I am. Exams are upon me- great- no-way! I have missed my fair share of college trying to learn things before the exam lame and revision is not working out. I decided not to get too stressed hwever, though as with exam your stress, anxiety and worry will always be there- I can re-do them in June, just have to start revision early. Pretty confident though that if I fail out, I will not be returning to college, look out online course. I am definetly not going to uni this year- so gap year is on. Plan CBT and counselling, a job- want to take my driving lessons and tests, Get a nice car- a holiday and some money for Uni- for spending ofcousre (nights out will cost y'kow and my special ibs food lol). Even if I fail, I am so excited about next year, the future seems fun, challenging- and I see some kind of victory.

So my "big" appointment with a new Gastroenterologist was supposed to be tomorrow. They called me today to cancel it, because starting tomorrow, it's supposed to snow... and we're getting 16-24 inches. I am feeling so discouraged. The woman who called was so hateful and the earliest appointment they could give me is in another month. I waited for over a month for this one. I just feel like NO ONE WANTS TO HELP ME. I am willing to pay the money is takes to get the HEALTH CARE I NEED... and no one wants to refer me. No one wants to accept me.

This is from http://gluten-intolerance-symptoms.com/cel...e-constipation/ :

WONDERING IF I COULD POSSIBLY HAVE THIS????

In this section of Gluten Intolerance Symptoms, I will address the symptoms and treatments for celiac disease constipation.

One of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease is constipation (along with celiac disease bloating). Before we address constipation directly, you need to understand why celiac disease causes you to become constipated. Gluten intolerance symptoms are among the most serious constipation causes.

You also should understand why exactly it isn’t good for you to be constipated (besides that it can be unpleasant). Celiac disease constipation is a serious issue which you should take the time to understand.

While we don’t have a real clear and undisputed understanding of the causes of celiac disease, we do now better understand the changes your body experiences as a result of being or becoming a coeliac patient.

In celiac disease (sometimes spelled coeliac disease), gluten catalyzes your immune system to produce certain unusual antibodies. These antibodies then attack the lining of your small intestine. This lining absorbs nutrients and vitamins from food as it is digested and passes through your bowel.

The lining of your small intestine contains villi, which are like little fingers reaching out from the walls of your bowel. They’re so tiny they can only be seen under a microscope. They densely populate the lining of your small bowel so that they create a large surface area over which digesting food moves. As food moves across this surface area the villi help grab and absorb vitamins and minerals into your blood stream.

When the antibodies created by gluten attack these villi, the villi slowly wear down over time, often eventually being completely destroyed.

As the villi are reduced or destroyed, the food slides through your gut less digested and with far fewer of the nutrients absorbed.

The further the food proceeds, the more the small intestine expects the food to be digested and the nutrients absorbed. When the parts of your bowel expecting the food to be digested into a certain state tries to process this food, this later area of your small intestines instead either pass it completely without further digesting or just absorbs what little it can — often only the moisture and water.

This leads to dark, firm stools and eventually to celiac disease constipation.

Constipation isn’t just gut pain, fewer bowel movements or the many other related symptoms such as bloating and constipation. Your experiencing constipation symptoms indicates a dysfunction in your body’s ability to digest nutrients and eliminate toxins.

Not unlike bad traffic, celiac disease constipation represents slow transit time and thus leads to back-ups. When your colon becomes backed up, then eventually your small intestine will become backed-up. This then leads to delayed gastric emptying in your stomach. (Now you may understand why some people experience reflux and heartburn when they are constipated.)

This gastric delay reduces absorption of nutrients at all points in the digestive system. This keeps toxins your body normally eliminates in your system for a longer period, taxing your immune system even further as some of these toxins may be reabsorbed.

So how do you address celiac disease constipation?

The most important step is to completely eliminate gluten from your diet. This means no more wheat, rye or barley or foods that might contain ingredients derived from wheat, rye or barley. You should also avoid oats. While oats aren’t inherently bad for celiac disease, they are commonly farmed and processed with gluten-containing grains. Please see my gluten free pantry to help you get started.

However, this is a long-term solution, and even after remaining strictly gluten-free for a long time, you still may suffer some permanent celiac disease symptoms from going undiagnosed for many years. So how do we more rapidly address constipation?

My favorite approach to celiac disease constipation, and a general natural remedy for constipation which has helped many people, involves combining the following series of constipation treatments:

Every morning before you eat anything else, drink a tall glass of warm water with a natural fiber supplement, such as one which uses psyllium. You can take it either as a powder mixed in with the water or a pill, whichever you prefer.
With this fiber or right after consuming it, I strongly suggest a supplement (or more than one supplement if you can’t find a single one with these in it) containing slippery elm bark, flax seed and L-Glutamine (often listed as just glutamine).
At any point in the day, take a probiotic supplement which comes in an enteric covered capsule or pearl. A quality probiotic contains multiple strains of friendly bacteria (such as lactobacillus acidophilus, which is used in most yogurts). The enteric coating protects the friendly bacteria from your stomach so that it is not killed too early in your digestive tract. This helps it reach and flourish within your small intestine. I really like Nature’s Way Reuteri pearls.
Take a flax oil supplement in the later part of the day. This is different than taking a ground seed or a supplement with flax in it. You need the lubricating quality of a flax oil supplement.
Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day — soda-pop, coffee and alcoholic beverages do NOT count. You REALLY need to increase your water intake if you’re constipated.
You knew this one was coming: you really need to get regular exercise every single day. This can mean different things to different people so I won’t go into detail here, but at least try to get in a well-paced walk every single day.
If you do these every day for a week to two weeks, you should start to experience a significant improvement in your regularity and comfort. Constipation from Celiac Disease can be tough, so I urge you to remain discipline and motivated.

While this list may appear intimidating at first, with some focus and a positive attitude you can make these points part of your daily routine. And before you know it — as long you’re being smart and disciplined with your gluten-free diet — you’ll find yourself eliminating celiac disease constipation and enjoying both the greater comfort of regularity and the benefits of greater nutritional absorption.

Thank you for reading and I really hope this helps. Please visit Gluten Intolerance Symptoms regularly as I add and refine my website during the coming months.

I have suffered IBS SCINCE I WAS 15 (15 years now).Back then I only got stomach cramps,some days were extreme,I could slowly crawl as walking and moveing around aggrevated it and sent me into spasms,but usually a couple of weeks of tablets of the gp would usually sort it out. I had numerous blood tests,went for scans and it was confirmed I had Ibs,but from age 18 up untill my seccond child was born I was fortunate to only experience the odd short bout. After I had my son I experienced other symptoms of nausea and heartburn and was treated for 12 months a stomach ulcer. Shortly after the treatment was stopped I had another big flare up, the same spasms and not being able to move,I was tested for chrones (but confirmed not) and was taken off dairy products and was again told it was IBS.

Lately I just thought I was very unlucky to pick up alot of stomach bugs and just thought I had a very weak immune system,untill just before christmas I had enough and went to see the gp. I explained my symptoms,regular stomach upsets feeling billious,nauseous,constant heart burn or trapped wind and acid,even bad breath on those days with to much acid.My regular patern for num 2s were every 3 - 4 days but now I fluctuated from constipation to diarrea to ribbons of poo,this made my cramps intensify which then made me anxious and made my reflux worse. Ibs she said looking throgh my notes, gave me anti sickness drugs (that made me more nauseous) and mebeverine and booked me in for bloods. My bloods came back low in calcium so more were taken for vitamin D and c tests both came back fine. I was given calcium - d tabs and have been on those a couple of months now. Mebeverine made me more constipated so I was given fiber gell mebeverine for another month with no relief so was given buscopan 10mg 2 4x a day,these have improved my bowel movements but I wake every day aroud 6 am with cramps and sometimes nauseous utill I go then the nausea passes and integestion or wind remains for the rest of the day along with the gurgling noises. I lost alot of weight but the last couple of months I have been forceing down three meals a day and have gained a stone ( I am Now 7 stone) every meal is a bother because I know Im to get wind or indegestion or even worse feel sick for a couple of hours untill I get a pain around my belly button ,(it goes lumpy and rock hard and hurts to touch). I have tried antasids rennie gaviscon wind ease pepto peppermint etc Please please help Im at my wits end any advice appresiated someone suggested I have an endoscopy so I am going to speek to my gp but untill then any advice on some relief please I have reached the point of down and desperate x

Sorry the last post was from september but I had't published, it seemed weird having to do so from my phone. So went to see the college counsillor today- but she said we couldn't have an appoinment, leaving her office I went to the toilet to breathe- just escape the busy corridors and calm down- went into a panic attack in the loo- nearly calmed down the bell went and i considered staying in the bathroom till lunch was over, but got myself together and left with my head held high- people's comments before I entered the loo were what sent me off. It irritates me how it is not recognised that a comment can affect some one. It has come full circle again, I went to college last year and lost the faith and hope to go- same this year- decided to simply ask my teachers for my work and study from home. I wanted a new start to work sooo much, it is kinda painful.
It would be nice to go out with your friends and not worry about your consumption- fizzy drinks, pizza y'know. We all went to see a film the other day- but the stress I was feeling affected my enjoyment- transport was horrible- nightime -had no idea where i was- then worried about the stress and ibs- nightmare- never again. By the way I told my best friends about the ibs, they were totally cool with it- they said they hadn't noticed- but i'm not sure if they said that to make me feel better. Right now we are applying for uni all I ever wanted to do was become a journalist, now I don't know if that goal will ever be reached. I could write pieces from home but I have to do the course first- the enviroment is stressful at uni- it is said in all the descriptions-newsroom pressureetc . I am thinking of taking a gap year getting some counselling and behavioural therapy and if that works out- I could find a job and save some money for that holiday I so need and want- never been on one, also put some cash aside for uni. It is so frustrating when you know what you want to do but you are handicapped by your own self- others you can fight against but not yourself. I am trying my best, but trying is stressful and makes me more anxious and panicky- the harder I try the more it hurts. I hate taking tablets- at certain times- waiting to eat when you are hungry- "no eat with out me" or "leave me some- i'll eat later" my common phrases to friends and family everyday.
Glad this here don't know what i'd do- it is so hard to talk to other- it is good to get it off my chest.
*Sighs sadly and longingly*

this is a (hopefully) honest account of my eating habits in order for me to lose weight and stop smelling like shite. If im lucky then this will be part of a seven month plan that will enable me to make decisions over what to do with the rest of my life.

Initially its just going to be pretty sterile fact based stuff but we will see if I need to start venting (as im sure i will) later on. thats if I can even be bother to post another entry

Anyways Day 1 (Covering the evening of the 21 to the evening of the 22/01/10)

Food eaten -
Acidophilus supplements (Holland and Barrett) the night before and BLT in the morning (slowly eaten between 10-12). A glass of water slowly taken throughout the day.

After effects -
Three or four toilet trips with minimal discharge. (by 18:40). I think a reduction in the pungency of odour (although this was still there and not at a livable level) although this is less easy for me to quantify. Same about of burping. FB symptoms still around but will less intensity. Incomplete feeling still. Discharge was initially dry gel like then mucus like.

Exercise -
Extremely light bench work the night before. Small dumbbell stamina work over 2 hour duration. Low press-up amount in morning.


Note - while the diet posted here will probably be classed as medically very silly its just to help me lose weight initially. Aso remember that my main aim is not to be fit and healthy (not yet) but to stop the odour. Unfortunately the fact is at present nearly all foods and drinks cause me more bowels movements and gas (apart from chips strangely) and this at present is my main cause for concern. I do have a intensive (if ill thought-conceived) plan or the next couple of months and we will see how it goes. Of course though all comments are welcome.

I had my baby! A sweet baby boy who made our lives complete, on December 10th 2009. I was hoping that my IBS problems, that came after I had my second child, Adalyn... would magically disappear after the birth of our Cade, but of course I was wrong. After I had him, the hospital gives you stool softeners, so I thought I'd stay on those for a couple of days (which I did) and then not take my medicine (Lactulose) or do fiber bars and just see how my body handles itself now. Well, it took about a week or so, and the problems came back. I haven't had any excruciating pain, like my episodes that I deal with, but a lot of uncomfortableness and now..... I'm pretty sure I have hemorrhoids. It hurts so bad when I have a BM. For the last two years of having this problem, I have never gotten hemorrhoids. I read online that after having a baby, you can get them ... due to all the pressure of you pushing the baby out...so I'm guessing that's what happened. For the past week, my stomach has been so upset, and I can either use the bathroom (sort of) or not at all, but my stomach is constantly cramping. Makes me want to give up on eating all together. I can't win either way. If I use the bathroom, I hurt. If I don't use the bathroom, I hurt. *sigh*

I made an appointment with a new Gastroenterologist about a week ago. I'm really skeptical about going to this new place, because I won't get an appointment with the doctor, but with a nurse practitioner who can consult with the doctor if she needs to. Do what? Is that what our health care is coming to? Very frustrating. I'm going to insist they give me a colonoscopy as scared as I am to have one (because of the actual procedure and because of what they might discover?)

I'm really tired of all this gastrointestional problems, it's getting old. I'm hoping that it's nothing serious, as always. I have a tendency to think of the worst. So at this point, I'm hoping IBS is really all that it is........ and nothing worse.

This is my first posting so here goes.

I've had IBS for 16 years. There have been long periods of up to 16 months with little or no problem and there have been equally long periods of nothing but problems. My symptoms are severe cramping and diarhea that has often sent me to the ER for an injection of Buscopan. The last few months have been bad and I have been living on little more than a bowl of soup a day. In the last few days it's been getting worse and now I can't eat anything. I feel like i'm crazy because I've had evey possible test that can be done on the digestive tract more than once. All of them come back negative for anything. How is it possible that we can all be so sick and yet there is no physiological problem? There has to be something that we all have in common, maybe it is some kind of gene that has gone haywire. Maybe one day researchers will find it. Until then I guess we all just have to try to stay strong and get through one day at a time.

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I have to let my story out. I'm so frustrated with my everyday life that I have to tell my story to others like me. I'm not looking for pity, or even trying to complain. I just need that all important release of frustration, anger, and confusion at this mystery that is life with IBS-D.

Sometime in the fall of 2005, I became pregnant. We weren't expecting it, but together we decided we could handle a child and thus began an entirely new journey in our lives. After a tough pregnancy (high blood pressure, nausea the whole 9 months), our daughter was born in July- and I began the road downhill. One morning about a month later, I woke early with horrible pains ripping through my ribcage and upper abdomen. At first I assumed heartburn, but ten minutes later I was retching over a toilet and screaming in agony. My husband called an ambulance only to have the pains disappear right before they arrived. Figuring food poisoning, we dismissed the issue. Less than a week later it happened again, and I found myself in the doctor's office a short time later. Immediately my doctor guessed and later confirmed that I had gallstones. We began preparations for a rush surgery, seeing as I was on state health insurance because I had been pregnant- and it was about to run out.

Soon we were meeting with the surgeon, and talking about my surgery. I specifically remember asking about any risks, and changes in my life after the surgery. He said, “No, nothing. You’ll be able to eat everything like normal, no change in your life at all.” Then, six weeks after my daughter was born, I was being wheeled back into the hospital for my laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).

Surgery went great, according to the surgeon. After a few pain-killer hazed days of recovery I began thinking I was going to finally get better and be able to focus on my new life with the baby.

Wrong!

It snuck up on me. I expected some bowel issues, after all I had just had abdominal surgery, they removed an organ! But why was I still getting diarrhea two months later? And how come I was throwing up a lot still? It seemed like I was allergic to everything I ate. I began this never ending cycle of stomach problems- I became nauseated easily, constantly running to the bathroom, unable to complete a meal without stomach cramps, sweating, and diarrhea at the least. Here’s where a normal person would go to the doctor, but we are a prime example of America’s true middle class- we work hard and make just enough money to not qualify for state or federal assistance, but not nearly enough to afford health insurance. And in our area at least, a doctor visit without any tests or scans is starting at about $200. So, I suffered.

However, my problems didn’t just go away like I’d hoped. After some hospital visits with pretty scary symptoms, we managed to get on a short term private health care assistance program. After about a billion tests and three wrong diagnoses, I was able to see a gastroenterology specialist and was finally diagnosed: Post-Cholecystectomy Syndrome and Severe IBS-D. Lovely little mix. Basically the gallbladder helps control how much bile acid goes into our intestines. They took mine out, and now my body can’t figure it out on its own and pours bile acid constantly into my small intestine. This trauma to my digestive system seems to have triggered IBS, which works together with all that acid to make me extremely miserable.

So then we tried treating it. I have tried every medication available for both problems but they either didn’t work, caused harmful side effects, or made the problem significantly worse (not to mention the costs!). Currently I no longer have access to any medical care at all, so any prescribed meds are useless to me anyway.

I rarely eat more than one meal a day, it hurts from the beginning to the end of the digestive process. I have lost over 80 lbs, extra weight to be sure, but the most dramatic seems to be the last 40 lbs over six months or less. I don’t go out to eat, and I rarely eat at friend’s houses. I fear that if I leave my home, I will have an accident- it’s happened on a few occasions. I struggle some days to get out of bed, the cramps have been so painful I’ve even been in the hospital more than a couple of times for them. My husband and I have had some serious relationship problems that stem from being sick. I’ve lost a few friends- I don’t think they know what to do and find it easier to just avoid me. Taking care of my three year old daughter every day… well that’s not really something I like to complain about but it’s pretty hard sometimes.

I’ve learned that I’m special now in a few ways. Like many others with chronic health problems, I now have a weakened immune system. I have to be extremely careful about food poisoning, salmonella or e-coli would likely kill me easily. I nearly died from dehydration when I got sick from germs in cat feces that had accidentally been tracked inside on my daughter’s shoe. I’m also starting to notice signs of malnutrition in myself because I don’t seem to break down any of my food very well.

It’s affected my life so much- I’m pretty much unable to work, and have even been fired once because I’m too sick to perform adequately, or even show up some days. However, I didn’t work enough before I got sick to qualify for disability. I can’t get disability so I can pay for health care, and I can’t get a job so I can get health insurance. I guess, according to this country, I’m just supposed to suffer and rot away in a corner somewhere they can’t see.

I’m just frustrated. I’m a 25 year old woman who eats and lives like an 80 year old. I used to be this smart, capable woman who could tackle anything life threw at her. Now, I’m a smart, sick woman who struggles valiantly but just can’t seem to get it together enough to fix it. I try so hard in so many aspects but over and over this IBS #### seems to catch me up. Now, I understand I cannot let my condition run my life, I’m not “Miss IBS-D” a walking embodiment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. But how can you make your life work when your body won’t?

I guess one day at a time, that’s how.

Say you’re explaining your illness to somebody for the first time. How exactly do you define it?



You could simply explain what the acronym stands for:



“Irritable bowel syndrome. Previously known as spastic colon.”



However, although the name is fairly descriptive it doesn’t say much about the reality of day-to-day life living with IBS.



You could try giving a simple medical definition, similar to what you might find if you type into google “define: IBS”:



“A functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, bloating, and excessive wind. Symptoms fluctuate so the disorder can be worse at some points than at others. Other symptoms may be present.”



The problems with this is it is very clinical and non-specific, especially since us IBS-ers have such a wide variety of symptoms. Besides, does the average lay-person know what a “functional” disorder is? What does “changes is bowel movements” mean? Do the symptoms infringe on the sufferers daily life? How long will it last for? Is it serious?



You could always show them the Rome III criteria, which are used to diagnose IBS:



C1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Diagnostic criterion*

Recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort** at least 3 days/month in the last

3 months associated with two or more of the following:

1. Improvement with defecation

2. Onset associated with a change in frequency of stool

3. Onset associated with a change in form (appearance) of stool

* Criterion fulfilled for the last 3 months with symptom onset

at least 6 months prior to diagnosis

** “Discomfort” means an uncomfortable sensation not described as pain.

In pathophysiology research and clinical trials, a pain/discomfort frequency of at least

2 days a week during screening evaluation is recommended for subject eligibility.

Source: http://www.romecriteria.org/assets/pdf/19_...apA_885-898.pdf



That also doesn’t really say that much and I’m not sure it would be well understood by someone who didn’t have IBS or some kind of medical background.



You could always tell them all of the above, then tell them what type of IBS you have to get more clarity:



There are either three or four different types of IBS, depending on what you’re reading.



IBS-C – bowel movements are constipation predominant

IBS-D – bowel movements are diarrhea predominant

IBS-A – can either mean bowel movements are “altenating” (switch between diarrhea and constipation – often within a period of weeks/months) or that bowel movements are insufficiently patterned to classify it as any other type of IBS.

IBS-M – sometimes used, means that bowel movements are “mixed” (switch between diarrhea and constipation – often within a period of hours/days)



It’s clearer about your specific symptoms but, again, doesn’t really say much about the reality of living with IBS.



You could always launch into a deeply personal blow-by-blow account of your day, but this may be slightly embarrassing and the person you’re talking to may not want to know. Or you could always go with the old depressing standby:



“It’s basically something you get diagnosed with when there is something wrong with your gut and the doctors can’t figure out what it is.”



So, what’s a girl (or guy) to do? Personally, if it someone that needs to know I’ll give them the medical definition punctuated with a few personal experiences and a discussion or what I can and can’t eat. If they don’t need to know then I just say I have ‘stomach problems’. People don’t often ask me to elaborate.

It is nice to finally find time to update this blog again. Finally my gyno are going to do something to remove my endo on my bladder, and hopefully that will "cure" my IC. The bad news is that they strongly believe I do not have endo on my bowel and my severe bowel pain probably cause by IBS, not endo, so the surgery wouldn't do anything to resolve my bowel issue. The doctor prescribed me Dicetel, 50mg 3 times a day. But that doesn't help at all, so I double dose it. It seems to work somewhat. I am running out of my Toradol, I only have 3 left and no doctors are willing to prescribe me any.

Since Sept, I haven't been feeling good, episode after episode. It doesn't help when there was so many "special events". We have our Chinese moon festival in Sept, and then thanksgiving, my dad's birthday, this month Dec has been the worst! My clients events, my agents wine and cheese, and the Chinese winter solstice dinner, and Christmas dinner at my hubby's side of the family, it is insane!

Every meal I eat now I am scared. Especially when people keep telling me to eat more! Or thinking I don't like the food! Sigh. Tomorrow is the Christmas dinner, even vege side dishes will be covered with real butter!

The holiday stress is also the highest too. Too much work, too little time. Good that this year we pretty much get gift cards for everyone. No wraping, not bumping into each other in the mall fighting for parking spot. Kids are grown up to the point that she knows there is no Santa, one less hassle to deal with. I know, it is the magic for the kid, but seriously I just feel so wearing out and no time to relax at all.

This year my business is booming, which is a good thing, and a few clients' files I need to absolute finish before the new year! I am in accounting, so deadline is very important. I would love to take a vacation.

Anyway, hopefully I can get some rest in new year.

Cecilia